The hope across Juugo's face was so naked and vulnerable that he looked years younger for a moment, not that he looked particularly old normally. Even the little birds looked happier, responding to their friend's uplifted mood.

When the fear crept back a little, Juugo felt it settle and back down too. Good. So good. If this man could show him a haven, a safe place, where no matter how violent it was, no one would be hurt, then Juugo could be content.

"Where is the haven?" Juugo paused. "Are there people there?"

If there were, then it wouldn't be a good place and his hopeful expression flickered at the thought.