Wolf RPG - Gentle on My Mind

@Lumiya

The heat of the day had begun to slip away, the sun's luminance retreating beyond the lay of the horizon quickly as the evening began to unfurl its cool tendrils over the territory. Darkness began to seep further and further between the boughs of the willows where they hung, shadows extending until they were cast all about, finding the little mourning dove as he padded along the forming borders of the territory, marking intermittently and sniffing about the ground he traced along. He brushed along thick foliage as he moved, budding plants seemingly grasping at his fur, dragging against his pelt, though he didn't mind.

The young man had found a quiet peace within himself today. There was something good, something benevolant and gentle tugging at his spirit this day. Though he couldn't quite place what it was, it was as though something had bloomed from inside him today, working it's way out of his body and carressing everything around him with an energy that felt welcoming and kind. It was just...today was so right, so good. A soft smile dawned on his maw at the thought, and he hummed contentedly to himself, stretching his neck. The young man continued then to make his way over the edges of their territory, the soft melody and positive mien following him throughout.

For reference, she's singing this song, the second verse

The fae had picked up a new hobby to deal with the emotions she felt inside, especially after meeting with so many other leaders and driving out an evil force. She was writing a short verse, a soft melody made up of the ghost of the clattering song the willows had sung in winter. The meaning she'd rather not reveal, given its silliness and sappiness - she was queen, not a high school cheerleader. She found a spot 'neath a willow so large that its curtains obscured her view of the outside - yet she forgot that this made her voice not any less audible.

"You fell apart
Like a stone can be broken into sand
A thousand pieces
Spread across a crying land
And you can't remember that day
But you know it happened quiet
So quiet"

She sung, softer than she wanted to, still only testing her voice out in this place near the borders, 'neath the sky of the summer evening.

He heard her before he saw her, the chiming notes of a song ringing quietly in his ears over the soft whisper of the willow branches. It was almost subconcious as Dante followed the sound where it rung, a tingle running along his neck and his ears strained up as far forward as they could possibly be to catch every decibel of the melody. The boy moved forward easily, sidestepping any obstacles that might obscure his path to the source of her voice. Though he'd never heard her sing before, the sylph's voice was unmistakeable, airy and haunting, odd and yet stunning.

The wolf found his destination within the curtains of a willow, obscuring his view of the singer, and he couldn't bring himself to intrude immediately. He puffed a soft breath out and leaned his head back on his neck, listening intently while closing his eyes. He tried to keep as quite as one so clumsy could, afeared of disturbing the girl and stopping her song when he'd only just begun to listen.

Unnoticed he would be as she hummed the parts she hadn't finished yet - a great unfinished symphony, much like the court itself. It would stay unfinished if she were to give up on it - it was a strange thought, knowing she had the power to change so much, for being so little in stature. Still, she sought not to brag, but be grateful for the opportunities she'd been given.

"Words falling out through the willows
All that remains is a silent call
Is the earth colored red?
As I land like a flower on the meadow
Love is wild"

She continued, sighing softly as her voice faded out and reality returned to her. The contents of the song were private, her little hobby very much a secret still. Still, she wished to do just this at the summer festival, should they be able to have one this year. She'd still have to write it, yes, but if not this summer then maybe the coming wint'r would do for her debut.

As the final lilting notes of the girl's song reached his ears, Dante exhaled once more, nearly in time with Lumiya's sight. Feeling a bit ashamed that he had heard something that surely he wasn't meant to hear. Still, he couldn't bring himself to truly regret having listened, especially having heard the words that danced along with the music. The vibrant energy that has trickled through him before now felt even more consuming, as though the gift of Lumiya's song had somehow brightened it, and a shiver crept along Dante's back.

Unable to hold out any longer, Dante braced himself and spoke with as much tenderness and delicacy as he could, woah.No one ever said Dante was incredible with words.

