Damaged Oddity

Absinth's emerald eyes softened from intense to knowing as she watched him struggle, his need to hold his head high striking her deeply. Right to her core, she understood that need – hurt pride, a sense of not being strong enough. Absinth’s lips pulled into a smile, and she took a few steps forward to close the distance once he’d stopped his approach, unable to hold her gaze. The monochromatic fae’s movements were powerful and deliberate. She wouldn’t coddle him, but a mother without the ability to nurture was no mother at all.

When she reached him, she nuzzled his cheek. While her touch was not gentle, it was grounding—exactly what she thought he needed. “Why are you sorry, brave boy?” she murmured, her voice a soothing whisper. “Look at you, your first scars. But what’s wrong?”

She licked his wounds with tender care, though even with her practiced tongue, it would still sting. Perhaps it was better to have your wounds licked by another, though. “I'm listening. I am here, always. So speak your mind. You won't do yourself any good to bottle it up, trust me.” Absinth’s tail wrapped around him protectively as she looked him over, wrapping the boy up in her warmth and settling her gaze on him. Steady and warm, she allowed him to explain himself, knowing he needed to speak to understand why his demeanor was one of shame.



wormwood