Walk | Talk | Think
The woman released a shuddering sigh, nuzzling more closely against her husband as he drew her near with an encircling paw. So much she wished they could remain this way forever, snuggled close with the pups running and racing and playing around them. It was how things were supposed to be, part of the vision she had had for herself and her future that she had still thought possible of coming true. They had been so close, even been given a small taste of that life, before things had suddenly gone wrong. Now everything was complicated, their family broken and divided, forced to live apart from each other. But he still loves me, Tahlia thought hearteningly, trying her best to take what comfort she could from knowing that.
Only an ear flickered as Bane continued to speak and answer the question she had asked, further tearing away at her worries and fears by confirming that their new arrangements would do nothing but put a little distance between them physically and no more than that. She still had her mate! He would not abandon her and the pups, nor would he relinquish any loyalties he had to her in search of a quick fix while he was away where she could not be with him. She would not, in truth, be a single mother. It was enough to bring a prickle of tears to her eyes, and she was grateful that he continued to speak without breaking contact, having been adamant about keeping her fears to herself and reluctant to give up that charade now. If he had known she had had her doubts...she could not imagine how it might have torn at him more than the physical pain he was already under.
His promises and plans reassured her considerably, enough to the point that by the time he began to draw away in preparation to leave she had mastered her expression and was no longer on the verge of tears. The road ahead was no doubt difficult and would test them both, but she felt better now having to face it, confident that they could pull through. She allowed herself to draw away from him as the scarred, greying wolf turned his attention to the plant pieces that had been left behind for his wounds, quietly watching as he carefully assessed what was there with his single functioning eye and used the plants as they had been intended. Tahlia remained silent as he worked, watching and waiting and thinking to herself how much she would miss him always being right there at her side or just there out of sight awaiting her call. She could not bring herself to think of how the pups would receive the news just yet.
And just like that it was time for him to leave. His wounds were patched up with the remnants if the plant that had been rubbed against them and the others had been consumed. Now all that was left was for him to go. Bravely, for him, she met his gaze straight on, commanding herself not to waver or weaken at the loss she could already feel within her daily life. He let his blue eye travel skyward before taking those first steps toward the border, heading out on the journey he would make alone. Oh, how much she wished she could follow him, to join him out there in the wilds where he was destined to spend his days. But it was no life for the children. It was dangerous, deadly given the upcoming season, and she was sure Bane knew full well the risks he was taking out there and the risks their children would be spared from.
On impulse, she jumped to her paws and trotted along his right side to press herself closely against him as she nuzzled him one last time. "I miss you already," she whispered, lingering at his side though she, too, needed to go. "We will come see you, as soon as we can." With the promise of a family visit, Tahlia have him a soft kiss against the side of his muzzle before turning and loping away, not daring to look back or to think about how she might break the news once she got back to the den.
-Exit Tahlia-
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