If Sirius knew, he'd have been furious. He'd have snatched her up like a pup and drug her back to the Oasis kicking and screaming. It was a good thing that she was small, sneaky, and did what she wanted. Iolaire was her own keeper. Her moral compass was hard to deny. That was why, that night after everyone had fallen asleep and she'd seen to the black and silver man's injuries, she went back to the hole in the ground. The hole with the bear.

Sliding down the decline onto ground level. the tiny, dark woman blended with the shadows. The scent of blood was still strong, but it had decayed. It was no longer fresh. The bears scent, however, was strong. As she walked silently along, she passed a pile of bear scat. Disgusting. She knew that that hadn't been there when they'd left the cave and so an extra mode of caution was entered.

Iolaire chose a nice spot in the foliage. A spot where a dapple of moonlight struck the ground below. It was here that she dug, careful to keep her strokes as silent as possible. The hole that she dug was deep and it took her quite a long time, having such dainty paws to work with. One satisfied with its depth, Iolaire scrounged up various rocks and debris which she piled at the head of what would soon be a grave.

Walking one slow step at a time, the minuscule dame made her way through the darkness. Her eyes adjusted a bit, but the dark was very, very thick and murky. Using her nose, she made her way to Dapple's side. Or what was left of Dapple, anyway. The bear had been at her again and all that was left was a head, neck and one leg. Blood and guts didn't bother the little woman, but this was something else. Dapple had been someone. She had heard the pain in the mans voice as he learned of her demise.  Iolaire shook the thoughts of sorrow from her head and got to work.

With so much of the wolf missing, she was very easy to pull. Iolaire quietly drug her body through the cavern, teeth latched into the back of Dapples neck. Every now and again she'd stop, testing the area for any sign of the lumbering murderer. Satisfied, she would start again. Eventually she made it to the grave. Carefully, she slid the remains of the wolf inside and worked on covering her with the mound of dirt that she'd excavated prior. The rocks and debris were then settled over the grave and tamped down tightly. A groan at the back of the cave sent Iolaire scurrying back up the incline and dashing out into the night.

---

The sun was just rising as the exhausted, bedraggled woman slid into her temporary den. She quickly checked on the injured man before collapsing onto a pile of furs. It had been a long, long night.

Roan was in and out of consciousness the next day, his form still silent despite the tremendous pain his body was going through. His care taker made sure that when he was awake that he was kept in a stupor. His brain barely functioned beyond knowing the deep physical pain alongside his mental anguish. Though she was hard to focus on Dapple consumed any kind of thoughts Roan might have had. She lingered in his dreams until morning.

Iolaire’s touch as she checked on him upon his returned seemed to bring him from the abyss. He blinked open emerald green eyes, they were cleaned on his blood but upon opening them he stretched the deep gouges in his face. Roan grit his teeth, but tried to hide his discomfort. His consciousness returned with a quickness and he could see the dirt on her paws, smell the faint bit of bear on her fur, as well as the scent of Dapple. Likely this would be the final time he was reminded of her in this way, her scent would fade away with her existence.

The injured man blinked back his tears as he realized what the little healer had done. Where he had failed his sister many times now Io had not. She made the dangerous return, she was able to lay his sister to rest. One that she hadn’t deserved, but that he had caused. Roan watched as Iolaire dropped herself on the pile of furs she called her bed, no doubt utterly exhausted after a night of digging. Now he owed her more than just his life.

”You do me… and my sister, a great service.” He croaked hoarsely through his pain finally awake enough to give her his thanks for both saving him and giving Dapple her respectable burial. He closed his eyes again, exhausted from the trauma and sorrow of the last day.

One eye cracked as a hoarse voice met tired ears. Ah, so the woman had been his sister. Iolaire hadn't been sure if they had been siblings, mates, friends... His words put one piece of the puzzle together. Her own words in return were soft and quiet, exhaustion lacing the slightly accented tones. "I would want someone to see to my brother if I was in your place. I did what I could to put her to rest for you."

Though unconsciousness knocked at her door, the woman continued to speak. "I've treated your injuries, but you've a long road of healing ahead. Your shoulder will need to settle. The ligaments will need to tighten again. I'll work with you to make sure that you're in working order, but it's going to take time." He could leave at any time, but it would be detrimental to the healing process. There would be movement therapy in order once he was able to put full weight on his injured shoulder. "You're welcome to stay with my pack for as long as it takes to heal." Afterwards, he could choose if he wished to stay or leave.

