Hushed Willows Blood Bank

I have so many owed replies, the natural solution is to ignore all those in favour of nabbing these shiny new ones!

It was impossible to sleep in the aftermath of all that had happened. Stingray still didn't fully understand what had led to his family's abrupt flight from Sapphique, but that felt like it had happened ages ago now. Swordfish disappearing into the snow consumed every thought he had. His emotions swung wildly from fear and worry for his brother's safety to confusion to grief and loss to anger. The pendulum effect was exhausting for a boy who rarely dwelled on his feelings.

His parents did their best to ensure he was settled, but every time he closed his eyes, he could see his brother's deep blue gaze staring back at him. Why'd you leave me out here all alone? he would say, and the guilt of giving up the search would make Stingray's own eyes pop open again. This went on for a while before he lifted himself up and plodded away from their hideaway.

He followed Njord's tracks thoughtlessly. It was something of a surprise when he zoned back in and saw his father just ahead, and even more of one when he realized the man was weeping. Da? he asked softly, swallowing past the huge lump that lodged itself in his throat.

The boy closed the distance hesitantly. He wasn't exactly a pro at consoling others. He didn't know the half of what Njord was going through, since he remained quite ignorant about Sobo and their connection. Ray didn't really know what he could do to help, but felt he had to do something, so he settled himself next to his father, pressed his shoulder gently to the man's own, and whined a low note.