Her eyes were closed as she simply took in the moment, the sobering evening air filling her lungs and keeping her from feeling sleepy. The heat of summer was often the reason she'd nap in quiet afternoons, but the nights felt like the universe's natural state. They were cold enough to send a shiver down your spine, but warm enough to sit outside in a summer coat and take a dive in the lake.

But her heart skipped a beat and her eyes fluttered open in shock at the sound of a voice - the surprise making her unable to recognize at first. She twirled her body around to face whomever had been listening, and her cheeks flushed a deep apple red at the sight of the young man the song had been written for. Oh dear — you weren't supposed to hear that. She said, calm due to shock and embarrassment. She wasn't able to look him in the eyes then as they drifted off to anything but him.

Dante startled as the young woman whirled around, his quick paws dancing back to put another tail-length between them in his surprise. Dante refocused as she spoke, and his ears flicked back slightly with shame at her words. I'm- I didn't mean to eavesdrop I was just uhm I was just strolling I guess and I heard he motioned with his snout vaguely towards the girl, worlds bubbling out of him like a quick-flowing stream as he rushed to explain himself. God he needed to stop being so weird! That was- that was so- The boy's eyes searched her face, hoping desperately she would look at him for fear he had truly offended her. But...it has seemed momentarily like perhaps...well, the words, they...

Unless there was another. Gods! Dante hadn't even considered it until now; though he was certain Lumiya, with her vibrant glow, would be sure to attract many a wolf, he'd been so wrapped up in his fairytale ideas that he hadn't truly stopped to think about the possibility of her already having someone to dote upon.

He maneuvered his neck once, trying to put himself in Lumiya's eyeline so she could see his sincerity should his voice not be enough. 'M so sorry, I truly didn't mean to intrude, he paused, mouth opening once before quickly snapping shut, until it opened once more to stutter out, your voice, though...Lumi it's... Dante trailed off into silence, eyes wide and head wagging ever-so-slightly.

Could she fault him in her surprise for passing by without an alternative motive? Well, yes, because she in a way was by being so flustered by his presence. Still, she'd rather have him hear her than any other faerie in their court, if only because she believed he would not make fun of her for singing. The fire faeries would not understand the gentleness of her melodies nor the meaning of her words, she thought - especially Aoibh didn't seem like someone who'd enjoy her verses all that much.

She wilted, the tension in her muscles releasing now that her mind knew that she was safe. She felt drained instead of fulfilled, her privacy stained. Her secret was out, and all she could hope was that her lyrics had been vague enough in describing her feelings that Dante was unable to connect the dots.

She dragged herself to the midst of the circular curtain that engulfed them, seeking comfort in the willow and the misplaced trust she'd put in its abilities to keep her from being discovered. Her ears draped 'ver her delicately crafted skull, the pounding of her heart a slowing beat as she calmed herself down. No, she could not fault him - it was her fault for being so careless. A frightening thought then crossed her mind; had she secretly wanted for him to come?

How much did you hear...? She asked, realizing it was silly to get mad at him for nothing more than listening. He'd been kind, gave her compliments - nothing had changed, really, by having him know the secret passion she'd kept hidden since the alliance with the sea folk had been formed. Little did she know that the question she posed would perhaps confirm his suspicions, though it wasn't as he thought.

The young wolf's eyelashes fluttered rapidly at his company's volatile changes in tone and expression. Though he was grateful she didn't seem mad, the boy couldn't help but feel a sad tug in his chest. The girl seemed something akin to upset that Dante had heard, and though he knew she hadn't intended for him to have listened, it still hurt a bit that she seemed to be bothered by his knowledge of her song.

Dante knew at heart that it was a him thing, the disappointment he felt. He knew couldn't expect others to entrust him with every secret or quirk they possessed so soon into their relationships, but it still pricked at him to see exactly what the extent of each bond was, sometimes.

