Reconnaissance

Caedes felt the weight of her words as they settled into the silence of the den. He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with a heaviness that mirrored the conflict within. Her insistence was something he couldn't possibly ignore. His demeanor softened, if only slightly, in her presence. More somber, more accepting.

“Thank you.” He began, his voice low as his gaze flicked to the entrance to the den, a flash of a raven’s telltale black feathers passing by. Probably Third Eye keeping the Katil’s ravens none the wiser. “I cannot risk your safety for my sake. I promised your sister, and your father.” He glanced down at the needle he’d set down at his feet, the sharpened spine catching the dim light within the jar. His brows furrowed momentarily, betraying emotion in a quick flash. But then it was gone, and he was… steadier.

As she turned to face him, her silver eyes locking with his, he felt a pang of guilt and something deeper, something that felt like hope. Her words, gentle yet firm, echoed in his mind as he nodded. The unmovable decree left him no room for argument, and he knew she wouldn't back down.

“I promise.” He said quietly, the words feeling like an oath as he rumbled them into existence, “I will come with you.” His gaze dropped to the ground, then back to her, eyes resolved to get her out of the territory without trouble.

He watched as she moved slowly toward him, her steps careful amidst the debris. His eyes followed her, a mix of gratitude and apprehension visible in their depths. When she spoke again, her voice soft yet resolute, he felt a flicker of warmth in his chest.

‘This is not your fault.’ She said, and though he wanted to argue, to refute her claim, he held his tongue. His ears flattened slightly, unwilling to let their conversation go on any longer when they needed to get moving. But her conviction was something he couldn't deny. Her gaze bore into his, and he saw the determination in her eyes, the promise that she would never give up on him. It was a comfort he didn't know he needed, but now he couldn't imagine being without it. His posture relaxed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to speak. “We will need to disguise you a bit better though.” He said, sardonic smile encompassing his maw as he reached out, his paw brushing against hers, a promise of solidarity if nothing else. His touch lingered, a thanks, and a display of affection from an emotionally exhausted brute. Then he began to rummage around for a fur to wrap around her, and a bundle of herbs pungent enough to hide her scent from a common passing nose. Just in case. Hopefully it would do the trick.