Noctisardor Bypass What would I ever do with a rose?

The anguish on his face faded as he watched Kikimora run alongside Gideon and Ezra, every bit in step with them as if she'd burst from the womb alongside them. He looked back to Druid, wondering if she'd detect the piteous desperation in his voice.

She didn't make fun of him. He half expected it, and was ashamed already by asking something so bald and open, that by omission admitted his struggles in Rivenwood. He had difficulty connecting - not just with his children, but everyone. Including Etienne.

Druid didn't have it easy either. Anselm had only tangentially been involved when she'd disassociated with her children -- but as far as he could tell, she was better now. He wondered if like Etienne, she wanted someone to ask if she was okay. Was she okay?

Druid suggested spending time with them. His lips twisted wryly -- he often felt his presence was an imposition, however unfair that feeling was to Druid and Heda. He stiffened as Etienne's name came up, but remembered they were a small pack -- a community -- it was not immediately a bad thing that Etienne and she spent time together.

He is good company, Anselm lamented before he could help himself. He nearly placed his paws upon his mouth in shock of this admission, but at the last moment redirected his claws into the dirt. He wished he was different -- that things were different. That he had never seen the hurt in Etienne's goldcoin eyes. That he had never been the one to place it there.

He sighed and looked away, unable to hold Druid's gaze. He assumed she would be able to connect the dots if she had not already. Suddenly, the question he should have asked Etienne all along sprung to his lips.

Is he okay?