Cedar Sweep the war has been incited and guess what you're all invited

aw but maybe @Niamh and/or @Towhee? since she still smells like bfw c;
vaguey vague about what happened on the mountain.

this was all just so fucked up. her eyes sought the sky with an aching desperation, latching onto the stars with foolish hopes that they'd hold some sort of answer. like always, they simply twinkled back at her; cold and taunting despite their beauty. ears fell back against her skull as a soft growl of frustration broke free from grit jaws; fuck them, fuck this, fuuuck everything. dropping shadowed eyes, the ghost focused stubbornly on the earth as it split under blunt claws with the pressure she exerted on it. it seemed that her only way of defying the scattered sky above her was to refuse to give it the satisfaction of her hopeful gaze. that exact same sky had seemed so inviting to her when she'd gazed at it from her home, she just had to close her eyes and she could see every little detail. the clearing; her little patch of perfection in the woods. an ethereal presence each night when bathed in a silverly glow with the stark contrast of the protective darkness encircling it. so often she'd marvelled at the mystifying lights that looked over them every night yet now when she gazed upon them she seen something entirely different.

for now she just seen them as a high and mighty 'superior' presence that in turn seen them as nothing but mere pawns to their great ol' game. they could see everything yet never did anything about it, simply let the lives beneath them be but a source of amusement. those glittering orbs had witnessed her being handed over to a gang of pure death, watched her become a killer and watched her fall in love, likely had sneered and cackled as she witnessed the murder of her love and her future and watched with boredom as she'd found her first true home. of course they probably had found a renewed interest in her now; how they probably taunted her from above as she wandered with an aimless panic. lost and unable to get home because her own brain had wiped the memories, what kind of sick joke was that? for all she knew, the woods could be so close and she could just be wandering further and further; they knew though. of course they did. yet never would they help, all they ever did was watch.

her wispy tail lashes at her haunches as she pushes deeper into the forest; it had provided a meek relief to find the vast expanse of trees but any joy at finding such a place was tainted with bitterness. slowing slightly, the woman lets loose a shuddering sigh. tensed muscles and grit jaws all fall lax as the anger drains from her body as quickly as it liked to come on. all that was left was a deepening hopelessness, was she going crazy? like, had she seriously just spent the past few minutes mentally arguing with the fucking stars? she'd never believed in any kind of shit like gods and signs so why did she act so offended by their silence now? as she'd told moonshadow before, they were merely balls of light..right? maybe she'd done more than wipe some memories when she'd hit her head; maybe she truly was losing it. the soldier slows once more until allowing herself to fall back onto haunches with a troubled frown. she was sick of walking but a restlessness continued to buzz through her limbs as she lifted inky eyes to what light broke through the branches above, dappling the earth at her paws in shifting, silverly patterns.

50°, currently it is clear and set during the night. Located in Tuktu Hinterlands, cedar sweep | ooc notes: i know you said maybe niamh or towhee but i had to hop in!! they can still join whenever, ill just be a +1!

As the ground rumbled beneath their steps, it seemed that all who didn't have a pack to call their own had gone completely mad. The paladin had gathered countless marks onto his flesh, wounds of fights for prey and dens, leftovers of other hunters that had been left behind - it seemed that it was a mad world where every man was for himself. Thankfully, Rosencrantz was familiar with such a life, he was born in it, molded by it (thank you Bane) and thus, such madness was natural in his eye. 

Stalking through the trees, thundering paws carried him forward as he searched, hunted for the one who had broken his peace. A white female who stole his current kill and fought for a while, only to briefly fight and run after swindling him out of half of his kill. It wasn't often he was tricked, and he would be damned if he'd let her get away after such a dirty trick. Fueled by his rage, he marched on, following what he thought was her track until - she was gone. 

Like a wisp in the wind, she had vanished in what he would call thin air. Twisting his handsome features, a snarl ripped through his face - searching for any sign until finally, he had landed on the white pelt he had been looking for; or at least, the one he had thought it was her. He didn't think that perhaps someone else of similar coloring was around, and instead, acted upon his frustration and lept from the shadows, jaws ajar, a growl verberated from his maw as he aimed to take down the woman and teach her a thing or two about trickery and choosing the right target. 