A yawn pulled from the dirty fae. "Moving soon..." she mumbled into the furs and then promptly fell asleep.

(Time skip?)

Golden eyes met jade as she pushed aside her tiredness and offered him a simple explenation for her actions. She’d done what she would have wanted anyone else to do for her. She’d given Dapple her proper rest, something Roan couldn’t have even attempted. She would have been only gnawed bones if she’d been forced to wait for her brother. Roan swallowed hard, the guilt of the events leading up to now weighed heavily upon him. Iolaire had to do this for Dapple because of him. He was in great debt to the dainty she wolf.

Roan didn’t take the chance to thank her as she explained the process she would be taking. That much time would pass before he was completely whole again. Roan didn’t want to think about his future. A future without Dapple beside him. One thing he was sure of was that he needed to repay Iolaire and her alpha for the assistance.

As Io fell silent sleep was quick to find her. Roan remained still and silent for a long time as light slowly filtered into the den. His mind continued to return to his sister as the morning went on. He was not forced to stay here, and it seemed he could choose to leave or stay. Though he’d never make it there he suddenly had a deep burning need to see the place Dapple was put to rest.

Roan struggled to his paws, pain laced his way through his veins despite the concoction Iolaire gave him. For a couple of impressive steps he was almost sure he’d make it back to the bear’s cave, but one strong wave of agony forced him to the ground. His body settled beside Iolaire at the corner of her furs. The silver marked titan grit his teeth as he lowered himself back down beside the tiny healer. Unable to return to the polite distance between them Roan returned to his fitful sleep at her side.

The mans movement hadn't woken the sleeping lady. She was dead to the world. At some point during the morning hours, she did wake to reposition herself. It didn't register at first that she was beside him. Had he tried to leave while she slept? No matter. He was on her furs, so there was nothing for it. She curled herself up against the sleeping man, her back pressed against his. She was careful not to jostle his injured shoulder. The warmth that they would make together would help him to heal.

As she curled up against him, a soft sigh brushed past her lips. It was nice to have someone nearby. Even if it was like this and even if she didn't know his name. Iolaire was a lover. It was unnatural for her to be alone. She slept very well beside the man and didn't wake til well after noon.

When Iolaire did wake, she yawned and pulled herself to a sitting position. She rubbed her face against one foreleg like a cat rubbing sleep from its eyes. She was still tired, but much less than she had been prior. Careful not to wake the man, she left the den to get a drink, snatching up a turtle shell on the way out. After drinking and washing up a bit, the small woman returned to the den, edge of the shell grasped between her teeth. She placed the natural dish nearby so that her patient might have a drink when he woke. That done, she settled upon the furs once more. She had no need to be out and about with the move coming up. If anyone needed her, they would call.

Roan didn’t stir throughout the morning, his body was far from healed and it would take much strength to get him where he needed to be. His small bit of exertion trying to make his way to his sister’s grave brought him back the few steps he’d made towards recovery. Being less than 24 hours from his trauma didn’t help much either. With the pain killers he’d over exerted and now he paid the toll. Roan was exhausted.

He did wake up once when Iolaire curled in closer to him. He hadn’t realized when he fell how close he was to her, but as she moved closer he was well aware. He didn’t shy away, even if they didn’t even know each other the physical comfort was nice. That would have been Dapple’s place. Knowing he didn't have to sleep alone helped to soothe him back into his slumber.

The injured wolf slept through Iolaire leaving the den, but upon her return he would stir once more. He blinked open his emerald gaze, realizing his closeness to her in full consciousness. He couldn’t even remember now what had brought him in her vicinity to begin with. Roan obviously startled, but without putting his mind to it he couldn’t follow through and instead remained on the plush bedding. She hadn’t kicked him off, but it wasn’t like she was big enough to either. ”Apologies…” he offered, reluctant to actually move himself for all the effort it would take.

Eventually he stirred and when he did, she was there. The first word out of his mouth was an apology and Io shook her head. "No, I apologize. I was so tired that I didn't even hear you move. You could have hurt yourself and I wouldn't have known." Sliding forward onto her stomach lazily so she didn't have to lose her warm spot upon the furs, Io grasped the water filled shell in her teeth and pulled it  close. "I brought you a drink."