No, I mean, not much. Just...just heard a bit of a melody, some lyrics here and there. Y'know, is such with songs and 'at he attempted a weak chuckle, wincing slightly as it fell flat. Dante started down at his paws for a moment, settling into a sitting position opposite the girl- a few pawsteps between the two. We sing where I'm from... he murmured softly, just loud enough to reach Lumiya's ears. It wasn't so much an attempt at conversation as it was Dante's own verbal processing. He'd have been lying if he said the song didn't make him think a bit of his old home. It was completely different in its tone, much more delicate and mystical than the bright, forward harmonies they sang by the sea, but the longing that bloomed from within the words felt familiar, putting him back in time.

Though the fae was honest and open, there were many things she'd rather not speak of. With such an active mind and a less than desirable upbringing, she'd be lying that the odd grim thought did not cross it. Silent judgments, secrets, regrets — wrapped inside a bright, blue-white silk fabric. Though she felt very close to Dante, perhaps the closest she'd ever been to someone, there were things left unsaid between them. He didn't ask, she didn't tell - why was she fine with that?

Hmm... She hummed as a reply, gaze seeking his own to see if he was being truthful. Of course, she didn't know for sure, but a face to match the words certainly always helped. When feelings were heavy, they were all someone became - oozing out of every pore, you could sense it, like the bumblebee could smell fear.

She perked up a bit, ears pressed forward to make sure she'd heard him right. She rose from her wilted position, tipping her head to one side. You too? She asked, a sparkle of mischief in her gaze.

The boy had begun to sweat a bit under the woman's assessing gaze, surprised and unsurprised at once by how intimitatinching he found the girl to be. She wasn't imposing and yet, her presence commanded a sort of respect, not to mention that Dante was a fool for her. Ah, such a damned fool.

His maw flicked back up when he heard the brightness in her tone, watching her carefully as she rose to her lean, silvery legs. He belatedly met her gaze, once again stumbling to get an answer out. Well, I mean- I'm not- uhm, like, a singer or anything, but yeah I guess I've sung a bit, he laughed nervously, his pelt twitching at the look on her face, nothing good could come of that look for Dante. He was certain he would do pretty much anything for the girl, though he wished not to embarrass himself any further than he already had so soon. His nose scrunched playfully at her as he awaited what shenanigans she could possibly have in mind.

She was oblivious to the commanding presence she possessed - it really did come naturally to her, perhaps a remnant of her mother still left within her. There was a surprising amount of oddities the two women shared, though the fae would never admit to being akin to the other - neither would Nocturnal call herself anything like her daughter. They seemed opposites, but actually, they were more like dawn and dusk instead of night and day.

A playful smile crept onto her face as he answered, inching closer into his aura, her nose leading the way. A gleam washed over her eyes, shaking her head in an upwards motion and a lift of a single shoulder, a display of fake confidence. Well, I suppose it's only fair for you to sing me something too then — We can call it even after that. She challenged lightly. She'd much rather they both be embarrassed and grow from it then forever see this memory as something unpleasant.

Dante's eyes grew wider by the second as Lumiya continued, a cold pool of dread settling in his stomach. Oh gods he was about to make the biggest fool of himself. It wasn't neccessarily that Dante had a bad voice; the young man believed he could carry a tune just fine back home, but then he had always been singing with the many voices of others. If his throat strained or his pitch got a bit off, nobody would really notice because they were all in harmony together. Now, he was all on his own, in front of quite possibly the most lovely spirit he'd ever met, expected to sing something. Dante wished in that moment that he could've just said no, walked away and allowed himself to forget the interaction altogether, but it took one look in those bright eyes of hers and the boy was once again at Lumiya's mercy.

Um, he stuttered out, voice high and pitchy, nearly squeaking a bit, I. It's only, um, fair, I guess, his eyes shot about her face, checking once more to make sure she wasn't kidding. You- I mean, you're serious? I mean- no, I know you're serious I guess just- um, just don't expect anything much, please just- He cut himself off quickly with a short huff, looking down and then back up again, his paw tapping the ground rapidly. Gods I don't even know what to...I mean all we had back home were like, I dunno folk songs, traditionals, yeah? So just...It's nothing pretty as your words, alright? The boy braced himself then, shuffling his feet once more and opening his maw to begin, and- Ugh, he whined half-playfully, his maw tilting up as he formed a puppy-like mock-pout. You didn't even know I was listening you had it so much easier, he groaned with a slight smile towards the wisp, scrunching his nose up in what he realized had become his 'Lumiya face''.

