Herbalists' Cache run, rabbit, run

it is a quiet relief when star eater returns. ishmira lifts her head and greets the older woman with a quiet chuff, gaze softly reverent. her tears have long dried, given way to hollow grief deep within the recesses of her chest. there is an ache within her now, a pain which will never leave her.

"you came back." she does not smile, but remains where she is on her belly, the children between them. her place is with star eater, for now. here, in the warmth of the cave, no man can harm her. not even sun eater.

"your husband lives, for now. better paws work to mend him where i cannot. but...his wounds are grave. i do not know if he will survive to see another sunrise."

gjalla fought well, she thinks fondly, a sharp pain piercing her heart.

"gjalla...i smell her blood on you. what of her? is she alive?" she turns to meet star eater's gaze, blue eyes watering. she does not know what she will do if gjalla is gone. she is not sure she wants to.