Moonspear her beautiful chaos

Things did not improve in the days following their flight from Sapphique.

If circumstances were better, Stingray would seize the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the places they stopped in along the way. His adventurer’s spirit would soar with radiant energy. He had an inkling of his calling but had been unwilling to pursue it to its fullest extent while living in Sapphique, but out here on the lam, he could enjoy it. If circumstances were better.

But they weren’t better, and so Stingray followed his parents away from the coast in a zombie-like stupor. When he wasn’t conversing with them or focused on a hunt, his thoughts were on his brother. Swordfish’s fathomless blue eyes took up permanent residence in the black space of his mind. The accusation in them cut Stingray to the bone.

Why did you leave me?

The sheer grandeur of Moonspear should have taken Stingray’s breath away. It was visible from the moment they turned inland from the coast. He ought to have been abuzz with the anticipation of exploring it, but turning his eyes up to the soaring peak only filled him with relief and a fresh wave of guilt. Swordfish should be here, goggling at the mountain alongside him. He stepped to his father’s side when silently beckoned, doing all in his power to remain on his tired feet.

Strangely, he never thought of his sister once during their flight. She had left on her own terms, which meant in Stingray’s mind that she was safe and always would be. Swordfish had not left on his own terms... Or, more accurately, Stingray refused to believe that he had.

A pretty, peppered white she-wolf arrived to console his weary mother. Njord explained in short terms what had transpired. Stingray could not bring himself to say anything; he bowed his head low and fought back his grief when Swordfish was named.

Why did you leave me?