The only thing that could possibly make this reunion more joyous would be the sudden appearance of Faolan and Jendai. She knew that that would be too good to be true -- but it didn't stop her from hoping for it anyway. Her mood would lighten anyway at the arrival of Hymn, and she'd lean toward him to place a gentle lick to his cheek. So much had changed since she had seen Mercury last; she didn't even know where to begin, but she did know she was thrilled to see him again. Even if she wished he had stayed to begin with, she wasn't one to hold grudges; that was something her father had taught her. Bronze had left Silent not just once, but twice, and she had welcomed him back each time. She would always welcome Mercury with the same sort of enthusiasm, each and every time, no matter how many times he left without a word.
Her smile was genuine. It seemed Mercury realized the connection between she and Novel, judging by his comment, and she felt her tail beginning to wag behind her joyously. "I've been very good," she commented in agreement, nodding, glancing at Novel to see how she was reacting. Though Novel didn't speak much of the family that had abandoned her, she knew it had affected her more than she cared to admit. Was she okay with Canta's sudden appearance again? "Novel and I -- we have a family now," Ara would offer a bit warily as she watched the two boys from the corner of her eye. It seemed like she had been madly in love with Novel for as long as she could remember, but she knew she certainly hadn't been her mate the last time she'd seen Mercury. Her blue gaze was almost fearful as she watched Mercury, afraid he might disapprove of her choice, though in her heart she knew he never would.
Ara would grow quiet as Canta spoke, explaining what had happened. Her maim had been a result of fighting for the freedom of her family. Her tail, once waving gently behind her, stilled as it curled unconsciously between her legs. Ara hadn't fought for her family either -- and she'd never felt ashamed of it before but now she couldn't help but feel a sudden, painful guilt begin to gnaw at her heart. Even her own father, once a ferocious warrior, had not fought. But surely she should've tried...
The woman was silent as she listened to the story, stepping from Mercury to lean against Novel. She didn't know how she might react to the story and she support her wife, both physically and emotionally, for as long as she needed it. "A plan?" she'd echo gently, ears twitching curiously at Canta's words. It was obvious, by the way she looked at Mercury, that the two cared about one another.. but a selfish part of her hoped this plan would include their family as well.
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