The Fear of Falling Apart

She could see the emotional turmoil in the man, see the pain in his eyes and beyond his laughter. Blast, but she hated this part of her job. It wore on her, but she stood up here, every time someone came seeking Sparrow, she would tell them the story. She would let herself grief again, and try not to let her heart break. It seemed many loved Sparrow, even those that knew her only by reputation.

“I don’t believe so” Shaye said, honest, if a little without detail. “I was gone for most of her life, but she had no partner at the end. But.. you are not the first wolf to come to these borders, seeking her fate. She was well loved, and respected, well beyond these borders.” Shaye told him, her voice soft as she thought of the others who had followed his path, called to Abaven and waited to hear this news.

“I dont trust them.” Shaye promised the man. “I went to them immediately after taking the pack, knowing to do otherwise would be unwise. I made a treaty with them, that gives Abaven its freedom. But trust them, I do not.” she might not be wise to speak of that to others, never move against us politically the dark man had said. Still, she felt he deserved to know, this man who knew and respected Sparrow.

‘I’ll bear that in mind, thank you. Did you.. Want to step into Abaven, take a moment to.. Mourn?” She asked, gently.