Larksong Grotto christine

Yes we do! On another note: you get post #1000!

Surprisingly, Reek did not find it hard to be an emotional anchor for the woman in the midst of her strife -- especially when he had not had such a tether himself when he had broken down like a piece of obsolete machinery. Though Vuk was little more than a stranger to him, Reek couldn't bear for her to feel as alone as he had— as he did. Loneliness, guilt -- all were hard crosses to bear alone. She wouldn't have to face her grief on her own.  

As Reek waited for her to come 'round, he couldn't help but wonder where her mate, Terich, had been. Surely, this was a moment where she could have used the comfort of her mate, (the man whom Reek believed to be) the father of her child. Instead, she was comforted by a run-down stranger and Terich was nowhere to be seen.

He remained at her side until she stirred. Vuk rose, and Reek accepted her demonstration of gratitude with a threadbare smile. A welcome warmth spread though Reek's cheek from the point of contact and radiated outwards across his face and down along his spine. Then, for a brief and strange moment, Reek felt as if everything would be fine. It was a fleeting thing, and it faded fast as soon as she pulled away to gather her son.

The boy nursed and Reek watched on with a thin smile. He lingered in the cave for a few moments after. Once Vuk was enraptured in the throes of sleep, Reek gathered the remains of the fish and departed to allow mother and child some much needed peace.