Swiftcurrent Creek Chimera

It felt oddly like a quiet fracturing of her heart when her welcome was that of family returned home. There was no time to process any of it, this abrupt flood of feeling washing over her as Akavir pulled her into a hug. And there was Arric, too —

Reverie buried her muzzle in Akavir's dark fur, once and forever the scent of home, and let the rest fade away. Just for a moment. Your timing is shit, he told her, and her quiet tearful laughter was her only response for several long seconds. She thought she might never let him go. For a wild, fierce moment she imagined abandoning her quest, staying here, and would that have been so terrible? Was it so wrong of her to want to live?

I'm afraid my news isn't any better, She murmured to Akavir, surrendering his embrace and her selfish dreamings both. Reverie moved to hug Arric next, sparing only a glance for the woman who lurked behind the two men. It's good to see you - both of you. Her eyes were shining as she looked them over, but she refused to let her tears fall.

Then her gaze caught on something in Akavir's expression, and she frowned. You look tired, Half-scolding, half-concerned; it was too easy to forget for a moment that they had company. She remembered quickly enough, and her ears folded as she added more quietly: Is - is everything alright here? This time she addressed Arric, too.