Unexpected Refuge

Quote:

The weight of what had happened had not yet hit him, but he could feel its presence. It was lingering all around him, draped on his shoulders and holding him hostage, but not yet having the courage to reveal itself to him in its entirety. Some part of him was thankful for this, knowing that at this precise moment he could not handle the weight of the situation. If it all bore down on him at once - at this very second - he would lose everything he was desperately clinging to. The air fell silent besides the soft cackling of the creek. The crisp water continued to flow over his frame, leaving him chilled to the core. The winter air would certainly bite when he exited the watery depths, but at this time he didn't really care about that. In fact, he might grow to like the bitter cold if it meant he could stay void of all emotion for the time being. Yes, he was grateful for the cold.



Icy blue eyes drifted shut, trying to recollect his home, trying to bring him back to a day before when things had been calm and peaceful. His past flickered in front of his eyes, small snippets of his short time in Valhalla. He had only been there a few months at best, had just been fully integrated and had begun meeting more and more wolves when disaster had struck. Who knew if he'd ever get back there, if he'd ever see them again? Faces began to flash in and out, lingering for mere seconds before dissolving into his subconscious. He watched them as they came, frowning now and again, trying to recall their names. Erani's face came up twice, for they'd had two nice encounters together. Another face came up after hers, one that was unique and familiar. His eyes shot open. It was her face. He stared at her for a moment, bewildered and thankful that her eyes were closed so she would not see him gawking.



She was a Valhallan, he knew it in his gut. Her name.. it was on the tip of his tongue. Ashtoreth, that was it! Before he could say anything else, she spoke up and he shook his head before making his claim audible. No, I haven't seen anyone but you. He paused, wondering if he should venture to guess that her name really was Ashtoreth. If it was her.. it would be so nice to have at least someone familiar around. Ashtoreth? He waited for a second. It's me, Leon.. from Valhalla. He shifted again, his shoulders now out of the water, head tilted toward her with a slight smile on his face. His tail tapped the bottom of the creek lightly, but was inaudible.