The Sentinels Eyes are windows to the soul

@Visala

All were safe from their daring journey crossing the northern river, and she brought them south into the sentinels. She gave silent thanks to the guardians of her home, for welcoming these newcomers onto their sacred grounds. Solenya had filled them in on what they should know of the Sanctum—especially if they were to join, she paid most attention to the soulbloom ceremony.

With all information given, she had left them to settle and fill their bellies. Calm and quiet settled, so she decided to see out Ghost.

The lupine woman had made sure that her steps were audible as she approached. She did not want to startle the blind woman—she may be small, but surprises tend to come in small packages. She found the girl, not far from Sam, but enough away where both had space to rest. 

Her throat cleared softly, stopping just shy of the little ghost.

Hi, there. Are you rested? Need anything?

Visala would be living as the resident grump if she wasn't raised to be such an excellent actor. She knew that a bad attitude was never attractive.

Ears twitching as footsteps approached, she turned her head up from where she lay to meet Solenya's voice. What she wanted to say, or rather yell, was that she needed them to find Nayavanti, but instead she only shook her head - even cracking a smile.

She wasn't sure how long she would stay here, living as Ghost. She had no interest in betraying her spirituality, to allow herself to be indoctrinated into their beliefs and 'renew' as they had said. God's divine tool had no need for rejuvenation, not here.

The girl turned to the sound of her voice, shaking her head with a cracked smile. Ghost could not see the way Solenya openly regarded the woman, now, her eyes roaming  over her checking for injuries, old and new. Was she born this way, or was the affliction in her eyes given to her out of malice or lack of care?

Her tail thumped once, the only indication her thoughts were on anything so negative. She hoped it was not the latter—the thought of possible pain and fear for the woman made her blood simmer with the want for justice.

Good, then. You and your companion are welcome to any of our resources. The Sanctum provides for us all, if you let it—if you let me, I would do what I can to help you should there be anything you need. Believe that of me, if anything else. If the girl had nothing to say, Solenya would give her more space.

She stood, then. Waiting.

She didn't want Solenya's kindness, not really. She wasn't here looking to be coddled. But, maybe it was worth asking her question or two; maybe other members of Blackwater had passed through here.

A moment of hesitation passed, and Visala's mouth opened; she intended to speak with confidence, honeysuckle voice ricocheting off of the surrounding trees, but all that came out was a pathetic stutter. She should be embarassed, but she only felt frustrated. How was she meant to get home when she struggled to get out only a few words? It wouldn't be fair to expect Sam to do everything for her.

Solenya was met with silence. 

There was no need to pressure the girl to speak—the offer stood regardless whether Ghost accepted or not. The lupine’s presence was no longer needed, that much was clear. The woman turned, then, her steps snapping debris underfoot as she took her leave.

When her ears swiveled, she caught a quiet stutter. Solenya turned to gaze behind her—but the girl had remained where she was, her lips sealed. Head tilting, she regarded the girl quietly, waiting once more. She would give the girl a million chances if that’s what it took for her to bloom open.

Her expression spoke of frustration, loud and clear. She had been taught not to speak outside of a small circle, and now it acted as a vile curse that prevented her from living a life where she could connect with others, prevented her from returning home.

Having heard Solenya's departing steps, Visala assumed she was alone once more. Rising to her own feet the little ghost slipped away between the trees, deciding she would search for Sam. If she was going to remain here, she wanted it to be with his kind company.

There was only quiet that surrounded them; Solenya stilled as the girl moved. She thought at first it was in search of where the lupine had paused, but it was actually to float into the trees, not a single word spoken.

In the wake of Ghost’s departure, Solenya sat in a silent sadness; a feeling that, maybe, the dream of having a pack here was not attainable stirred within her. Finding others who truly believed in the Sanctum seemed rare, impossible, even—the only other who truly believed was Kirain. The lupine sighed, missing her friend’s presence even more than ever.

She took a moment to watch the girl disappear before she, too, faded in the opposite direction.