Just as he was about to sink his teeth into the flesh of his target - he backed off. Immediately his expression shifted, a more calm, mild-mannered man found himself again as he realized; this wasn't her. You're not her. He said simply, a near apologetic tone shone through in his words while backing up to give them both some space (with wounds should she decide to retaliate).

ears had pricked quickly at the sound of fast approaching pawsteps and despite her body being quick to react with a swift turn, it was only to be met by the enraged features of another. hissing, the pale woman drew back sharply just as they ceased their preparation to attempt ripping her to shreds it seemed as they too pulled back abruptly. now she was the furious one here and her long tail would lash as she straightened up; pearly fangs bared and ears flat against her head. stepping forward, she closed the distance in a few purposeful strides so that eyes of stormy darkness landed on- oh. frowning now, she stops in a simliar manner to how he had only moments before, arching a brow dubiously as her tail took to simply flicking from ankle to ankle. the fuck? had it not been for the shadow's choice of placing she would have recognised him straight away; his features weren't exactly all too common but that along with the shock factor of his considered assault had understandably had an affect on her reaction time. 

he speaks and she simply blinks in return, frown still pressed upon her lips as her head tilts slightly to the side. "no?" it slips forth from iron jaws, sneaking out into the cool air in silky tones despite the fringes appearing to be tinged with ice. her eyes could confirm that anyway, even if her tone had been as warm as a summer's day such glacier orbs would've given her away in a heartbeat. she didn't appreciate such surprise attacks and she certainly didn't enjoy being left in the dark, who was her and why the fuck had it resulted in him almost trying to rip her face off. 

however.....as she recovers with a somewhat distracted ease, she finds herself giving into relief's misleadingly gentle embrace for even if he was not one of her wolves...he was a familiar face. which became something you didn't take for granted when both lost and struggling to recall pretty important memories. despite her gaze remaining hard it has lot the intensity that had you questioning its ability to physically harm you with the sharpness it emitted. they'd never even exchanged names although...they'd shared a vulnerability that went much further than any words could've. yet still she's slow to trust, especially considering what had happened only moments prior so she remains silent as ever; simply arching a brow to portray all that needed to be. considering the fact that he'd approached her and in such a manner too, she believed it only fair that he offer up first..if he decided to at all that was. perhaps he'd just leave. her gut twisted uneasily at the thought and she struggled to ignore it, disgusted at the pathetic factor of such a want. when used to needing nothing but your own company, the idea of feeling lonely seemed as bad as contracting some sickness. it was a weakness through and through, had blackfeather done that to her? her frown doesn't shift as a sharp breeze dances around the two.

I wasn't certain how to reply to this, I hope this is okay!! I mean I wanted to make it an entertaining post

There was a moment of victory, to think he had caught the wretch and would make sure she would think again next time before tricking another before taking their hard-earned meal when prey is scarce. But it was short-lived - though the damage was done without even without drawing blood. While stepping back he was surprised that there were no teeth that met his own face instead, to draw blood in retaliation for his surprise attack on someone he had already demanded a fight from earlier. 

No. Sorry. Her icy responses were well deserved. He wasn't about to spew the whole story to her and seem as if he was making excuses for the attack, instead, he chose to apologize, something he didn't do all too often. Should she demand an explanation; yes, he would explain, for now, at least he knew he was in the wrong. 

A part of him wanted to leave, to continue the hunt of the wretched woman who had escaped him; but there was something he noticed. You smell different than last time. A quick observation. Before she smelled of a pack, she belonged somewhere; and now, she was alone. Though it was none of his business, it was interesting. Do the trembling affect you too? 

He wasn't certain where he was going with this; and frankly, he felt his vocals strain at how much he was talking suddenly. Though he had joined a pack recently, it was more so for convenience... to give him something to do rather than wander aimlessly - he still felt rather alone. There was still no need to talk to anyone - until now of course. Until he met someone he had felt respect for after a brief exchange of tooth and claw. And perhaps... he was a little concerned for her.

tags for reference! swear posts will get shorter soon! just a lotta mental shifts to cover rn

he apologises. she is not quite sure as to why as simple an uttering as 'sorry' comes as such a surprise to her but having been prepared for some sort of snarky comment; the refreshing nature of such a genuine word almost catches her off guard. unequipped to offer back anything, she simply nods yet dark eyes notably soften and tensed muscles slowly begin to let go of their unease. so tundra simply stares, tail tip twitching restlessly as she blinks; lost for what to say but feeling a strange need to fill the silence, to give him reason to stay. she cringes inwardly at the thoughts, shame burning in her gut for such wants; such weakness. yet there's little fight left in her and so they continue to fester, stomping about proudly at the lack of willpower to chase them off. ears straighten quickly at his next words before seeking her head once more as they lean back. 