Settling back upon the furs, the woman curled her legs beneath her small frame. "How is your pain? I dosed you pretty heavily last night, but I won't continue to do so. It clouds the senses and too much of that can hamper your healing rather than help it." Her head tilted slightly and she arched one brow. "I also just realized that I don't know your name."

Her gaze searched his face, eyeing the wounds that would leave nasty scars in their wake. Deciding to clean them again, she pulled her pack close. "I'll need to clean your wounds again. Do you need me to help you outside to relieve yourself first?"

She wouldn’t accept his apology, instead she blamed herself. He furrowed his brows, maybe he would have fought with her about it had he been at full capacity. Instead Roan focused on the drink she offered. He couldn’t remember the last sip that he had enjoyed. The injured man lapped at the offered water, more parched than he realized.

Inky ears were swiveled towards her as she explained his pain management, and how the first night would likely be the most comfortable for a while. He had a long way to go in his recovery, and he wouldn’t be able to rely on the effects of her potions. Not that Roan would have wanted to if she tried. Dapple had dabbled in healing, enough that she could keep the pair of them pieced together. Not having her beside him to see to the wounds he gathered with out her… Roan lifted himself up to a sitting position, almost missing Iolaire reminding him he hadn’t been able to yet give her his name.

”I’m fine.” He lied, his face was on fire but he didn’t want to dull the sense. He deserved every agonizing moment because he knew he’d caused his sister to feel the same before her death. ”Roan... Bearkiller” His shame glaring as he spoke the name he and Dapple shared. His embarrassment would continue as she offered to help him outside. Trying not to look startled at the sudden realization of his utter helplessness Roan simply nodded once with a clenched jaw.

'I'm fine,' the man said, but she didn't believe him. Iolaire stared him hard in the face. "If you want to heal quickly and correctly, you need to be truthful with me. Subtle changes can alter the plan that I have in place. You want to walk again right? You want to be whole? Don't bullshit me." That being said, she rose and began rummaging through some of the sparse items left within the den. Pulling out some white willow bark, she placed it before him. "Eat." The woman, though tiny, was a force and she wouldn't take no for an answer.

The man then gave his name and Io's dark ears tucked against her skull momentarily. Her former fire burned down to coals and then was extinguished. She felt for him. She really did. Stepping forward, the woman, a mere stranger, placed a soft nuzzle against his cheek. "You are and you will be again. Just let me get you well first." Taking a step back, she gave him a wink.

Having stated that he needed to go outside, Iolaire stepped upon the furs and pressed her side against his as much as she could. "Feel free to lean against me when you need. I can brace you so you keep minimal weight on your injured leg." Satisfied that she was in position, she spoke. "Okay, let's go. Slowly."

She saw right past his lie, and though he honestly did not want anything to dull his well deserved pain her words reached through to him. He could deal with the hurt, his body was sore and his gouges on fire, but Roan wouldn’t have complained about it for a second. Dapple was dead, that was the greatest pain. His verdant gaze dropped as she found him the medicine he needed. She pushed the bark in front of him to consume. Roan thought it best not to complain about the task.

The bark was awful, but in response to her he did as he was told. What he didn’t expect was her sudden closeness as he uttered his name. He closed his eyes as she nuzzled against his uninjured cheek, feeling ashamed at how much pleasure the gentle touch brought him. Her words uplifted him more than he would have expected. Dapple was gone, it was his fault, but he was still here. If he couldn’t die with her then he could live for her.

Roan blinked back the tears that threatened to show themselves as Iolaire stepped away and offered a wink. He wasn’t sure how to react, especially with the next task at hand. ”I’ve trusted you this far…” Not that he had much choice, he was only half conscious throughout the ordeal of removing him from the cave.

She shifted and stood, offering her shoulder when he needed it. Roan heaved a great sigh and doing his best not to knock into her, struggled his way to his paws. He was a little more steady than when he had collapsed onto her furs the previous night. He evened his breathing and steeled himself as they started out the entrance, slowly as she said. He took a few steps on his own, but realized quickly he wouldn’t be able to continue without her assistance. Much like he wouldn’t have survived the night in the cave without her.

Having to rely so heavily on another wolf for his mere existence was a difficult task for the independant wolf. Roan leaned against her diminutive frame, worried for a moment that he would be too much for her. ”You’re stronger than you look.” He offered though his voice was strained through the pain he felt having to move around with his injured shoulder.

