Phantom Hollow A blizzard night

Her reaction stunned him; he had expected the even-keeled Pema to be sympathetic, calm. Instead tears spilled down her face, and he flew into a mild panic, taking a few awkward steps toward her before touching his muzzle to her shoulder briefly, in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture.

"No, no, Pema, don't cry," Shale implored her, voice low. "It's okay. It's. . .well, not okay. But it's over. Don't weep for me." He pulled back to look at her, amber eyes clouded with pain.

"Nobody deserves it," he murmured, his mouth quirking ever-so-slightly in a rueful smile. The sentiment ran contrary to what he had thought for many moons--that he had done something wrong, something to deserve the wrath the gods brought to his family. But he wasn't about to say anything of the kind to this sweet girl.

"I'm okay," Shale continued. "It gets easier every day."