Wapun Meadow leave a light on

nephele felt his invitation settle between her ribs like a living thing — warm, dangerous, wanted. for a breath she could only look at him, at the steadiness of his gaze and the hopeful tether of his words.

but her gaze drifted, and for a long, quiet moment her eyes remained fixed on the winter ground as if she might find her answer buried there. a part of her wanted to slip away, fearing that going with him would restore a piece of herself she had mourned for months. yet another part of her stayed, clinging to the fragile promise that if she found some semblance of hope, she might not lose herself further that what she already had.

bearclaw loomed in the distance. the bypass sung in the wind.

"ok," she breathed, verdant eyes peering up to meet his stare. she would go to heal — an excuse.

she stirred then, rising partway with expectant eyes laid upon uktark.