Finally, cutting the bullshit and getting on with his humiliation, Dante turned his gaze away from Lumiya, looking anywhere but her eyes, and began to sing. Why in the night sky are the lights hung?The young man's voice began tentatively, a bit shaky and slightly rough from disuse, his eyes flicking very briefly to Lumiya's face before squeezing tightly shut. Why is the Earth moving 'round the sun? Floating in the vacuum with no purpose not a one. Why in the night sky are the lights hung? His gentle voice gained a tad more confidence as he continued on, eyes still squeezed shut as he finished out with a few soft oh's, heart pounding with his own nerves and pelt feeling hot and prickly. His mind remained devoid of any thought but of the sea for moments after, his eyes blinking open to stare at the ground as he recalled the brush of waves against his toes and the low drone of the ocean's crashing song in his own ears.

She nodded, smiling, every time a 'nother doubt crept into his voice. He always talked so much - she wondered if it was something within his family that had caused this, like her proper manners were within her own. Parents often didn't realize how much they shaped their children, how much they took from them within knowing... It was strangely disturbing to the small fae. How much of her father's mercilessness had she in her? How much of her mother's habits of blood lust and suffering?

I can... close my eyes if you want me to. She replied to his last comment before his performance, closing them no matter the answer so she could focus better. Though he said not to have high expectations, she always had them; it was probably the reason she was disappointed so much, especially in individuals such as Donovan. But, even if Dante went as far off key as one could possibly manage, she would probably still be satisfied. That he was willing to do this, to make her at ease and to play fair, said more about him than the beauty of his voice ever could.

In the pause before he began, one eyelash fluttered as she opened an eye to get a quick glimpse of him. He closed his eyes in turn, she did the same as she drifted away, carried by the soft notes and melody. She felt light listening to him - the meaning of his words lost only because she was focused on the voice. Was this what it had felt like, listening to her? She supposed she was obliged to share then her gift, share the joy... though she almost selfishly wanted this to belong to only Dante and her.

I've got nothing on your voice, if that was what you were worried about... She eventually spoke, having come closer to him without having realized. If allowed to do so, she'd rest her head against his shoulder, a content little smile on her maw as she sighed a deep breath. You're lucky to have grown up around music like that - I'm quite jealous, and curious.

Dante was immediately grateful for the girl's small kindnesses. Her sensitivity to his nerves was sweet, and it made him feel infinitely more privileged to know the woman was someone he could call a companion...or something.

Having had been lost in the memory of the water, Dante was pulled back to reality more sweetly than he'd ever been before, with the gentle weight of the sylph leaning upon his shoulder. He half expected himself to jolt, or somehow make a mess of it, was waiting for the moment to come upset it almost, but nothing came. He didn't jolt, and he didn't make a mess of it. He just breathed. That was, until he registered the words she'd just spoken and inhaled a dramatic gasp. Liar! He hissed out in with mock-shock, gently turning his head to face hers where it rested and focus a play-glare on her. You better watch out, there's this badass alpha somewhere around here and she does not take kindly to liars, he chuckled softly, tsking softly a few times before turning his head back and settling once again.

At Lumiya's mention of jealousy over Dante's homely song, a low rumble sounded in the boys throat, something akin to a groan but more delicate. His eyes had begun to flutter shut peacefully, but they opened after the remark, eyeing her inquisitively. His mind was soothed and happy to be relaxing with the silvery nymph at his side, but he was nonetheless happy to converse with her- the conversations the boy had with Lumiya always seemed to be the ones that kept him on his feet. When words did finally come to him, they were delivered slowly, gentle sighs and pauses intertwined with his remarks. I suppose I did enjoy them very much growing up. S'a good way to pass the time, y'know, His face turns to look at her again, an easy smile growing upon his maw as he continues. While I am all for curiosity, I must say I'm not sure why you'd be jealous. Passing songs along is nice but being able to write them? That's... I mean hell, you could tell so many new stories. I don't have much skill and that aspect of things, I don't believe...Did you have music? Where you're from? He hummed low in his throat again as his eyes slipped closed once more, awaiting the fae's response.

