Firefly Ravine Bleak

Swordfish cursed beneath his breath, flattening his ears against the whipping wind and snow. He did not want to cry. He didn’t want to miss his mother. He had just done this. Hadn’t they had enough of the fear and monsters?

Ya ain’t supposed to be out ‘ere!

The redtail’s ears drew to a perk. His eyes scanned until he saw the other boy. Breathless, relieved- God, he was so relieved. Swordfish nearly fell as he padded toward the red-naped pirate. His hooded eyes were bleak with exhaustion. The lean seafarer’s nose was pressed to Quennell’s neck. You’re alive. You’re not gone.

But in his drugged mind, he could only see his mother crying over Njord, who had vanished without a word to them.

Ya just left, he whispered, voice cracking. Ya just- Swordfish clenched his jaw. He was delirious, out of his mind with the drugs and the fear.

Momma needed you. And Ray! And- And me.

But this wasn’t Njord. This was Quennell, his friend, his brother.

Swordfish shook his snout. His eyes pleaded with the other boy.

Why would ya just leave?