The pain on his injured face was evident, but she pretended not to notice. Men had their pride, after all. She wouldn't baby the man. She would simply be there beside him while he went through this process. If he needed her, there she would be. It was part of her job as a healer, right? Besides, she knew the pain that he was going through. She had lost her siblings as well. It wasn't easy.

Roan had trusted her this far and the dark woman grinned. "Indeed you have." Rather than help him rise, she let him do so on his own so she could assess his range of movement. Honestly, the dislocation hadn't been as bad as she thought. The pain that he felt now was mostly from inflammation. Once the swelling went down, he would still be sore, but he would be able to move more readily.

The black and silver brute slowly stood and leaned himself against her side. She braced herself against his weight. It wouldn't be easy, but she'd get him outside somehow. The pair walked together and, slowly but surely, they exited the den. Roan commented on her strength and the tiny fae laughed. "What can I say? I'm a power house."

A short ways off, there were trees. Moving forward, Iolaire guided Roan, approaching one of the trees. "Lean against that. I'll give you some privacy. Just let me know when you're ready to head back." Leaving him against the tree, the tri-colored fae moved back towards the den to give him space.

She gave his as much autonomy as she could, and he was grateful for that. Putting his pride to the side to allow her to care for him was a difficult task. Dealing with the loss of Dapple was by far and away the worst, any of his other trials were much easier. However much pain he was in physical and mental, he found a little satisfaction in the way she grinned at his words. If he could be honest with himself Roan didn’t want to face the world without Dapple beside him. He didn’t want to be alone.

The pair of them went on slow enough that she didn’t collapse beneath his massive weight, and he didn’t lose his footing from his compromised leg. With his trodden spirits it felt good to have someone who could laugh beside him. She was amused at his words and seemed to tease him back with her own. For such a tiny woman she had earned her respect from him and then some for more than a singular reason. Already she had done so much for him that Roan wondered if he could begin to repay her. He shook his head in amusement at her words, but immediately regretted it as he was blinded with the pain of his facial wounds.

Roan stopped as Io picked out the tree she was going to prop him up against whilst he did his business. At least she was going to offer him privacy even if he couldn’t make it out here on his own. He sighed as she left him and even after he finished he stood there against the tree for a long few moments, contemplating where he was and the events leading up to this. How only a day ago he’d been teasing his sister about the kill they were about to make..

The silver marked titan grit his teeth and hung his head as his eyes stung with the unshed tears of loss. He didn’t cry or lash out, though he wished he could score the ground with his claws he’s only manage to fall over if he tried. Roan’s chest tightened and his squeezed his eyes shut, far beyond wishing all of this was just his nightmares. Dapple was gone, and he was alone. ”Iolaire.” He croaked as he pushed himself from the tree and made an attempt to turn back towards her den. His face still damp where his tears were shed.

As she waited for the man to relieve himself, Iolaire set about preparing a sort of picnic for them. She pulled the pile of furs outside beneath a set of palms that provided shade from the evening sun. These palms also provided a sense of privacy. Prying eyes were always eager to learn about newcomers. She then retrieved the bowl of water and a few strips of dried meat from her cache. These things were placed upon the furs. By the time she was finished setting up, Roan was calling for her. "Coming!" She called back before heading back his way.

The first thing she noticed were the trails of tears down his cheeks. The second thing she noticed was that he had turned and moved a bit on his own. That bit was a good sign. He hadn't immediately collapsed. His sorrow though... "Oh, Roan..." Giving a light shake of her skull, the tiny fae came up beside him, once again pressing her side against his. As before, she worked with his steps to walk him back to furs outside the den.

Having helped Roan settle comfortably upon the furs, Iolaire took up a small bowl that she'd had sitting nearby. Peeling back the piece of slick skin that had been over it, she revealed a salve comprised of fats and herbs. The dainty lass sat before him, invading his personal space definitely. She got very close to his face and began gently applying the salve to the wounds upon it, also using the excuse to wipe away his tears. Her voice was soft and breathy since they were so close. "This will help to heal the wounds and will relieve some of the tightness that comes about when the body begins to repair itself." Rubbing the cream into his wounds with gentle pads, she made sure to touch upon each slash mark. Gods, would he scar. He was lucky, however, that he hadn't lost his eye, his jaw or his life.

After the salve was applied, Iolaire covered the dish and sat it aside. "Eat your fill. You need to keep up your strength. If you'd like more, I can get more." He wasn't one that she would tell to eat slowly. He had no malady that she was treating; only wounds. Eating wouldn't make him vomit. Having seen to her patient, the dark dame sprawled upon the furs beside him, not shy at all about getting herself comfortable.

