Alpine Lake crystalline

Surprisngly, she did not beckon him forward. Instead, the Ekar-Aji bridged the gap between she and him herself, pressing herself into Ar-Khalba's neck as she began to sob. It was such a profound sadness, one Ar-Khalba too felt lingering heavy in his chest. He, however, did not cry as she did. His expression remained downcast and stony, and his eyes remained sufficiently dry. After the ritual, he had cried himelf empty in private.

Ar-Khalba pressed in close, running his muzzle along the juncture between Eshuman's neck and shoulder before finally breaking his silent spell. "I'm sorry," he muttered plaintively. "I should have come to you sooner."