Two Eyes Cenote [m] Adder

Machi moved swiftly, his eyes immediately locking onto a plant growing in the dim corner of the chamber. Without hesitation, he stripped several buds from the stem, popping them into his mouth and swallowing them with a grimace. A shudder ran through his body as the bitter taste coated his tongue, but he pressed it down, shaking his head disgustedly.

As Eset spoke, the half-breed remained silent, his footsteps soft as he circled the remnants of his plants—what little remained in Muat-Riya. His paw traced the jagged edges of leaves and broken stems, mourning their wilted state, and taking note of what would be needed to replenish them.

Finally, he settled by the stream, dipping his paws into the cold water, and scrubbing away the filth that clung to his fur and face, watching as the droplets pooled near his nose before splashing back into the stream, first black, then brown, and eventually clear.

Once clean, or as clean as he could get, he collapsed against the wall, the cold stone biting into his back. His body felt heavier than it should, every movement an effort. He glanced at Eset, who stood there, tension radiating off her in waves, and posture rigid with uneasiness.

Please, Machi rasped wearily, as he ran a paw over his eyes. Watching you stand there so anxiously is exhausting. He gestured for her to sit, desperate for some semblance of normalcy in this surreal moment. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, his brain began to properly clear, thoughts slowly returning to their rightful place, though the process was agonizingly slow. Save your apologies until after we've spoken— you might regret it yet.

Khusobek is of no matter to me, the man continued, noticing the flash of guilt that crossed her face. And he shouldn’t be to you either. He played his part perfectly. Just as you said, his voice was steady, though there was an edge of bitterness that he couldn’t quite suppress, you’d be useless if you were torn. His eyes met hers for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable passing behind them, before he leaned his head back against the stone. Your plan was stupid, and poorly thought out, but don’t hold yourself accountable for Khusobek.

His voice dropped lower as he continued, a hint of resignation coloring his tone. And as for Eira, she has every reason to hate me. She thinks I’ve done those things because I have—in part, at least. My paw wasn’t the one that... killed her son, but it was no less my fault, he confessed, voice rich with disgust as he grasped another bud and swallowed it whole.