Falls of the Hinterlands anima

Avicus is washing away the reek of blood and man, the former blooming away from her body in a dark cloud beneath the surface of the water. when footsteps turn her ear, she lifts her head, and sees Ashlar approaching, his golden eyes emerging before the rest of his pelt.

she gives him a nod, submerged up to her shoulders, and then steps up and out, chilly water cascading in rivulets from her fur, dripping off her belly and tail.

mmm? Avicus asks, tilting her head. she ought to be freezing, but the mating fever has her filled with warmth; a hearth rooted deep in the very core of her, the heat rippling out to even her extremities.

she wonders if he brings bad news, and squares her shoulders, mentally preparing for the worst.