anxiety translates into a defensive pride, tail sweeping around her as eyes harden once more; narrowing sharply on the pale man. "what's that supposed to mean?" it escapes into the air like an icy arrow shot right in his direction. she was still a member of blackfeather, surely the wood's scent hadn't begun to betray her already? yet it's with a pang of dulling distress that she realises the only woodland scents to accompany the twitch of her nose is what clung to the trees she resided under, her home....her wolves, truly gone. her body falls back onto her haunches, shoulders hunched as teeth grit angrily. why had the world chosen to punish her for her crimes now, of all times? yet perhaps it made sense, why punish her when she felt nothing; that wouldn't make any difference. no, they were smart, let her think she could start again only to snatch it from her grasp and leave her crippled? like that night...

she inhales shakily, perhaps @Maegi was right, maybe gods were real...and oh so very cruel. yet she did deserve it didn't she? an eye for an eye, one couldn't live a life of cruelty and expect none of it to be returned. balance. the thought of the nona brings forth a wince, would maegi think she'd abandoned them once things had gotten tough? she'd honestly prefer the woman thought her dead but she'd seen the growing distrust in the scarred woman, wolf after wolf had left her- why would she see tundra's sudden disappearance as anything else? 'gods, if you's are out there..don't let my punishment taint the lives of those i've cared about..' it's thought fiercely yet only moments later her head shakes sharply; what was she doing? there were no gods, and if there was /which there wasn't/ they were too heartless to deserve such a title, monsters suited much better.

him. she had almost forgotten his presence and starts slightly, surprised by the expectation to look upon @Aries , not the pale brute. yet, strangely enough it's not accompanied by displeasure that it was this wolf she had to be in the company of. no, despite the reproachful glare; daring him to make a go at her for her odd behaviour, she still remains glad that he remains. straightening, she focuses on the question she'd paid no attention to when he'd first uttered it. "i'm sorry" his apology is tossed right back as her eyes focus on the dappled floor. "yes the've affected me too, they have...stolen me from my home" she refuses to use the word 'lost', pride still managing to remain despite her previous little display. "so there's no end to the earth's anger, no? i had wondered was it simply where i was based but you..." she had been about to call him a wanderer but having been so caught up in herself, it's only now that she realises he too smells different. whilst she had been stripped of the scents of others, he had gained them. 

"you joined a pack?" she interrupts herself, voice raising to express the question to her words, the want to know more. she would always be a blackfeather wolf but...was it safe for her to remain alone in such dire times?

No it's okay! I love your posts, I just sit back and fall right into it <3 Now mine is long... 

The man was completely oblivious to her internal turmoil toward his apology. How it had halted her anger for his previous actions, caused a rippling effect within her as she battled her own little demons that crawled around in her head. No. He was a simple beast - lacking in social abilities and so it passes right over his head as the silence swallowed them for a moment. In fact, he thought none of any of it. 

What he did react to was what followed his attempt at concern. Ears twisting back defensively as he pulled his head high above his shoulders as if to try and make some space between them without moving his paws backward. A shocked look took him over within that one eye of his as he pondered what to say or do next - should he leave? Did he insult the woman already, more so than the faux attack he had started off their encounter with? 

There was no response, he couldn't even think of something to say let alone anything roll off his tongue to try and redeem himself. Instead, he stood there in a stupor. While they locked eyes, eventually the brute frowned in response, silence remaining until... she fell back. A defeated look overcame the proud woman and his scowl faded. One ear swiveled forward out of curiosity, but he dared not speak or move any more than a simple rotation of the ear. 

Within her, there had to be more than what could be seen. An internal fight she was battling and thoughts plagued her mind, leaving the nobleman in the dark as he stood before her. Though it did not take long, the silenced ticked on until she finally broke her slump and rose once again with pride that she glimmered with before. Her dare fell on deaf ears, but her own apology brought his second ear forward. Sorry? 

Cocking his head to one side, he couldn't believe the word had been directed to him. When had anyone ever directed such a word in his direction? Never. Not in earnest. It confused him, baffled him. 