Iolaire returned quick enough that Roan hadn’t moved more than a few steps. Less than he wished, but pushing himself too far would be detrimental as well. The silver marked titan accepted her help despite his wounded pride. He wasn’t a fan of her pity either, and averted his gaze in shame. He leaned against her and the pair of them returned to the entrance of the den. The scene was different than they’d left it, set up for a comfortable meal.

Without hesitation he returned to the furs, getting as comfortable as his sore shoulder would allow. Iolaire quickly seated herself before him, almost as close as she’d been when acting as his crutch. Roan closed his eyes as she approached with her salve, but did not miss the gentle touch at his cheeks where she rid him of the tears. Again she explained her actions, something the independant wolf was beginning to appreciate. This was going to go on for a while, it was better he knew what she was doing.

There was a bit of pain as her mixture was applied, Roan squeezed his eyelids together in reaction. She was as gentle as possible, but his flesh was still raw. Suddenly he was thankful for her pushing the pain relief on him earlier. ”Will my face, or my shoulder heal first?” He asked softly as she finished and turned back to collect their breakfast. He felt more nauseous than hungry, but he knew the nourishment could do nothing but help him. Nothing but his emotional burden caused his stomach to be upset.

Roan nibbled at the strips of dried meat, and he was more thankful for the water she brought. As she returned to his side he focused on the dish of water and lapped up the last bit. Unconsciously the brute leaned against the dainty healer as he sunk into the furs and returned his attention to the food in front of him. His appetite appeared as the first bite went down, he didn’t increase any fervor in his eating. Slowly he worked on his food, his mind still trying to comprehend his new normal.

He felt shame at her words, but she couldn't help herself. She knew what it felt like. Maybe that's why he was so ashamed. Perhaps if she told him... but now wasn't the time. She had to get him back to the furs so he could rest. That was the only thing that would help him. Rest.

Having settled him and seen to his face, Roan questioned her about which would heal first. "Your face, most definitely. The shoulder is an internal injury and, even if you try to stay off of it, you really can't. The wound keeps getting irritated and inflamed no matter how careful you try to be. It'll heal, it'll just take quite a bit longer." She was confident in her abilities. Both wounds would heal. He would be scarred for life, his black and silver face a ruin on one side, but he still had his vision and he would live.

As Iolaire sprawled out on the furs, Roan ate. He seemed to be hesitant about it at first, but soon gave in and consumed the meat more heartily. She had the urge to talk to him about losing not one, but three siblings, but decided not to. Now wasn't the time either. She would let him eat in peace. They could speak after if he wished, or they could sit in silence. She was fine simply enjoying his company, either way.

Though his emerald gaze didn’t rest on her Roan’s inky ears were focused on her and her words. Iolaire answered his question with confidence, his facial wounds would heal over long before he regained full use of his shoulder. Io explained that no matter how careful he was, there was no fully leaving his limb to heal. He was constantly moving, no matter how closely he followed the healer’s instruction hiss recovery was going to take time.

Roan was as sure as Iolaire that his face was going to be marred for the rest of his life, she may have been a good healer but he felt how deep the gouges were. He knew the pain that seared over his face. No matter how talented she was they would remain. The silver marked titan was glad for it, though, he would never forget that day.

The scene replayed in his head over and over again as his healer fell silent and he worked on the meal provided. He could have wallowed in his own self pity and feel sorry for himself, but he didn’t care about his own state. Roan couldn’t stop thinking about his poor dear Dapple. Almost absently he tore at the dried meat as silence fell between them. Roan wasn’t talkative before the tragedy, it seemed he was less so now.

He knew that he was dwelling too heavily on the past and events that he had no control to change. Roan was thankful that Io was so close, her presence allowed him to stay grounded. He could focus on her heat instead of missing the warmth of his sister. As he finished his meal his empty stomach was sated but his heart was far from it. He sighed softly and placed his head on his inky black paws. He knew that he was going to have to get used to sitting still and being occupied by his toxic thoughts.

It was his sigh that drew her attention back to him. She had been soaking up a bit of sun that had moved onto the fur and the warmth had brought her close to sleep. Cracking first one eye, then the next, the small wolf raised her head to look at him as he deposited his own skull upon his paws. "I'm sorry that you have to go through this," she began, her voice soft. There was no pity in it. Only understanding. "Losing a sibling isn't easy."

