Reconnaissance

Mariah's silver eyes were fixed on Caedes, her heart heavy with empathy for his inner turmoil. His raw emotions mirrored her own anxieties and struggles. They lived in a harsh world, one that showed no mercy and held no second chances. But it was their world, and within it she had him - her loyal companion, her confidant, her love. Her delicate fingers ran through the coarse fur on his back, tracing soothing patterns as she spoke softly. “It may not be simple,” she murmured, her dainty touch tracing gentle patterns through his matted fur. "But it's not impossible either."

His desolation hung heavy in the air between them, and she fought against the urge to pull him closer, to shelter him from the relentless storm that was his reality. But she knew he needed space, to grieve and wrestle with his own demons. The silence between them was filled with a mutual understanding

Mariah nodded slowly, her heart heavy with emotion as she gazed into his determined eyes. She could see the weight of the recent events settling on him, and she knew he needed time to process everything. Her gaze drifted around the room, taking in the scattered objects that lay haphazardly around them, a visible reminder of the chaos that had taken place. The walls seemed to echo with the lingering tension and unease. There certainly wasn't a shortage of work to be done, but Mariah found comfort in the simple act of tidying up amidst the turmoil. Moving across the den, she found a new spot that needed attention. It was a small gesture, but one that brought a sense of control and order in a situation that felt so out of their hands. The she felt otherwise helpless against.

As his words drifted to her ears, Mariah hesitated, her paws coming to a rest on a crumpled piece of fabric. The task of folding it suddenly forgotten as she turned to face him. Her heart swelled with empathy, throbbing in rhythm with his own quiet acknowledgment. "It's okay to feel things," she spoke lightly, offering her support and understanding. It gave her hope that even while the wound was still raw, he was slowly starting to heal.

"Mariah Mendacium"