Yes. His word was soft. Still, he stumbled with the thought of being apologized to, for whatever reason. I joined Rusalka after the first tremors. His eye faded from her face for a moment, pondering his next words carefully, unsure if it was fit for the moment - if that was what she wanted to hear, needed to hear maybe. Do you... Do you need a place to rest until the trembling calms?

in an unknowingly similar manner to he, the pallid woman remained oblivious to the bafflement to fall upon her company. dark eyes had shifted up towards the inky sky visible through swaying branches before the look could cross his face and so only had his momentary silence as an indication to his confusion, yet the distance of her own mind rendered the hint useless and it wasn't until speech twisted around a tilted ear that she'd tear her attention back. softly...the uttering is but an exhale in her direction and she clings to the tones of his speech desperately, the contrast of such soft tones to her daggered statements leaves her breathless at the want to both fall into it and run from it. wide, doll like eyes seek his golden gaze even as he drops the contact in a moment of pensive concentration. "rusalka" she echoes in his silence, unfamiliar and foreign to her tongue and yet, perhaps it was a hopeful word...maybe...

her tongue slips forward to run hurriedly over dry lips as her body gathers beneath her; a startling intensity to the look she focuses upon the ghostly brute as he mutters the words she both desired so greatly and yet feared to admit a need for on a whole other level. ears slick back as her gaze falls back to the earth, watching wordlessly as the shadowed pattens at her paws danced along the silver floor with each rustle of the thinning canopy above. the air was sharper, winter did not fear the world's angered shudderings, it would arrive in all its might in fact it could be just the backup the world needed; two bringers of death, they wouldn't stand a chance against it...unless perhaps they stuck together but yet even still....

"not yet" it's spoken with a certainty that does not reach her heart but she cannot help but hold back, she had only gotten separated about a week or so ago...right? she could still find her way home and even if not..her dark nose tilts up towards the map above her, inhaling the cool air deeply. the idea of signing herself away to another pack straight away, although rational, did not appeal to the ghost. perhaps she needed some time to wander. "but when...or if i must find you's, where should i go..rosencrantz?" the words roll softly from her tongue, a side look cast in his direction despite her face remaining upturned towards the sky. considering she was lost, the certainty that she'd find him was amusing in itself but this time she'd remember. if the earth found such a need to knock the memories from her head once again then it would become clear that she truly was marked and if so, joining a pack wouldn't be fair on anyone.

Sorry if the post is a little scrambled! RL is way hectic rn, and just trying to keep my main bois active lmfao

A slow nod was offered as she parroted, confirming the word as they both stood on the same ground. His offer felt strange, he had been in Rusalka for such a short time, his rank was low and he himself was nothing but a guard dog at their borders whenever he was within their reach. Who was he to offer anyone anything in the name of Rusalka? Would they even accept his offer on her behalf? He would try. There was so little that he held dear in this world, that this good thing... whatever it was with him and this female, he would do anything. 

Try anything. 

At least she knew there was a place for her should the need arise, or at least... that perhaps, she had a friend to come find in dire times. "Not yet" was her answer, and it did not hurt to have his offer rejected. Not yet - it meant she still had other things to do, she still had to try and find her way home for now and that rest was not something she needed right away. He admired that.

To the Plateau, East from here. His answer was as simple as ever. Softly spoken as baritone vocals fluttered in his throat. He had long lost his rage and the sharpness on his tongue, all that was left was some kind of smooth svelt. Call for me, and I will come. Regardless if Aningan lets you stay, you have an ally there. Above all else, he wanted to reassure that she was not alone despite her current situation. He would make up for his previous signs of aggression, both. 

It was up to him, after all, to show he would repent for his sins.

no dw your writing is as lovely to read as ever <3 likewise w the life being hectic tho, it's a pain

for perhaps the first time ever, she finds the magnetic force to attract solemn eyes not to be the sky above but the presence by her side. whereas usually her gaze would constantly flutter free from conversation to immerse itself in the scattered stars, she feels a restless buzz everytime she casts her gaze upwards only to be satisfied when she focuses back on rosencrantz. it's an odd thing to be overcome by and although she gives into the pull, there's a refusal to engage with it as large eyes roam his form restlessly. what was it that caused this discontent? what exactly did she yearn for that could swat this irritable fly away for good. she could ponder over such questions for hours on end and yet would continue to deny the obvious. 