Startled, she was, out of the conscious slumber she'd been put in by the atmosphere around them. It was no easy feet to startle the small fae - despite her size, she stood quite stable and confident in most circumstances. It only lasted a moment, where she pulled back quite suddenly, scanning his face to see how serious he was about accusing her. Luckily, he wasn't at all, and she let out a high chuckle. With it came her anxieties, and she bumped her head to his shoulder quickly after. Gods, you're so silly — you nearly had me there. She commented in an airy voice as the adrenaline slowly left her body.

She relaxed, feeling serene with the little mouse she hadn't had to lure with cheese. He seemed to genuinely want to be with her, which was all she could ask for, being so inexperienced in loving and being loved in return. Even if he would turn out not to be hers in the end, she was grateful - oh so very grateful for his presence here and the moments they shared. She needed this, to distract from her duties but also as a person.

Well, we had bodies lining our borders. She answered truthfully, expression turning a little grim. My mother carried with her a rotting tongue she'd taken straight out of someone's mouth - my father painted himself in blood and declared himself a holy spirit of sorts. Surprise to say, there was little room for singing, or me... How heavy this was on her light spirit - how good it felt sharing her past for once. She was filled up with emotions, about to burst, but this allowed her to slowly let it out. There was no reason for a scene, but this was necessary, she found - if he did wish to be her lover, he better know all of her. She was afraid to look up then, not knowing what to expect now that Dante knew of where she'd come from.

The answer was not what he'd expected. It was something that felt as though it were much more precous than anything he had thought she might offer him. That wasn't to say that the detailings of her own musicalityin her youth would not have been priceless, but the words she'd shared felt as though they were of a raweness the girl did not usually express. It was just as he had said, the conversations Dante had with Lumiya always seemed to be the ones that kept him on his feet.

The boy blinked his eyes open, gazing upon the other once again, quiet for several moments. He observed her expression carefully, his chest tightening at the emotion he thought he saw pooling behind her expression. He chose his next words carefully, though he put every ounce honesty he could into them. There is room for you, and your singing, now, the words were spoken quietly, full of conviction as he watched her. He hoped his eyes were doing that earnest thing his Innisfree packmates had sometimes told him they did- Dante had always wondered if they were jesting. He searched her face serveral moments more, brow furrowing softly before he took it upon himself this time to press a bit tighter against the other, murmuring lowly, I'm sorry you didn't have music where you're from. His words didn't carry a finality to them; as much as he hoped she would continue to share, the boy feared pressing her for too much delicate information all at once, and left it to Lumiya's discretion to continue or not. Nonetheless, his ears were perked and his eyes focused on her, ready for what she was or was not willing to share.

"There is room for you, and your singing, now"

She looked at him, the dew of emotion creating sparkles in her eyes. Was she even looking at another, or was he an imagined gift she'd received from the Gods she would never know? There was not a moment she doubted his words - they were the truest thing she'd heard in moons, and yet she'd needed to hear it. There was no need to prove herself to the universe and her faeries... There was room for her, and she'd not hide away the strength she possessed. Like a gentle earthquake, she intensified. In that moment, she wished for Dante to stay by her side till the end of time - he was her comfort, her friend, her rock to lean on when the going got tough. No, he was more than that, but she could not express nor come up with the words to describe such an unearthly thing.

