I don't want to talk about it, just want to fall to pieces

It was no secret that Emile had been avoiding her. With everything going on since Bowen's return, Rudyard's injury, Gwyn's attack, Artorias' attack, the retrieval of her mother's skin, finding Haiku again... there hadn't been time to seek her friend out to see how he was doing or what was wrong. Bowen's daily schedule was packed full of check ins as she sat with one or more of her injured siblings. She spent her evenings and nights with Haiku. They had to rebury her mother. There was little time for anything else. Today, however... With Rudyard awake and Art back on his paws, there was time.

The small, copper and ivory fae moved through the castle, questioning those that she passed to see if they had laid eyes upon her old friend and packmate. Most claimed that they hadn't seen Emile, but a few were able to point her in a general direction. As she moved, Bowen eventually caught his scent. She simply had to follow her nose.

The moment that she laid eyes upon the mostly grown boy, Bowen could tell that something was wrong. He seemed so despondent, even while by himself, as though his mind was in a dark place. The girl knew about that all too well and was often in the same situation. Bo padded softly up behind Emile, careful to give him enough space. "Hi, Emile." Bowen spoke simply, auburn ears slicked back in uncertainty. Maybe he just didn't want to talk to her. Why else would he be avoiding her? Either way, she was going to make an effort. If he didn't want to reciprocate, then she would leave him alone.

"Bowen"