Larksong Grotto done running

@Emýr
erys runs with angry tears in his eyes until forest meets meadow. only then does he stop, head low, panting. he has exhausted himself in his fruitless effort, and it shows. he glances up for a split second as a twig snaps in front of him.

and then there is a body slamming into his, and it is not emýr's. he knows, he knows, he knows. he knows this song and dance all too well, how it will end, but he has never been one to go down without a fight. and so they become a whirl of claws and teeth and blood.

but the stranger is larger, stronger, brimming with confidence. within a split second he has erys by the back of the neck, facedown in the dirt, and he can do nothing except wait for the inevitable. teeth against skin, blood in the air. the man keeps firm his grip, gloating in silent victory, and the thief can do nothing but wait.

because this time, no one is coming to save him.