Ankyra Sound river turns to dust

She listens quietly as she leads him back to the ocean, halting where the water just barely reaches her toes as it crashes in. She hadn't wanted to know her fate, not for sure, but there's no mistaking his words. There's another pause before she finds the right words. Thank you, She murmurs, taking a breath. I appreciate it, and I'm certain she did as well.
The yearling lets another brief silence stretch between them before she turns to him again, scarlet eyes dull with grief. You cared for her. I'm sorry, She looks away and swallows again, but her throat remains tight and aching. Her heart is twisting in her chest, burning up with a feeling all too familiar. It's how you know you're alive, she thinks through the haze of grief, the dead don't mourn their own state, do they?
Will you... keep me company? The question is quiet, tone unreadable. She's too raw to care that it's odd; in some way, he's the last piece of Lainie she has, and she's reluctant to let go just yet. A moment later, she adds, I understand if you can't.