ears tilt forth to catch the softly spoken words that drifted across the breeze, storing away each word with great care. yet one word trips her up and surprise darts fleetingly across inky orbs, eyes now pressing sharply into his own. ally. it was unexpected was all, but certainly not unappreciated and a soft hum slips from her throat. idly drawing a petite paw through the swaying grasses, she inhales steadily before murmuring; "thank you, so much..." brows furrow for a moment as she finally drops the stare so that her look now trails her parting of the grass. "why..." struggling to gather up the right words, ears lean back slightly as a small frown creases her features. "why do you care?" is what finally escapes on a soft breath, not exactly what she wants to know but there was no other way to word it without seeming conceited. she just wanted to know what it was he seen in her to bring out such...kindness. or perhaps he simply is warm hearted, yet at times like these she could not help but wonder was an open kindness towards any stranger above pure stupidity.

Though his form did not break or falter - that one ever gazing eye carefully watching his companion, the liquid pool of gold shimmering in the light, his mind was a whir on its own. He wouldn't dare break eye contact, even as her own seemed to skip and jump from place to place of which he didn't know where, for if he did, perhaps he would get lost in thought. This was no time for that. He was poor when it came to conversing... "heart to heart", he would be damned if a distraction would ruin this whole kinship with Tundra before it even truly had a chance to begin. 

Broad shoulders soften for a moment as he sighs to her gratitude, the feeling washed over him like a cool breeze on a summer's day. Relaxing. He could feel every nerve unwinding, only to be caught off guard by the question of why. Why would he care?

To him the answer was simple, there was no shame in it; but how do you word it? Every event that thrust him forward to this very spot, everything that had happened that pushed him to hold so dear onto one thread. You saved me from myself. The fight. To have released a great part of him without repercussions other than to let time heal physical wounds, without hating the warrior on the other end of his blade and vice versa. And for that, I am forever grateful.

When we first met, I felt alone, enraged, betrayed - and our fight grounded me. Perhaps it is strange to you, but it cleared my thoughts. This was when the knight's eye faltered. Almost as if ashamed his gaze fell to the ground, to her feet while rounded alabaster ears faced away.

the breeze picks up; dancing between their forms as the trees whisper with increasing excitement high above. she inhales deeply, focusing on the refreshing air travelling to her lungs before slipping out once more to rejoin the enviroment around her. she was alive, she could still inhale the world around her; as shitty as her situation may be one had to hold onto these silver linings. the hit to her head may have stolen a day and with it vital information from her mind but it could've taken so much more; all these days stretching before her could've been snatched from her grasp as well. a soft chuff, it was still achingly difficult all the same.

deep, rumbling tones snatch her back from the twisting spiral she'd fallen prey to once again. dark eyes lifting to focus on him, the words carry such a relatable meaning that her breath hitches slightly in her throat. dropping the look once more, a soft smile plays fleetingly at her features as she allows a miniscule shake of her head. "so strange..." she murmurs, lilting tones joining the breeze as she shoots him a side look; head tilted to the side. "something most wouldn't relate to, no? yet...you did the exact same for me i..." a slight shrug concludes her scattered thoughts. just an odd coincidence that they both happened to come across each other and be able to provide exactly what they needed, just a coincidence. yet here he is again, at another of her greatest lows...a thoughtful frown reigns supreme over pretty features once more.

"no, not to me. i was in a really bad place as well...i can confidently say you helped me as much as i helped you" her tongue runs absentmindedly over pearly fangs. she hadn't noticed just how pressing his gaze had been upon her until feeling its immediate absence which drew her own gaze to his pale form. his uncertainty comes across as so foreign to her and she absentmindedly moves closer, tail swishing slowly at her hocks as she lowers to a crouch to find those golden orbs once more. "want to...talk about it?" it's such a weird offering that she almost falters for fear that she worded it wrong but no, it hung in the air between them and this time its her gaze that flickers almost bashfully. 

in the morning reality would climb into their world with the sun but for now, the night could be there's surely?

Despite his embarrassment, keeping his gaze onto the ground, focus on the dirt, his paws, back and forth while he was uncertain of her reaction. Half expecting to be scolded for such a decision to use a stranger for his own gain as if it was a worthy excuse to pick fights with someone who did nothing wrong to him and instead use her as a stand-in; and yet, she didn't. Her tone drew his ears in, reaching out toward the pale woman as if thirsty for every syllable she said. 