She closed her eyes, pressed them shut against his shoulder 'till the black became a kaleidoscope of swirling colours. I wasn't wanted there - too different from what a Melonii is supposed to be, they said. He'd probably not know what she was talking of - being new to the realm and all - but her last name meant more to her than anyone knew. You've probably never heard of my family, but they reigned terror down on this realm for generations. I came out wrong, but the Faeries took me in without so much as the blink of an eye. I've been trying to right their wrongdoings ever since, that's why I'm here, that's why this all - She gasped for air, motioning to the willows around them. - why it all means so much to me. She fell silent then, seeking yet again that earnest expression from her closest confidant with a dewy expression, accumulating in the corners of her eyes. Perhaps it came across as silly - a young, ambitious girl, trying to make right all that her family had ruined, not even knowing where to begin.

Dante hadn't thought he'd pledged his heart enough to someone to let them break it, but in that moment- as Lumiya's guard shattered before his very eyes- Dante was certain a piece of his heart had been chipped right off. He suppressed a whine that threatened to spill high from his throat and he held his companion tighter to him, turning his neck so he could press his nose to the top of her head if she would allow it, breathing softly into her fur as she spilled out from behind her shield.

He listened intently to her words, taking in the information she provided diligently, nodding softly against her as she explained the significance of her lineage. His chest burned with something not so gentle or kind at the notion that the woman thought in some way she was wrong. Someone had made her feel that way- that she was somehow broken or incorrect and he couldn't fucking- Lumiya was the most right thing that had ever happened to him. He had no idea what kind of insolent- but this wasn't about him or his anger, and he refocused quickly, simply holding holding her closer and squeezing his eyes shut.

As her final words were gasped out, Dante pulled back to watch her once again, quietly murmuring Hey, hey, Lumi, hey, his gaze flicked between her eyes as he began to speak, Hey love, breathe with me, okay? Just for a moment,he whispered softly, taking in a few deep breaths and hoping Lumiya would follow- though even if she didn't they were helpful for the boy himself, who had found himself with a fire stirring inside him at what the kind soul afore him had had to endure.

Lumiya. You are not, and will never be, anything cruel. You are not an unkindness unto the world, even if figures of your past may have been, and you are not responsible for their wrongdoings. Do you- the boy's voice cracked then, and he stopped momentarily, blinking hard before meeting her gaze once more. Lumiya you are good. I don't believe I've ever met someone as good as you. And you are not wrong. You- you're he huffed shortly, frustrated with himself for lacking the words needed to describe the beautiful anomaly before him. I was lost you- Lumi, you have created a shelter for...for so many lost and misguided. You have put so much good into the world. Do not doubt for a second that you are the furthest thing from cruel that a person could possibly be, his words came out in a rush, and he worried immediately after that he'd not done well enough to express to the other just what he'd meant.

She heard him call, so quietly - there was a buzz in her ear, but the bees were nowhere near. She felt hot on the inside, like she was a geyser 'bout to 'xplode. He was keeping her together the best he could, and succeeded in doing so with his grasp so tight. She couldn't remember the last time someone held her so tight, like they were about to lose her and couldn't bare to let go. No, this was a new sensation - creation. He cared, he cared whether she was here or away - he cared for what she felt and thought and did and he'd say; Hey love, breathe with me, okay?

The glaze of sadness that had settled 'ver her gaze lightened, cleared. The fur 'neath her wildflower eyes were darkened by moisture, sticking up in weird places where she'd brushed against Dante. She looked pathetic for a Melonii, but perfect for a Lumiya.

Not cruel. Not an unkindness. Not responsible. The words echoed, in slow motion, unraveling her further. They spoke against what she'd always been taught, yet rung clear and sincere. They carried with them not the sting of poison, but the awakening itch of wounds healing. You are good, not wrong. And then a beautiful metaphor presented itself to her. She was the generation of vegetation after the fire - given the opportunity and half a chance, the new generation could grow back stronger than the one before. They let the universe go red, but it spoke to her with love, and she'd make a soft universe.

