Lo, There Do I See My Brother

A tenuous smile rests on Ricin’s lips as he holds his paw out to Chade. Each passing moment tugs his heart down a little further. Perhaps he is being silly and this is all just a foolish child’s dream. The smile is almost gone when Chade lifts his paw to his mouth and bites his toe. When Chade presses his paw against Ricin’s, the lighter pup feels his heart soar. Crimson eyes meet as Chade speaks. Even if his brother does not believe that the moon can speak, Chade still binds his life with Ricin. While the words are spoken, Ricin maintains eye contact.

When Chade struggles with the last part, Ricin waits patiently, allowing his brother time to order his thoughts. The words are spoken and Chade lowers his paw. Ricin mirrors his brother, lowering his paw back to the ground offering Chade a bright smile. Ricin’s happily voice says, “Okay Ny! Now that we have bound our lives together, we need to finish this ceremony by hunting together.” A thoughtful expression appears as Ricin tilts his head back to look at the moon. For a moment, he sits there staring, wondering if he made all this up on his own or if the moon really did speak to him.

Tilting his head back down, smile back in place, Ricin says, “We must hunt and kill a deer to finish.” Standing up, Ricin looks to Chade and asks, “Will you do me the honors and find the prey?” With that, Ricin steps to the side, allowing Chade to lead the way.


"Speech"