The Bloodied Moon

Bane flicked his ears and gave a sniff. He didn't know what to do. His maw tasted of copper, nose slightly runny with the scent and trickling sensation of blood. Chest having the strange ache with each beat of his heart. How did one die peacefully? Still propped up against the tree. Still strong of mind. Limbs rapidly giving up. And right as he heard her words the old wolf let himself slide down against the mimosa tree's trunk. Tahlia. Oh his Tahlia. She had come and now was seeing him like this, the one who'd been so strong in her life now wasting away moment by moment. A wheezing breath trailed off with a sharp whine, his side leaning against the base of snow swept tree trunk. A hacking cough misted the snow with a sprinkling of red as Bane lifted his sightless gaze to stare in the direction of where he knew Tahlia stood. It was a mixed blessing that he couldn't see her gaze. The concern and hurt. The grief and the sorrow.

"Tahlia..." Bane croaked and tried to raise his head. So tired, no longer thirsty or hungry. He scented the ground and let his tongue flick at the white powder. The snow was rather cool, at least he could still feel. Left cheek brushing against the snow as he gave up and let his head settle. "Tahlia..." Bane repeated, trying not to choke up as he fought to sense within himself a way to last a few more moments to stay with his wife. She didn't deserve to see him like this. Always so strong during their life they'd lived and loved together. "I don't want..." The old wolf started with a gulp. "I love so so much Tahlia." Bane wheezed out. "I love you and you did me honor for being my mate." There was defeat in his tone, sides expanding slowly now. Tail tip giving a twitch. If only he could see her one last time, to return a touch and match a smile again would've been enough. But he could still say goodbye, and that would simply have to do.