In a sudden jolt of energy, she pushed her weight against him, perhaps enough to make them both take a tumble, and she had to still her sobs before she could speak again. Thank you. Her thankfulness was immeasurable, and she didn't know how to express it. Thank you. She repeated, in case he hadn't heard - in case the whole universe hadn't heard. She lifted her head from whatever position they were in right about now, be it upright or else, and looked at him with a bright smile. The tears that now spilled from her wildflower eyes were those of joy, like this whole experience hadn't been a roller coaster just yet.

Relief bloomed throughout Dante's whole body as he watched recognition of his own words form in Lumiya's eyes. All he hoped was that he'd done something good. If the boy could relieve even a sliver of the sorrow the girl was carrying on her shoulders, he'd feel a better man for it. The sylph had done more for Dante than the boy was sure he'd ever be able to repay her for, but he could damn well try.

The fae caught him completely off guard with her push, and his stomach dropped as he felt himself lose balance, the young girl tumbling softly to the ground with him. His heart jolted with fear at the woman's cries and he quickly began to nose about the fur on the sides of her face, urgently but softly inquiring, Lumi, hey are you- He was swiftly cut off as he heard her poignant thank you, his heart fluttering with something bright and all-consuming as he gazed down to her. A sharp little laugh was pulled from him then, something joyous and bright before he snuffled his snout into the fur behind her ears, laughing against the top of her head and neck. Are you kidding me? Thank you,he spoke, disbelief coloring his voice.

Dante wasn't exactly sure how he, a scrawny runaway from the edge of the sea, had managed to end up with the center of the universe against his chest, but he'd get lost a thousand more times if it meant finding himself right here again.

Their twisted body parts moved synchronized then, as her heart jumped into her throat. A quiet squeak could not be stopped from spilling as she sent them down to the ground. For a moment it felt like they fell right through it - like they couldn't stay here, drifting as they were. Her mind felt fuzzy, heavy with tears and memories of a never-forgotten past. No longer was she the little girl that couldn't stand up for herself or love herself - she walked alone, she was everything and she knew her soul believed.

She laughed - first softly, just with her chest. As she got up a little, gathered herself, it grew a bit more clear. She took a couple of deep breaths, not completely sure how she was supposed to be feeling right about now. All this time she'd been lying to herself, putting sorrow on her shoulders. How far had she run, all that weight that dragged behind? It brought her where she wanted to be, with Dante, in the forest of her dreams - a summer 'eve, 'neath the sky that would see the rise of her court, the rise of a branch of Meloniis that were good and she'd tell them that every day.

Hey, Dante. She spoke at last, her voice raspier than before. I'm glad you heard me - you know, the song being for you and all. She mentioned as casually as she could, truly Dante-style, giving him a playful side-eye.

Dante's stomach fluttered at the girls laugh, his entire body felt as though it was hypersensitive to every noise or movement she made. He was raw with emotion and energy, every sense heightened as he basked in the moment, a hum of energy rolling through him pleasantly. There was nothing like this, he was certain. Nothing he'd ever felt could equate to something so powerful that it could strip him down and lay him bare, pull truths from his throat before building him back up again little by little, leaving him dizzy with the turn of events and yet so very grounded.

Another thrum buzzed through the boy as his name found it's place on Lumiya's tongue once again, and he hummed inqisitively, eyes still closed. That was, until they popped open with a delayed shock at the girl's next words. He met the glow of her eyes, blinking wide and surprised at her for a few moments before the corners of his lips began to upturn a bit? Yeah? He asked breathlessly, sparkling at her from mere inches away. The boy broke into a full out grin, his eyes wandering away from hers to look up at the sky, unable to contain the joy apparent on his face, though he didn't really want to anyway. His gaze was fixated upwards for several moments, seeming to almost pose a question. He turned his maw back to the fae, whispering under his breath, as though it wasn't really meant for Lumiya depsite the eye contact he maintained, Yeah, I think so. With that, the wolf gave one more breathy, joyous laugh and snuggled closer to his nymph, content to drift off with a mind full of stars and the promise of the beginning of something beautiful.