Small Steps

Rava’s silver eyes lifted to Plague’s sweet features as his paw lifted her chin. She allowed his gentle touch in brief ways like this. She trusted him that much. Rava tried to keep her head high, Plague promised that as long as she wished for it, he would be beside her. She wouldn’t forget what he did for her, what he rescued her from. Nor would she quickly forget what she had been taken from and what she could never return to. If she were to go and trek out on her own like the desert woman she had once been… there was little doubt she would be recaptured or killed within a few seasons. So she remained as Plague’s guest… but by now their relationship went deeper than that.

Rava was an official part of the pack, for however long she wished it. Plague would keep her safe as he did everyday. He wasn’t her master, but Rava saw him as her protector, she could survive on her own but defending herself wasn’t so easy. Plague was her guard, her warrior. Him and Void both kept her safe and made her feel at home. This would as much be that for her as the springs.

Rava was going to make herself comfortable when Plague spoke up again, looking nervous as he gathered her attention, starting off where they began those seasons ago. He didn’t often stutter but Rava could tell the words did not come easy for him, they were not so easy to hear either.

She couldn’t deny that she had come to care for both men, and she really wasn't certain she could see her life without them. Rava owed Plague her life, he could have forced his will on her any day she was with him, and yet he chose to take care of her even if there was a great possibility she would deny him here and now. Rava looked away, trying to hide the sinking feeling the offer brought, but also the hope that she could do something to return the selflessness that Plague showed her.

Rava looked back up to him as he came to his conclusion, finally admitting that she had become like family to him. She softened, any worry or doubt that came with this decision melted away as she looked up into Plague’s kind features. Of any man she had ever met he deserved to be a father, and she could be the one to offer that to him. ”I… won't tell you this doesn’t frighten me.” She started softly, the nerves obvious even in her voice. ”From the moment you said it.. I’ve been thinking about it, about how much someone like you deserves to have a family… How honored I am to be a part of that family even if…” She started to stutter and the emotions overwhelmed and spilled over her cheeks. ”I will bear your children, Plague.” She committed to him softly in the end. Confident in her choice and her place at Plague’s side.