things change, friends stay the same

Theory welcomed the hug, and at her murmur, the Spirit tightened the embrace a bit, offering reassurance and strength.

She listened to Theory’s short list of deaths, and, as the younger woman turned the question back, she drew in a breath, eyes dropping to the ground between her paws briefly before rising again. “We were hit with it, too. Myself, Ardyn, and three others caught and survived it, and my daughter Amorielle caught a second variation toward the end but made it through. We lost my cousins Paladin and Justice Ancora, and a dear friend, Domari. And Cairo’s niece Harlow died of it as well, though she wasn’t Valhallan at the time.”

Her chest was tight, throat raw with the memories of the illness, and she finished, “The Nomads were hit as well, and Legacy’s mother’s husband and three children were taken, among others. Legacy is Paladin’s only daughter, and so, she’s been hit hard with it all.”

They all had been. Fidelias had lost both mother and uncle, Cairo, Viviane, and Caelia had lost a niece, Legacy had lost a father, a step-father, and three half siblings. She didn’t bother holding back the streaks down her face, though she lifted a paw to scrub her temple and cheek to the back of as she sighed.

“I’m only six, but I feel ancient. I’m so sorry for your losses, Theory.”

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Labhair an Sean-Teanga." ---- "Hear" ---- Think