Swiftcurrent Creek Beyond Z

Suzu felt her complexion pale beneath her fur to learn that the name Lestan was not one well known. She shook her head gently. ’E be tellin’ us we could come ‘ere, an dat ‘is name be known by a man called Akavir, Suzu explained, hoping at least that one name might ring true. If not, she would have a much dreaded voyage to continue, and no reason to suspect that Lestan might ever give her message to Swordfish.

The thought brought tears to her eyes. She shifted uncomfortably as she tried to quell the rising flood of emotion that threatened to pour over- and while Arlette expressed her sympathies, she could not help but utter a stifled sniffle, and nod appreciatively. She held onto her breath fiercely, knowing at any moment she might burst into sobs- either from frustration or from relief.

Her brother’s skills earned them a temporary stay, and Suzu’s breath escaped her, seething past a tongue pressed to the roof of her mouth before she gasped for breath. T’ank h-h-h-you, She said, before clenching her teeth once more in an attempt to keep herself from full on sobs, for fear Arlette might turn them away because of hysteria. 

She knew her brother would worry- she lifted a paw before he could fret. I be fine, I be just- she drew in a shaky breath, an attempt to compose herself. Very tired. We will be mindful of your family’s space, of course, I cannot- She shook her head, and brushed her wetted muzzle against her shoulder to dash away the tears that had spilled forward, and continued to warm her cheeks. Cannot t’ank you enough.

She felt certain Arlette would question her circumstances- but hoped only that she had a merciful enough temperament to wait until Suzu had recovered.