Is there a path back?

Suddenly, there were puppies swarming her. Little malinois, scampering around her feet. At least, until they caught sight of the glowing eyes that had rooted Riva frozen and immobile. She could almost swear that the owner hadn’t blinked, like trivial, mortal needs were forgotten by it. When the puppies saw that glowing in the trees, they let loose a frightened cry and buried themselves behind her petite, wasted, form.

She couldn’t move to comfort them, she could only stand there as the scent of Dante wafted away into nothing, until she found herself doubting if she had ever sensed it at all. But still the eyes watched her, and as the rooted healer stood there, Deus suddenly appeared. Her towering, tall son found her, and she found herself wondering what he might say. Their relationship had been (with good reason) strained since the death of their little Dante. She would never know, because he too found the glowing eyes. A single tear escaped her as he pushed himself in front of her. She had never wanted him to defend her, but the sign that he was still willing to do so was almost too much for him. “No… Deus. I was led here. If he’s here for me, then there's nothing you can do. I wont lose you, Deus, not as well.” she whispered, finally pulling herself free of its spell. She gently placed her paw against Deus’s shoulder as she moved to stand beside him.


"Speech"