Broken Antler Fen wormwood

Eljay noticed the immediate reaction that his words caused, and instinctively he recoiled, grateful that he had asked her rather than just doing it. It was confusing as well as easy to have to care for another person while he, too, grieved the loss of his friend. He'd known Wraen for half his lifetime. It wasn't supposed to end so soon. They were supposed to grow old together... Or, well, older, at least.

Finally Teya relented, unexpected for Eljay, who'd thought that she might just say no. Eljay moved in and awkwardly hugged her, placing a paw over her shoulder and putting his head on the side of her neck. She was stiff and tense at first, which he understood. When finally she started to sob, he said quietly to Teya, Yeah, that's right, it's okay to hurt right now. His voice trembled as he could not suppress the first signs of his own calm cracking.

As Bridget's howl went up to the pack Eljay felt the urge to join in, but he realised that Teya needed him more right now. He allowed her to bury her face in his fur and tears rolled down his own cheeks as he let out a few sobs of his own. Wraen'd lived a good life, longer than many, but still he couldn't help but feel like it was too early. Perhaps, he thought, it always was.