Raven's Watch birds of a feather

Mictec's gaze softened as she observed Kirain's reaction, the sea glass shimmering in the dim light. Her tail gave a slow, comforting sweep behind her, the gesture a subtle show of solidarity.

You’ve shown great strength, Kirain, she replied, her voice low yet firm, rich with warmth. Your journey may have brought you here, but it’s your heart that’s carried you this far. I believe in you, and I know you'll find the path you're searching for.

Mictec watched as the sky above begun to enter its final act of the day. If ever the road becomes too difficult, or you find yourself in need of rest, search for me out west. Sanctuary, safety, and support — you’ll always have a place with me.

She offered a deep, respectful nod, her expression full of quiet strength. She had shocked even herself by how easy peace was to find, when the weight of the world truly did not rest upon her own shoulders but on everyone's. This was the lesson she was meant to learn, a step towards understanding what true leadership meant.

With night approaching, Mictec looked at Kirian, her marigold eyes alight with renewed sense of purpose and spoke in an ethereal tone, Tonatiuh tlen miak, xochipilli tlen tlakatl, tlakatl in tlakatl. Nimitstlalia, nimitstla. (May the Sun's warmth guide you, and the beauty of life fill your heart. Farewell, until we meet again.)

Dipping her head, Mictec lifted the obsidian stone, which normally was cool to the touch but now begun to radiate a soft heat. It was a sign, she told herself, a nod of approval that this was her new path.