Redhawk Caldera the still earth

It took very little to fill her stomach, which was good, as rather than restoring her, the effort of eating sapped her of all her energy. The wobbling persisted, though strangely Ani already found herself growing accustomed to it.

Chickadee cleaned up after her and then settled down beside her, slinging an arm over Ani’s shoulders. She shook and twitched in her sister’s grasp. Ani wondered if it bothered her. Maybe Chickadee would grow used to it too.

All she wanted to do was fall asleep in Chickadee’s arms. But she didn’t simply say that. She gave the question some consideration before she opened her mouth, glad that her tongue at least obeyed her will.

Just be with me, like you always have, she replied. I’m still me, Ani repeated, just a little shakier now. I want the exact same things as before, she finished with a tight smile.

She thought of Stratos. She still wanted to be with him, alongside her sister. The thought of his face still made her heart skip. But a thought occurred to Ani: maybe he wouldn’t want her anymore, now that she was no longer the same graceful creature as before.

Putting that thought aside, Ani curled into Chickadee as much as she could manage and whispered, Will you hold me until I fall asleep?