new life stirs from the ashes

Oath regarded Lysanias quietly, his cyan eyes thoughtful as the pup's questions and emotions spilled forth. The weight of the boy's words wasn't lost on him; they were heavy thoughts for someone so young, but grief and hardship had a way of forcing wisdom too early. Oath could relate. He allowed the silence to linger a moment, his gaze steady and calm as he searched for the right response.

"It's not an easy thing to understand," Oath admitted, his voice low and measured. "This... drive to protect. It doesn't always make sense, especially when the world feels cruel, and the ones we love can still be hurt despite our best efforts." He paused as thoughts of his brother overwhelmed him, his horns catching a glint of sunlight as he turned his gaze to the aspens swaying gently in the breeze. "But we choose to protect because we love. Love, even when it hurts, is worth fighting for."

Oath shifted his gaze back to Lysanias, meeting the boy's conflicted glare with a quiet serenity. "You crave to protect them because you care. It's not weakness, nor is it foolish. It is strength. A strength that sets you apart from those who would hurt others." He lowered his head slightly, his tone softening. "Why protect anyone at all? Because... even in a world like this, protecting them makes it a little better - even if it is just for them."

A faint smile ghosted across his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You are young, Lysanias, and you will find your own answers in time. But for now, know that your feelings are not wrong; they are a sign of the good in you. That is something to be proud of, something to hold onto."