Hushed Willows As the smile fell from your face, I fell with it

With an encouraging smile, Tambourine led the way back to the den. There was no sign of Amara, nor Kavos. He paused wonderingly, then glanced at his little sidekick. He motioned her to walk into the den, then hesitated for only a beat before following her. She seemed to want his company and it felt wrong to leave her all alone in here.

The Xi curled up on the floor with the little one tucked close by his side. He gave her a lick between the ears and cleaned the rest of the moisture from her face. When she settled, he did too, unwittingly slipping into a deep, dreamless sleep punctuated by a fair share of snoring and drooling.