where do we go now

It hurt. So very, truly, and deeply. He touched his nose to the mound of earth that covered their mother and drew in a breath, as if by doing so he could smell her, warm and alive and well. But he couldn’t. All that remained was earth on his paws and the scent of death and loss.

Finally, he pulled himself away and found his siblings, glancing up at Artur before he took his place beside his sister and Geoff, leaning gently into them and sharing warmth as he tried to process the loss. His eyes closed briefly before Caelia’s question, heartbroken, sounded on the breeze.

Wat would they do? He wasn’t entirely certain. At least, he didn’t know what his sibs would do. He knew for certain what he should do.

“We live our lives and make our mother proud. Together or apart, we all have a legacy to continue. I’m staying here. Our family has been a part of these lands since… since great grandfather brought his pack to the Plains so long ago. This land, this pack, this is where I am home.”

His voice was sure, firmly calm as he glanced at his littermates before looking up at Artur. However much his elder brother might view himself as leader, Cai didn’t agree with him. Good leaders didn’t bully their siblings or drag them into dangerous situations. Viviane hadn’t set one paw beyond even the border between the Moor and the Plains since his littermates had returned from the Battlefield. He loved his brother – always would – but the self-centered eldest hadn’t won himself any favors from Cai with his actions.

He knew later he would be weeping, but he didn’t care. If he forced that down, he may well be hurting even worse, and he might never find closure.

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think