5/23/2025, 11:48 PM
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SKILL : - - - ( 1 / 5 )
She gave a small nod at his words - they rang true. Fable did not do this solely for herself, her children, or the members of Avon. Her journey would be one intended to benefit everyone, even the family north of them. Though she shared no blood with them, Fable considered the Shakti-Vaes brood to be akin to family - if they ever came to her with a request or simply company, she would have complied without hesitation. Her life bore an open door for them, welcoming them in no matter the season or weather.
They did not necessarily have to reciprocate, and Fable never asked it of them. She tried to never burden them or ask favors of them - the dreamer had promised Tiberii that much when Avon first relocated. Thus far, she felt she had been successful. The prospect of her trip going favorably meant she might be able to provide them with information, too.
Fox's whine was entirely disarming, keen as a blade and twice as dangerous. A knee-jerk reaction demanded she retcon her decision, but her lips remained sealed, tongue pressed to the backs of her teeth with words she wanted to say.
But she couldn't do that - she could not let him go with her.
He stepped closer and she held his gaze, vulnerability lining their springtide hues. She did not feel the need to stand impervious before him, staunch and perfectly poised. Fox had already seen her fall apart, and he had not grimaced at the broken, ugly pieces.
The next words to leave him cast a sheen of fine tears across her wavering sight - relief and gratitude swimming there freely, but an undertow of raw worry remained. His life was not forfeit, something given so easily as the next heartbeat that was soon forgotten. He mattered, but his vow mattered, too.
It was strange, the division that lived within her inside that moment.
Fable fell silent as he reasoned, petitioned, that he should take her place and her eyes drifted past him, to the distant form of Aisling coiled beneath one of Aine's weeping trees - her pale coat cast with fallen blossoms.
Her brows creased as a stiffness settled in her jaw, her thoughts seeming to fight their way from her physically.
It could be reasoned that none of it was her fault at all, that nature simply happened, but Fable was not so blind to her own faults. She lacked in areas that supported survival - without her circle of family and the ranks of Avon, she would have perished long ago. It was not self-deprecation, but fact.
Fable's ears wilted, pressed back, low.
She matched his earlier step forward with one, two of her own. Fable reached with her muzzle, resting her nose against the darkened star nestled on his crown. For perhaps a moment too long, that was where it lingered.
They did not necessarily have to reciprocate, and Fable never asked it of them. She tried to never burden them or ask favors of them - the dreamer had promised Tiberii that much when Avon first relocated. Thus far, she felt she had been successful. The prospect of her trip going favorably meant she might be able to provide them with information, too.
Fox's whine was entirely disarming, keen as a blade and twice as dangerous. A knee-jerk reaction demanded she retcon her decision, but her lips remained sealed, tongue pressed to the backs of her teeth with words she wanted to say.
But she couldn't do that - she could not let him go with her.
He stepped closer and she held his gaze, vulnerability lining their springtide hues. She did not feel the need to stand impervious before him, staunch and perfectly poised. Fox had already seen her fall apart, and he had not grimaced at the broken, ugly pieces.
The next words to leave him cast a sheen of fine tears across her wavering sight - relief and gratitude swimming there freely, but an undertow of raw worry remained. His life was not forfeit, something given so easily as the next heartbeat that was soon forgotten. He mattered, but his vow mattered, too.
It was strange, the division that lived within her inside that moment.
I pray ye d'not ever have cause t' give it,Fable finally pried the words from her throat, voice hushed and strained.
I know m'trust is not misplaced.
Fable fell silent as he reasoned, petitioned, that he should take her place and her eyes drifted past him, to the distant form of Aisling coiled beneath one of Aine's weeping trees - her pale coat cast with fallen blossoms.
I have never been very strong,Fable began, not yet meeting Fox's gaze.
Even when I was human, I was not - I had height, but never brawn, never th' skills t'do more than build a garden or set a bone. That hasn't changed here, either. Talamh, Mythris - it doesn't matter.
Her brows creased as a stiffness settled in her jaw, her thoughts seeming to fight their way from her physically.
For weeks, I wondered if I could have changed what happened t'Gamma. Something I could have done t'prevent it - but I realized I couldn't,Fable's tone was trimmed with a distant sorrow, the sort of sadness that had paled with time and acceptance, but never quite went away. She dragged her sight back to connect with his.
Even if I had met whatever posed her harm, I could not have stopped it, an' I don't think I could forgive m'self if I let that happen again. I can't be selfish.
It could be reasoned that none of it was her fault at all, that nature simply happened, but Fable was not so blind to her own faults. She lacked in areas that supported survival - without her circle of family and the ranks of Avon, she would have perished long ago. It was not self-deprecation, but fact.
Fable's ears wilted, pressed back, low.
Ye can hunt, patrol, protect far better than I ever could,she went on.
M'daughters do not need me here in this moment - they need protection now more than ever.
She matched his earlier step forward with one, two of her own. Fable reached with her muzzle, resting her nose against the darkened star nestled on his crown. For perhaps a moment too long, that was where it lingered.
I can never repay th' debt o' keepin' them safe,she whispered as she backed away, her words first fogging against his fur before she created enough of a gap between them to meet his eyes once more.
They are precious t'me beyond all measure. I do not entrust them lightly.
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