warts and all

Rhythm’s silver flecked ears perked as her mate revealed that he was indeed covered in muck. She couldn’t help it then and found herself giggling out loud. Memories of mud wrestling were brought to the forefront of her mind even as the words left his lips. She was literally in the dark about the mood her eyes brought upon him. Had she known the sight of her once brilliant gaze brought him displeasure she might not have ever opened those sullied eyes again. He hid his emotions well, even his voice masked what he thought.

She stifled an urge to jump at the unexpected touch, after being so long in the grasp of those cruel wolves had done its damage. She was broken, but mending. After her first initial show she leaned into his touch. While she had leaned on Rhyme for his strength for many years it felt so good to feel Valentine’s touch once again. He was guiding her then, gently asking where she thought they might be. She tilted her head, looking back the way she had come. Her sightless gaze surveyed the surroundings as her nose sniffed out her clues.

”Judging by how far I’ve walked, and the scents in the air, I know we’re in the knolls.” Many many years had passed since she had even thought about the old den. The one that Valentine had given to her only days after she had been banished from Abaven. ”What is it?” She found an excitement build in her that hadn’t surfaced in years. A gift?