Hideaway Strath Synapses Snap Back in Blissful Anguish

It was with the gentle hand of a practiced fellahin that Machi worked the golden powder into the scar, each movement as careful as if he were brushing a priceless canvas. He held the small container just far enough from her nose—a lesson learned through the missteps of past attempts with Rooke. He wondered, briefly, how the boy was faring, but set the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Once finished, he stepped back, tilting his head as he surveyed his work with the intensity of an artist lingering over a final brushstroke. He examined the subtle gleam of the gold against her fur, the way the cave light caught and glinted off the line, transforming the scar into something luminous and unexpected. Finally, he nodded, murmuring softly to himself. Very good. Quite remarkable, really.

He realized then that his expression had fallen to something flat in his concentration, almost too distant, and he quickly softened it with a smile, a trace of warmth flickering over his otherwise cool features. He guided her toward a small pool of water collected in a natural basin within the cave, its dark surface still enough to mirror her reflection.

What do you think? he asked, his voice a low murmur, rich with subdued satisfaction. The scar he had so carefully gilded gleamed faintly in the low light, a shimmering thread across her skin, as if she bore a sliver of sunlight within her fur.

Not so wretched now, wouldn't you agree?

little gift for you <3
Thank you for the thread!