Shadowwyn Moor It came gently calling

The sadness he had sensed in her finally broke through that smile, and Turneric wished there was something more he could do for her then, something more than sit and listen.

Though sometimes, that was all someone needed. Maybe this was all she needed. Maybe it was what he’d needed, too.

Det er nok. His ears tipped at the foreign sound, and though he wished to ask after the meaning, he hesitated. The way she said it so securely… he took the words as something of great meaning to her, and though they’d shared many vulnerabilities, he stored this phrase in his heart to ask her another time.

Well, even if it is enough, I still hope you find someone who stays. Maybe it’s a blind thing to say, but I do really hope that for you.

They weren’t words of promise, and he knew she might always be the one who was left behind. But he hoped she wasn’t. And isn’t that what hope was?

He gave a soft laugh at her nudge, and bumped her gently with his shoulder, happy for the contact. Her questions brought more somber thoughts.

I’ve wondered that, he said after a pause. He wondered, too, what circumstances she’d come from. I’m… a lot different than my packmates. I didn’t know it at first, but… he knew it now. Turmeric shrugged and laughed a little, Guess I know it now. And that’s… kind of why I came all the way out here. Just… wanted to see who else might be out there.

It was okay not to be okay. It seemed like such a pleasant thought, but it settled in his stomach in a sour way. He had to be okay, even if he knew her words were true.

He just didn’t believe them.

But he smiled anyway, and tucked his head down in a grateful nod. Thanks, Inkeri. I’ll remember that. His grin turned sheepish. So, where is your pack, then? I figure I’ll be in the area a little while to check things out, and it’d be nice to know where I can go to see you again.