Redtail Rise LIX

he can't answer her in the way she desires. she only sees the pain in his gaze, and knows—though finds it hard to admit aloud—that he'd struggled with this just as much as she had.

now, she struggles with words in response.

but maybe they didn't need them, now. he'd never had them, after all—and she struggled with them, based on her upbringing and her tattered tongue.

he's here. she's here.

Avicus steps forward and presses her muzzle into his temple, breathing deep.

she understands.

and she hopes they both can forgive the other.