Sleepy Fox Hollow splitting threads of thunder over me

zephyr came to the hollow to bury his optimism. arcturus came to the hollow to bury the memory of his best friend.


he'd stayed by her body until the others came, but by then his grief had snared his heart entire. his best friend -- his only friend -- was dead.

he came thundering down from the gulch at a blind gallop, unaware of zephyr in the tall reeds -- unaware of any foxtrail, or any enemies. just him and his feet, running blindly while grief threatened to slowly eat away at a soul that couldn't take much more.

he didn't bother to hide the tears or the smoketrail of anguish which hung about him; it was not until he was nearly atop zephyr that arcturus slowed to a stop, regarding the stranger with eyes blinded by sorrow. one look, followed by shame, and arcturus turned and threaded his way elsewhere.