Dahozhoni Meadow seaborne

Nimbus’s ears flicked at her interjection, a faint huff of amusement escaping him. How could I know? he echoed, his lips curving into a slight grin. I suppose I don’t. But I know the look of someone still standing when the weight of decay should have brought them down.

He watched as she nudged the skeleton, his gaze lingering on the stark reminder of the forest’s indifference. You’re right, he said after a moment. Decay touches everything eventually. But feeding the cycle doesn’t mean we have to surrender to it. Sometimes, it’s enough just to keep moving—until we find a place where the rot doesn’t reach.

Her steady gaze met his, and he returned it without hesitation, a rare flicker of something like trust sparking in his eyes. If you’re serious, he said, I could assist in trying to catch something a bit more lively.