The Circle of Life

The young male stepped out of his den, and he looked just as defeated as Arian had before she'd fallen off the deep end. Would he go that same route as well? Concern lit her eyes, her heart sinking for the young boy. Sure, she thought him too young to have taken on all the responsibility that he did, and lacking the experience didn't help. But he also learned from that, she was sure. Even so, she wished things hadn't fallen around him the way they did. Perhaps it was too much for the young boy, after all, the way Arian had been when they were younger stripped them of the chance of enjoying an actual childhood. Maybe that's why he felt the need to grow up so quickly...maybe that's why they all ended up that way.

She glanced down at her daughter as Riv questioned her, but the girl hid behind her forelegs instead. "Riv, this is Okami. She's...very shy." Looking back at him, she frowned as she looked him over. At least it looked like his wounds were being taken care of, but how was he really? "How have you been faring?"