In the cold waters the oysters flourished, covering nearly every part of the tidal pools south of their camp. Eartha had already amassed a pile, knowing that they'd need to find and stock up on as much food as possible while they remained here in the Wilds. She was no shore-born wolf, but over the years that she had spent in the Tortugan bays had hardened her to the salt and spray. She crunched down on particularly large oyster, feeling the pain in her teeth and gums from her constant teethclenching. A shiver ran through her spine.
He knew her rage had been inescapable, and he knew she was dwelling on it even now, as he watched her feast on an oyster. He took a seat next to her and looked out over the water, not interested in eating, but rather in Eartha and her well-being; he couldn't have her imploding from her constantly burning anger. Eartha,
he said, nudging the pod of poppy seeds close to her. Take these when you sleep,
he instructed. They'll help.
He shook his head at her. You need to try and relax. We'll get you your revenge; try not to let your need for it destroy you in the meantime.
Really, it was exhausting to watch, and he needed her to keep her shit together.
The pain lingered, heightened by the cold and wet in the air and in her mouth. She hunched over the oyster, racked with pain, the final shivers fading away. She heard Lynford's familar tones, frustrated that she let him sneak up on her.
Poppy seeds?
she said, almost blearily.
Just enough to help me sleep?
she said, a bit of skepticism dripping in her tone. She couldn't afford to be drugged.
He gave her a scolding look. As if he would give her too much; he knew she needed to be in control at all times—he needed her aware and alert as well. Yes, just to relax you and help you sleep,
he assured her anyway.
Where would you like me to start gathering information?
he asked next, taking a seat and looking out over the water. The sooner they could find Alizarian, the sooner they could take care of him. Lynford had plans for the traitor and the others that had wronged Eartha—plans he intended to see through.
She nodded, noting his disapproving look. Why did she even bother doubting him in the first place? Fear, she reasoned. Fear that she'd take too much herself, not that he'd overdose her. He needed her, just as she needed him. She was glad that he had the thought of looking out for her in the first place, though she'd never say it.
See if there are other packs on this shore,
there was bound to be — the shore here was to bountiful for any wolf to ignore, especially if they had the sea in their blood. The relative emptiness of the shore meant that there were places ripe for the picking; perhaps there would be groups in the midst of forming, or packs who had been scattered to the winds.
And see what they know of Rusalka.