Aslatiel had finally come to her end which had been hard on the family she had left behind. Her kids were grown, but Duchess knew it was especially hard on Indigo. She didn't know her kids very well, but she had known Indigo once upon a time and he had lost more than she could ever imagine. She had felt like she had lost a lot, but she would always feel differently when it came to Indigo. She was a part of the pain he had in his life. But for Asla, maybe surprisingly, she would do what she had to for him. She had been well recovered from the beating and the loss she had seasons ago, but her emotional scars were still far from healed. It was a plague she had lived with almost all her life. Maybe something that she couldn't help, but she believed it was her own making. Nothing else. An endless loop from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep and sometimes not even then. Duchess made her way into Indigo's den while she had been giving him the space she thought he needed, because how he could ever forgive her for everything was an impossible reach in her eyes. But she knew she would have to try and be here for him, it seemed like no one else was. Quiet paws approaching his laid form, she would reach around his shoulder and neck to hug him from behind. It took a lot of internal strength to push past that barrier for her, but it's what she could offer him. And she hoped one day he could find his own to continue on. She never wanted him to feel like this. Walk "Talk"

Indigo was doing his best to hold himself together in the wake of his sister’s passing. Even after they had finally been allowed to be together the bliss could not last. Indy had felt the inevitable for a long time, even before Asla had gotten sick. He knew that happiness was not meant to last, nothing in his life ever did. Whenever he turned around he was forced into another tragedy.

To his benefit and detriment Aslatiel’s death was slow and the end predictable, he was able to come to terms over the time he had left with her. Still, that fact did not help how much it hurt to have her taken from him. The sun did not shine as bright, the sky was more dull, the bird’s songs were all solemn instead of joyful. Indigo struggled every morning he woke to get up and keep moving.

Today was no different. Indigo was awake, mentally attempting to pull himself together for the day. He was alone now. Aslatiel was gone, his daughter was gone, his family was all dying around him. What was left for him? He sighed heavily, wondering how long he might be able to remain there when the gentle touch of Duchess revived his senses.

He froze, uncertain how to react, but it was easier to turn off his brain and just enjoy and accept the understanding touch of another. He could forget about their history for a moment and accept the small gesture of humanity that he was desperately missing from his life.

Indigo Arcturus Fatalis

Warning: Indigo should be considered a Mature Character.

Despite the walk of life Duchess had taken after her parting with Indigo, she had become much different when she was here with him now. She had no ill deviant intentions through Indigo's weakness. She may have once upon a time. After losing their pups, when they had met at the Elysium festival. But with Aslatiel on her mind, and Indigo's state of mind, she couldn't even fathom trying to take advantage of him. Indigo was accepting of what she offered, and she wouldn't change much other than a tighter hold and a few gentle brushes through his mane and across his shoulder. She didn't want to push him off his feet, she wanted him to take all the time he needed. "I'm here for you, Indigo." If it was the only thing he needed. He had someone. It was obligation for Asla, but that wasn't all. Indigo was still important to her regardless of how she felt about herself. She still felt like he could never forgive her, she couldn't for herself. But he wouldn't be alone in these moments. "Whatever you need, however long it takes, I'll be here." Walk "Talk"

Part of him wanted to just melt into the den and disappear forever. There wasn’t really anyone left who would truly miss him right? He could go into the aether and be with the rest of his family that had already moved beyond. He would be with his deceased children and everything would be peaceful. There would be no more sorrow or pain.

Indigo knew that wasn’t really an option for him though. He was stronger than that. He had already waded through so much sadness. That and Aslatiel would have been disappointed in him when he went to meet her in the afterlife. He had to hang on. He was strong and… he felt Duchess cling to him softly. And there was one who still needed him here. She spoke quietly, letting him know that she was there for him. That was enough to kickstart his brain and he could feel himself able to breathe again.

”And here I thought I was doing my best to be there for you.” He managed a chuckle that lacked any real humor.


Indigo Arcturus Fatalis

Warning: Indigo should be considered a Mature Character.