Wapun Meadow I of the storm

Barely did he have time to register what had been shouted before his actions scared the crap out Clay. Cringing he lifted a paw slowly to approach and apologize profusely before his eyes caught on the big scars that hinted at tortures that Valour hadn't been there to see. For the first time this entire incident he felt shame for not trying to leave Nightwalkers and watched Clay get to his paws not moving away as the boy turned on him. He frowned and tensed up nervous as the boy moved toward him slowly, sending his heart racing into a frenzy as he prepared for an attack.

"I'm sorr-"

The words were cut off as Clay leaped and he yelped, hitting the ground all four legs sticking out awkwardly as he landed on his back with a puff of air bursting from his lungs. His stomach lurged as instant fear surged through him fading only as he realised that there was no maw around his throat. Valour lay there frozen as Clay snuggled into his fur, stunned and recovering from the unexpected tackle. After a moment he lowered his chin to rest over Clay's head, closing his eyes and sighing softly as the heartache faded into a dull throb. He felt a deep sadness even though he was content with this moment, wrapping his forelegs as much as he could around the other boy his tail thumping against the dirt after a moment as he tried to work past it. "You actually looked scary for a moment coming flying at me" he teased and grinned hiding it from Clay by burying his muzzle into his neck and growling softly, the sound purely playful before he pulled away and simply enjoyed the sensation of genuine affection. After a few moments he spoke again, this time softly "I wish we'd both met differently. Then we could've stayed together" the admission made his heart thump so hard he feared that Clay would be able to feel it through his chest.