Reconnaissance

Mariah's heart fluttered in her chest at his words, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. She glanced at him, her silver gaze meeting his emerald eyes with an intensity that echoed her determination. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She was very appreciative of the fact that he let her have this one. Because she wasn’t about to leave him to wallow in his own hollow guilt for gods knew how long.

She watched as he rummaged, his massive form crouched over the ground. The tenderness in his movements was something she had almost forgotten in this entire tragedy. The Caedes that existed beneath the scars. It allowed her to keep the embers of hope burning within her chest, giving her strength. Hope that they would eventually get through this. She watched him, her silver eyes taking in the strength of his form and the gentleness with which he moved. The gruff exterior belied a tender soul, one that had been bruised and scarred beyond recognition but still held an unseen beauty. His coat, matted and dark, shone under the dim lighting. There was an undeniable intensity, and she could still see that he was still carrying the weight of the world on his back. But they could still hope for better.

Blinking away her thoughts, recognition crossed her mind at what he was insinuating. “What do you have in mind?” She asked lightly, an edge of suspicion lining her tone. But of course, when he brought out the fur and particularly aromatic herbs, she understood. She draped the hide over her shoulders and back, and once they were prepared. She took one last sweeping look around his den. It really was in far better straits. As she returned her attention to Caedes, she gave him a gentle nod- a subtle affectionate grin. “Lead the way.” Perhaps he could find them a more direct path than she would have tracing her steps back to Elysium.

-end thread-

"Mariah Mendacium"