Redsand Canyon cupio

The time she waited for Germanicus to appear felt both very long and very short. Every move she had made in the last few moons had been made carefully, so as to set herself up for this opportunity, and she had lined up all of the ducks she could possibly get her paws on into a neat little row. This still did not keep her from worrying that something would go wrong-- something she had not thought to prepare for-- just because this was the thing she wanted most in the world. It was dangerous to want something so much. 

Germanicus's arrival did much to dispel the anxiety that churned within Ruenna. His calm, collected presence was dependably fixed with a predictability that Ruenna found soothing. He slipped into the room with an apology for his lateness, a routine so commonplace that it could have been any other night. Tonight is just like any other night. Ruenna clung to this thought to steady herself as she rose from her pallet. 

"I'm just glad you're here now."

Her journey to his side was swifter than it had ever been, courtesy of Aquene's extra dose of pain medication. She moved with only the slightest of hobbles, and her bearing was reminiscent of her former grace, agility and poise. Ruenna's muzzle sifted gently through Germanicus's fur, running along his shoulders and back as she licked away the dampness of his pelt. It was no different from the attention he received each evening, and yet...

Ruenna's potent scent enveloped them, and she felt the urgent need to press into Germanicus. Her cheek came to rest in the crook of his neck, and she sighed in contentment.