Stages of grief

"Eska"

Grief was a funny thing. Most wolves, when someone close to them died, they could look back and file through the memories that they had with that wolf. Eska had nothing. Her grief struck in the form of regret. She regretted not finding her mother sooner, not spending more time with the woman, not sucking it up and being in that dungeon until the woman died despite her condition. Internally, she berated herself, calling herself a coward for not being there every single day that she could manage.

The part of Eska's mind geared towards self preservation disagreed. She did what she needed to do for her own well being. Being in the depths of that stone fortress every day, a few paces away from a wolf that would just as soon rip her throat out as look at her... it wasn't healthy. Even the wolves of The Hallows weren't down there with her every day. Not the same wolves, anyway.

Eska almost flinched when Ulric settled his large form beside her. She released a breathy sound of pain as he draped one thick foreleg around her shoulders. He was too sweet. The sympathy that he showed and the actions that he took to show the brindle dame that she wasn't alone struck Eska to the core. She shifted, turning her body into his, accepting the comfort that he offered. Placing her cheek against his chest, she cried anew. It didn't last long, but somehow the physical connection between the man and woman had connected their grief as well. Touching him, she could feel his pain as well.

Eventually Eska was all cried out. Thankfully she wasn't an ugly crier and she hadn't sobbed and snotted all over the man. When she was finished, she didn't pull away, instead she stayed in his embrace, her silver tinged body resting against his larger frame. As he looked down at her, she looked up at him. His words were inviting. Stay for a meal. Take advantage of some wine. Stay overnight in the castle once more. Eska considered it for a moment. What else did she have to do, really?

"Just one night," she said aloud. That was her plan, anyway. Just one night and she would leave The Hallows in peace. Somehow... the thought wasn't as relieving as she thought it would be.