Broken Antler Fen I could fight forever, but life's too short

Eljay wished that he could make Maia feel the same way that she made him feel right now; strengthened by each other's presence. He wanted to tell her no, shh, don't, when she apologised for being anything at all, but in the end he just grimaced when she said that. You're doing fine, he murmured softly, trying to be reassuring, but finding his heart twist at the thought that Maia thought she wasn't doing well. Everything had been hectic and full of grief, and yet she managed to be a loving presence to these children.

Let's do that, he conceded when Maia suggested they should get some sleep. He wanted to tell her that it was okay to cry and that she didn't always need to be strong. He couldn't manage to say it, though, and so he just nodded and waited for her to lead the way back to the den. Perhaps she just wasn't ready to cry about it yet, he though to himself. He'd be here when she needed him.