Ooc// set before death thread

She was resting in her den, the old Abraxas refusing to leave the Garden despite the bad air quality and potential dangers from the eruption in Boreas. She was too weak to travel and decided against following the Empire to better hunting grounds. She was a prideful creature, much like the rest of her family and didn't want to feel like a burden to them anymore than she already was for her son, Zagan. He had remained by her side to take care of her until she sent him away to go with the rest of them. She wanted to see her boys flourish and live their lives the way they wanted to, and she knew she was holding Zagan back. Where Iroh was flourishing in his training, Zagan had been failing because he didn't want to leave her. He understood more or less the gravity of the situation but kept telling her she would get better. She needed to get across to him she would not be getting better. She could feel it deep in her soul. The Fallen God had forsaken the family and it started with Amon's leaving, the destruction of her nephews empire, and Malleus' death. Pyrrhic even seemed unsure what to do and yet she could not be there to try and guide him, either. Her eyes were closed against the clouded sky for a moment before she sent a call for her boys. She wanted to see them and let them know she was not long for this world. She didn't want them to see her as weak as she was but also didn't want to die without telling them how much she loved them. speech action

The young Abraxas hadn’t found his way home in a long time, once Kasdeya released him into the world he had little gumption to return. He had eyes only for Pyrrhic and the lessons he taught along with Benkos and Sarabi. Of course the young man loved his mother, and would do anything she needed of him. He’d felt a little lost since the loss of Malleus, and with Zagan mostly with their mom he’d been left to his own devices.

He didn’t hesitate when she called out for him, and his huge form loped quickly to her side. She hadn’t offered him any lessons in a long time, and as he approached he felt a heaviness in the air. He choked down a sob before approaching the entrance and letting himself in. ”Mother?” He asked softly, her form frail and the scent of the den changed. dark ears fell to his skull as he hesitated not in rushing to press himself against her side.

She opened clouded eyes as she heard the heavier footsteps of Iroh. Her heart swelled with the love she felt for him, and though Zagan had yet to arrive, that was alright. He was likely taking a moment for himself or out hunting for her again. "Iroh my dear," She said softly. Sadly. She was fighting with every bit of her strength to stay here for them for as long as possible. "How have you been, love?" She always wondered what he was doing when he wasn't around. And part of her feli ashamed she hadn't been able to teach them much since she fell sick almost as soon as she had them. Was this the price one paid for bringing others into the world? She could only assume. She didn't regret it, however.

Her voice was quieter than he was used to and held a sadness that he’d never heard before. His ears pinned to his skull he leaned against her and offered an affectionate nuzzle. ”Hello, Mother.” He offered sweetly, having not expected her to feel so cold when he got close. She’d always been such a warm presence in his life, what was this she had turned into? ”I’m doing really well, Mother.” He assured her as he curled his massive frame around her as best he could. ”I’ve learned a lot from Pyrrhic and Benkos. Pyrr has been a little funny since Malleus…” He admitted, not sure what he could do for his cousin anymore except continue to encourage him. ”I’m worried about where Risen is heading,” He admitted while wondering if he should be burdening her with his words. ”I love you though,” no matter what happened to her or the pack Iroh knew he’d find a way to make it through. He always did.