Rising from her place, she took the bowl and went to the edge of the water to fill it again. She took a few sips herself before filling the bowl with crisp, clean water. Taking it back, she placed it before him and then settled upon the furs once more. The tiny fae licked a few drops of liquid from her dark maw and then rested her head upon her own paws in the same manner that he currently was.

How could they pass the time? Hmm... "So this pack is called the Ashen Armada. The leader of said pack is Sirius, whom you've met already. He rules with his wife, Zee. I'm next in line as the Armada's Ambassador. There are several underlings. The pack is still fairly small." She decided to get him up to speed on things since he would be here a while. "This was our temporary home. We're actually moving to our permanent home tomorrow. Which means... " The woman gave him a side eye. "That you'll have to ride in my cart to the new territory." She knew that he wouldn't like it, but there was nothing that could be done. If he tried to walk, not only would he injure himself worse, but he'd hold them back.

”I’m sorry too.” He returned, grateful he didn’t have to hear the pity. Roan flicked his verdant gaze in her direction as she spoke of what seemed like her own experience. Losing a sibling was hard, Dapple was his whole world just as he was to her. She was the only wolf he had in the world and now she was gone. Knowing his caretaker likely experienced a similar trauma made him feel a stronger connection to her. Iolaire understood. He didn't get any words out as she moved away with the cup for water and he was left to wonder about her relatives.

He didn’t break his streak and remained silent as she returned the bowl to his side. Roan didn’t hide his attention on her though, being able to focus on her physical form instead of the memory of Dapple. Io settled in beside him, taking on a similar pose before speaking. Sirius was the name of the massive wolf who he suspected from the beginning was their leader. What surprised him was Iolaire’s admittance to being the third in command. No wonder she had so much sway with the Warlord that day.

This was a temporary place for the pack to reside, they were leaving to their new home soon. A fact that would cause him to rely on another wolf’s help yet again. He huffed in frustration, but he wouldn’t deny her or complain further. She made it clear was going to follow her orders, not only because she was an experienced healer but because of her high rank. Roan wouldn’t even have been alive were it not for her finding him. ”You’re strong, but surely you won't be the one to bear my weight?” He asked, suddenly his only alarm was her comfort.

Roan seemed concerned that she would be the one to pull him. Iolaire released a soft laugh, eyes crinkling at the corners. "No, of course not. You're much too heavy for me or Ila to pull." Her head tilted slightly and she looked forward to seeing his reaction. "My mother will be pulling you." The giantess was quite powerful. The wheels on the cart would make him lighter than air.

Amusement on her face, Iolaire rolled onto her back, stretching in the process. "She's not much smaller than Sirius. About the size of you, actually. You won't be heavy at all." She imagined that everyone found humor in the fact that Resin was gigantic and she was very small. She surely did. It had been some nasty trick of nature that had not only robbed her of height, but had robbed her of the chance to ever bear children.

She was amused by his words, so much so he could see the joy at the corners of her eyes as she agreed with him. Iolaire had no business carting him around. With that bit of information at least making him uncomfortable, he became restless when she explained who would. Roan lifted his head and stared at her, mouth agape, he was so startled by the turn of events. If he didn’t want Iolaire pulling him he certainly didn’t wish for her own mother to be doing so.

The amusement didn’t leave her features as she rolled over, making sure Roan got a glimpse of her exposed torso as she stretched. Her words made up for the sudden rush to his cheeks as she told him that her mother was near the Warlord’s height. That made him feel a little better, but still hated the fact that someone would be pulling him. Roan only hoped Io’s dam would have as easy a time of it as her daughter boasted. ”She has my thanks.”

Were he honest with himself Roan should have realized that he faced this very scenario the day he and his sister decided their profession. One day he was going to get hurt, someone was going to die. Still, it hurt and he had a lot of time to dwell on mistakes made. No matter how he decided to move on he still had to have his body healed first.

He let silence settle back over them as he took a sip from the cup of water, he returned his eyes to his paws as he thought quietly. He blinked his vivid emerald eyes before eventually turning them back up to her golden stare. ”I always knew the danger.” Roan started slowly, his mind always returning to Dapple. ”Sooner or later something was going to happen.” This should have been easier, but the guilt ate at him. Knowing he didn’t deserve Iolaire’s kindness or the second chance at life left him conflicted and uneasy.