Redtail Rise other loves, other vices

as much as he wanted to lose himself in the past, life had other ideas. the sound roused him, and his eyelids peeled reluctantly open again, blinking drearily at the stranger in front of him. except. . .

aditya scrambled to a standing position, eyes wide as his paws as he stared back. this was no stranger. he surveyed the fiery eyes, the sterling pelt, with astonished disbelief. her frame was too big, surely? but moons had passed, and time marched inexorably on.

and his hope had dwindled, too. he hadn't thought he would see her again.

"easy," he said, choked. without thinking, he rushed forward, taking her into his embrace. shock and relief and joy rushed through him all at once, his tail wagging furiously. adi's eyes were wet as he pulled back after a few moments, and he blinked, letting out an exhale that was half-laugh, half-sob. he shook his head. "oh my god, is it you? or have i finally gone crazy?"