Two Eyes Cenote lotus & lyre

Before–

“I know… I know,” a mournful croon breaks, the gossamer sheen of upset in Eset's eyes haunted with visions of cavernous mouths and scattered cries of help.

But she does not know his pain. Does not know what it is like when a parent hurts for their child in ways they never should. She tears her face away, succumbing again to passionate grief.

“You have done the right thing for Safiya,” and now they must also do right by her.

Eset feared for all the cubs, grown only to half their full size, and what effects the sudden exposure to the world's great cruelties would have on their still-developing minds. But if all the years of the captain's training lead him to this decision, then she would support him.

“Yes,” she agrees, knowing he would safeguard the young mazoi.

Almost absently, her paw finds his. The barest touch of comfort.