How can good memories hurt so much?

The lighter pup waits in the den, anxious for the healer to release Chade from their care. When Ricin had heard that Ny had gotten injured, the lighter boy had almost fainted. His fragile world had started to crumble away as memories of losing their father ran circles in his head. Someone had assured the pup it wasn’t that bad but the light pup had hidden away, waiting until he can see and touch his brother for himself. While he waits, the lighter brother rests, trying to escape the fear that has engulfed his world. Drifting in between the worlds of waking and sleep, Ry hears a noise at the den’s entrance and quickly lifts his head. Chade’s darker form slips in and relief floods through Ricin. His brother’s shoulder appears bandaged but it does not seem to hinder his movement. Ny is moving toward him and Ry opens his mouth to ask how he feels but is stunned into silence.

Chade shoves his forward into Ricin’s shoulder and curls up next to him. It seemed as if emotions roll off of Ny, stifling the air around him. Without a word, Ry repositions himself, pulling his brother closer and allowing a gentle paw to stroke his brother’s darker fur. Ricin holds him, waiting for his brother to speak. When Ny’s sad eyes find the lighter pup’s and he mentions how much he misses him, there is no doubt in Ricin’s mind who Chade is speaking of. Slowly stroking his brother’s fur, Ricin says, “I miss him too Ny. It doesn’t seem fair that da’ had to die. I still think of him every day.” A sad smile plays across his lips before he adds, “It’s okay Ny. You don’t have to hold it in anymore.” As he holds his brother, Ricin thinks of the talk that he had with Manea and how he had finally been able to start to releasing the pent up emotions.


"Speech"