Swiftcurrent Creek Beasts of Burden

The search for the sea-born wolf did not last long, as she laid where Tuwawi expected her to be. Like a moon set against a dark sky, Jinx's pale figure contrasted its drab backdrop, a season still ensnared by winter's lingering touch, yet to be decorated by blooms and greenery. She appeared reclined and serene, lost in thought but with a steady gaze of a creature living in the mortal realm, draped in apathy. A sun bleached gargoyle surveying her underling's approaching form. Tuwawi's eyes scanned the Mambo's healing, but still ugly, wounds, tracing the long gashes from her neck to her thighs. They appeared to be stitching well, though it was possible the plush coat Jinx always carried hid other injuries as well.

As she entered the vicinity, Tuwawi became cautious, moving slowly like a gentle wave. It wasn't wise to stir anyone after such a loss, and the ember knew she could potentially be trifling with a danger worse than that of the lion's that they had slain. Yet something instinctual drove her to Jinx, pulled at her strings and ebbed her forward. Not even the Kesuk's heritage could drive her away, for it was if Jinx had been transformed. Tuwawi's eyes met the mother's face, but only for a brief millisecond before deferring away to an icy shoulder, attempting to get a better read on the state she was in. The nearer she became, the lower she sank; red tail slowly beating against her inner thighs as it curled tight against her belly. Even Tuwawi's rusty lobes were pinned backwards, deep into her mane. At that moment she became the epitome of submission, low to the ground in a near-crawl, all the while with fish in mouth.

It wasn't pity she offered... no... it was something else entirely. Some sort of emotion mixed with empathy and compassion, but ripened by a deep pathos. Only a few feet separated the women now, Tuwawi down at Jinx's level. She placed the gift on the ground, hoping it to not be too trivial, and nosed it towards her snowy superior. Few words came to mind now as she tested the waters, "Jinx...," she whispered encompassed by the Mambo's energy, but uncertain whether it would remain calm for much longer.