Broken Antler Fen Let your arms be a place she feels safe in

Eljay had slept long and tightly. He'd mumbled in his sleep, unintelligible words fuelled by nightmares. Only one time might Maia have been able to understand a word -- Towhee -- that he uttered while he slept.

When he woke up Eljay felt like he'd been run over by a truck. He smiled groggily at Maia, happy to be by her side, but felt horror at the realisation of what he'd done. A part of him instantly wanted to head back, but as soon as he realised that Eljay felt his stomach twist and a crippling panic overtake his brain. It showed in his tensing muscles and a frightened expression on his face, along with rapid breathing. He then shook his head and buried his nose in Maia's fur. This was exactly why he left. Why he had to leave. He needed to get away from that place and those wolves, or he'd let taking care of them take over his whole life.

How'd you sleep, miss Blackthorn? he asked with a lopsided smile and a wag of his tail as he gently bumped his head against Maia.