Whitefish River jeweled

In a moment the source of his anxiety shifted; he was worrying her again, he knew, though he never meant to. Never better, Polaris answered with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. I'd better get to hunting, hm? Can't have my girl going hungry.

Let's get you settled first. He beckoned her onward, hoping that with Peridot tucked away in a den his own anxieties would abate somewhat. In these moments he thought often of Carnelian; what would his fallen friend think, to see them now? Polaris could never shake the nagging thought that perhaps he would hate them for finding happiness in the wake of his death. Yet he'd wanted Peridot to be protected, of that there could be no doubt. Wasn't Polaris doing just that?

Only if you don't fail, a cruel voice reminded him. He swallowed hard, looking firmly ahead as he led Peridot to the spot he'd found.