things can really get rough when you go it alone

Focus came with Iolaire’s touch as her dainty paw was pressed to his side. He blinked open his eyes, unable to really focus but he could feel her gaze on him. ”She’s gone.” Roan knew it, the words weren’t a surprise. They did bring a finality to his sister’s fate as he realized he’d failed his dear sibling. He allowed the bear to land its blow and after he was knocked out the bear had made easy work of Dapple.

He grit his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut, Roan could handle the physical pain that held tightly to his physical form. The mental anguish of knowing Dapple was gone tormented the bloodied wolf. There wasn’t anything else to say, Io moved to gather her supplies as Roan accepted his sister’s death and replayed his mistakes endlessly in his head.

Her snow tipped paws brought her back to his side, and gently she began to clean his wounds. Roan didn’t shed any tears, but his sorrow would be plain in his expression. He didn’t jump as her leather was drawn over the gouges in his face. The thought of ‘what’s next’ had yet to reach his mind. For now Roan would be stuck reliving the worst moments of his life.

Roan was silent as Iolaire worked and he mourned his loss when the deeper voice reached his inky ears. ”Bear.” The silver marked titan flinched at the word, knowing his failure and knowing the beast was still alive. Then he was being dragged from the cave. Roan didn’t make a noise, but he grimaced at the pain of being moved so recklessly. Pain jolted through his system, his muscles stiffened, and his ears pressed against his skull as he was removed from his sister’s tomb.