Larksong Grotto monster

This will probably be my only post in this so feel free to pp Astik as/if needed. <3

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Astik had (quite miraculously) managed to powernap through most of the drama happening just outside, though the commotion eventually woke him. He stirred awake, a little groggy, a little cranky, smacking his lips before a large yawn overtook him, his tongue curling as he blinked sleepily at his father's familiar form. For a few groggy seconds Astik struggled to make sense of the cries coming from the pallid form of his brother as his father dropped Tapat off nearby. Though senses were still a little dull yet, the rancid, metallic scent of blood filled his black, leathery nostrils. He sniffed and stretched (still a bit lazy from his quick nap to recharge so that he could play some more) but as he consciously became more awake and aware he realized with a studious quickness that something was wrong. Astik was too young to be able to fully grasp the severity of the situation at hand but he understood that the unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach wasn't good.

He rose and padded towards Tapat, towards his brother's huddled form, making himself seem smaller than he already was. The sniffles and sobs of the pallid boy caused Astik's hackles to bristle along his spine as he drew nearer to his brother, his steps slow, cautious. He sniffed at his brother's neck, where Laurel's teeth had opened the flesh and crimson stained snow-kissed fur. His brother was hurting. Astik's whiskers trembled as his lip curled back unsure where the hot feeling that swept over him came from or even what it was. Protective and eager to soothe Tapat, he fussed over him, and if the other boy would allow it intended to curl close around him: a shield of flesh and bone from whatever horror Tapat had just endured. A silent promise that he did not yet have to words to make: none will hurt you and if they try they will have to go through me.

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