Unexpected Refuge

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More faces came after hers, as his weary eyes fell shut once more. The mere effort of trying to keep them open was not worth the struggle, and he gave in. However, he was getting quite chilled in the constantly moving water, and Leon knew he couldn't stand the cold much longer. He was beginning to feel the soreness creep over his legs, wrapping them in a vice grip of moderate and lingering pain. He would feel it much more tomorrow. It was surprising really, how exhausted he was. Leon was in excellent shape - prime, even - given that he almost always ran for miles every morning and evening. Running was his thing and yet this time his stamina had failed him. He had a thought that the mental exhaustion and fear had played into the scenario leaving him more tired than usual, but he would never know for sure. He forced his eyes open, a feat that he never would have noticed before he'd worn himself down so much. Lifting his head to its regular position was another thing entirely. He felt every ligament, every tendon as they flexed and relaxed, sending shooting pains to their respective locations.

With a massive amount of effort, the man managed to lift himself to his paws - shaky and rubbery as they were - and move to the shoreline where he quickly flopped back down just a few feet from her. He had no more energy to move any farther just yet, but at least this way he might be able to dry off. Stretching his muzzle forward and facing her, he rested his chin on his paws as she spoke. I know the feeling. I feel like I've just run across an entire continent - and in a way.. I guess I did. The effort of speech was almost too much for him. He felt weak, pathetic, useless. But he knew those feelings would pass. Leon was anything but a downtrodden soul, he always saw things optimistically, and this - in time - would be no exception. Lifting his head up once more, he spoke. I wonder where the rest of Valhalla got off to. I hope they all managed to escape.. He didn't want to dwell on that. His family was there, several of them, and though he'd just been united with them he wasn't ready to lose them just yet. Cairo,
Guinevere, and the rest of them.. He knew Guin had been in bad health, and Cairo as well. Collision had taken over for the most part. Leon regretted not putting forth more effort to spend time with his cousin. And then there were Cairo and Guin's pups.. Leon's eyes shut at the thought of his tiny nephews and nieces having to face the eruption. No. Cairo would die before he let them get hurt. I know he got them out. Leon rested his head back on his paws, wanting to say more but not feeling the desire to.