Hideaway Strath Synapses Snap Back in Blissful Anguish

She leered over the puddle, unsure of what would be looking back at her. The water stilled, revealing something unsuspected. Her breath caught in her throat as the reflection cleared. A glimmering light consuming what previously had plagued her. Eyes bright, her tail swayed back and forth in an ecstatic manner.

"You .. you fixed it! It’s beautiful!" She exclaimed, whipping her head around to share a look of gratitude. Her icy gaze seemed softer. Almost like the morning sky during spring. It was as if he had read her perfectly. Golden dust brought out her fur. Seemingly made for her.

The scar she had been cursed with didn’t feel very menacing at all. Quite the contrary, actually. It was new and fun, similar to the young girl herself. He’d captured her exactly. The feeling was bizarre, to say the least.
"How could I ever repay you? Is something like that even possible after what you’ve done for me?" She questioned, looking back into the water. Astonishing.

'It is a rare thing, to be seen for all one truly is' His words suddenly popped into her head. Similar to the ripples in the puddle, it repeated itself. A rare thing — yet somehow, he had done it.. 

Not her mother, nor her littermates — perhaps not even her own self had been able to. But he had. What was funny about that? All it took was one glance at her flaws. 

Literally just audibly gasped I’m in shock. You captured her so well, she’s gorgeous!! Would it be possible to use as her new avatar? Credits included ofc!! If not, totally fine :)

The half-breed watched her reaction with a quiet, lingering satisfaction, the faint curl of a smile playing constantly at the edge of his mouth. The golden glimmer of her scar caught in the dim light, each tiny fleck of metallic dust gleaming softly, breathing a new warmth into her features. He allowed a moment to pass, letting her absorb the transformation fully, his gaze never wavering from her expression.

But when it came to the matter of repayment…Where a better man might have dismissed it with a wave and a casual “think nothing of it,” that would be a rare courtesy indeed for Machiavelli, especially in situations where passing up such opportunities might be a death sentence. Generosity, for him, was never without a thread of self-interest woven through. His intent had not been to barter, exactly, but there was a self-serving satisfaction in offering aid to someone who, in fleeting ways, reminded him of his younger self—someone he might help to change in ways he had long given up on.

He let the silence linger, eyes tracing her face one last time, the gilded scar catching what little light there was and glinting like a sliver of hidden fire. And then, his voice dropped to a rich murmur, probing yet gentle, as he leaned forward slightly.

Tell me, Zitari… where do you intend to go from here?

She watched him while he thought, wondering what could be going through his mind. His eventual words brought her back to attention. Where am I going? She wondered the same thing. There wasn’t even so much as a hint of where Kekoa was, let alone the slightest bit of confirmation on whether or not he was still alive. Though it was a bitter fact to admit — Zitari had absolutely no idea what she was doing, let alone where she was going.

Her gaze shifted back up towards him, cerulean blue aligning with his opalescent view. She opened her mouth to speak. "I’m .. not exactly sure. I suppose I’ll continue on west. Through the desert." She gestured outwards. The journey would be rough, she was sure. Would everything work out? The girl was far from sure. It wasn’t exactly hard to tell what she was thinking. Her functioning ear drew lower — an old habit, something hard to shake. The continuous wagging of her tail slowed a bit.

"..And you? What will you do?" She still wasn’t entirely sure what he had been doing in the first place. Just that he had been kind to her. A reminder of the love that she had lost.

That was all that mattered, anyhow.

When you reach the desert, seek Senmut of Akashingo. Tell him Machi sent you. He’ll see you have a place to rest for the night.

He hadn't expected his question to turn back on him, his mouth tensing slightly. A sigh escaped him, opal gaze tracing the golden cobwebs laced throughout the stone. I’m... unable to leave this place at the moment, he replied, voice barely above a whisper, more admission than explanation. Whether it was a matter of choice or circumstance, he didn't know anymore.

The dog was aware that his time here was drawing to a close, the snuffing of a candle rather than the explosion of dynamite, and yet, his broken leg had only partially mended from when it had first been snapped. Every part of him ached to be gone from here, that much was true, but... Wasn't he tired of running? Of living in constant fear?

An idea bloomed, dark and tempting in the back of his mind, settling there with a disturbing sense of certainty. It startled him, but he was hard-pressed for alternatives now, wasn't he? It was clear no one was coming.

So, I suppose, he concluded softly, a faint smile touching his lips—one that didn’t reach his eyes, I have little choice but to remain here.

Senmut of Akashingo. Desert. She made a note-to-self. She would remember that. Her head dipped in gratitude, he had granted her much grace during their time together. "Thank you." She remarked before waiting for him to continue. What did he mean by that? Having little choice but to remain here, she wondered. Though she had a feeling it’d do her no good to question him further.

Wherever it was he ended up, she hoped he would arrive there in good health. The man shines brightly in her eyes, someone she would look up to from now on. Their time fell short as the conversation continued, a solemn feeling plagued her as she realized they would soon have to go their separate ways.

"Then I hope this place will treat you well, just as you’ve done for me. If there’s anything I can do to assist you in the future, I swear to fulfill my promise. I’m forever indebted to you." Her eyes, though filled with youthful naivety — carried determination.

A loyal dog to those who she admired. Always.

Zitari’s gaze shifted towards the outside of the cave, the moons light glistening down in. It seemed it was time to go. She took in a deep, sharp breath, rising to her feet. "Send for me if the time ever arises." A subconscious hope that he would someday be in need of her help weighed down on her heart. 

Her neck craned up towards him to gently tap her nose against his — if he would allow. A kind gleam in her eyes.

Thank you for the thread! I hope we can have another one sometime! <33

I am grateful for your company today, Zitari. Truly, it has been… unexpected, but not unwelcome. I hope our paths cross again sometime. A soft smile graced his mouth, yet, there seemed something rather resigned about it.

He tapped his nose to hers, a sharp pang tugged at his chest, unbidden, as his thoughts strayed to the little Mazoi he had failed. He wondered if she was healing, if she still laughed, if her light endured despite the darkness he had let fall upon her.

Go quickly now, the moon is rising. Travel safely, dear.

He would remain still when she took her leave, until the distant glow of her figure faded into the shadows. Only when the night had swallowed her entirely would he let his smile drop, eyes turning skyward, lost in thought.