She was so different. 

And he almost melted.

That cold sheet of ice he had built up for months, thick and unrelenting, he held onto it just as tightly as his few good relationships. As close as they were, he held them at arm's length. And for a moment he felt its defenses falter. "I can confidently say you helped me as much as I helped you", her eyes met his once more, and within his throat, he could feel the crushing sensation of emotion choking from inside. 

An amalgamation of thoughts and emotions flooded his heart and mind, all confusing. The sudden urge to hide his hideous disfigurement. He yearned for that closeness he felt with Rhaella before it all came tumbling down, desired nothing more but to protect himself from that heartbreak again, afraid of ruining a friendship again, terrified of being turned away for someone better, but craving that friendship above all else. No. Not yet, is what he really wanted to say, but his voice would not let him. 

Taking a breath, he found himself relaxing after unintentionally tensing up at the moment. Releasing the muscles in his jaws and shoulders. Do you? He returned the question. There was a softness in his eye, twisting and stretching his neck ever so slightly toward her despite wanting to step back.

the air shifts between them, twisting in a somewhat manic dance resulting in this electrified buzz that renders her breathless. ears lean back in slight discomfort, she feels....vulnerable, exposed- not something she was used to and therefore was left feeling..off for lack of a better word. searching eyes lean into his gaze, searching for answers to the questions that this aura had created. yet what she's met with she can not distinguish whatsoever and is left glancing fleetingly away, fearful at the way his golden light pierced into her darkness in ways she didn't understand.  her shoulders roll back stiffly, eyes reluctant to dedicate themselves to focusing upon his hulking frame even if she was careful to keep him within her peripheral vision. 

it comes as a surprise even to her to find a faint smile tugging at her lips at the abruptness of his expressed no. eyes dare to flick back to his painted face, finding an appreciated flicker of boldness in the relatability of that simple word. it does however, make her aware of how different this sitiaution is to what she experienced with aries...and something about comparing the two wakes this rolling wave of guilty shame in her gut as if she was doing something wrong. what was her mind suggesting by pinning them against each other anyway? why did it roam restlessly between the shadow and the ghost when she claimed to feel as aloof towards both as she did towards any others. yet despite her attempts to push those contradictions forth to dominance, the comparisons break through anyway. for with aries it had been a competition of sorts, tense, brash and bold yet with rosencrantz...it consisted of a purer, bashful safety. both, though, weren't without that electrical buzz.

a restless twitch of her long tail; what the fuck did it mean? perhaps she knew...but....'do you?' it frees her from her reverie and there's a moment in which she has to grasp with confusion for what it was he asked of her before remembering. a soft laugh breaks out now, unwelcomed yet seemingly determined to make itself known with its sharpness. her head shakes slowly, gaze burning into his; aware of how his own look softened and at a complete loss as to what to do about it. "not in the slightest" she manages to get out, silky voice a little bumpier than usual but the bemused smile does linger. it was at this moment that most wolves would likely open up to each other and find release in such an action but the knowledge that he too found that escape in action over talk meant so much more to the soldier. 

he leans closer in a smooth subtle motion yet the woman is caught freezing nonethless, a want to flee suddenly rearing its head but batted away by the instinct to also lean closer so that the sharp air between them was diminished until it was just this warm, moving space of their shared exhales. ears lay completely flat now as large eyes accept the light of his bright orbs, above the stars twinkle giddily as her tail swishes slowly at her hocks.

omg thank you for the kudos <3 this whole thread gave me feels

Once again the two seemed similar in their reactions and beliefs. Two warriors until the bitter end. Their pasts were nothing but haunting shadows, tossing glances their way to ensure that the same mistakes were never made. Both refused to speak what's on their mind and yet those figures loomed over each soldier without a doubt. Those claws just waiting to sink into their skin and rip away those security blankets. 

Even though Rhaella had crossed his mind, this woman was far different than the stary woman, not only by appearances but everything else as well. She didn't force or pry, Tundra allowed those walls to stay rigid, waiting patiently on the other side instead or clawing her way into the frozen core within. There was a strength she didn't need to boast with hurtful words and attitude. Perhaps it was that understanding between fighters, and not a knight coerced into companionship and blamed for not opening up before he was ready. 

He was thankful.

That silence. That comfort in not pulling against the tug against him. 

He could breathe, and trust at his own pace. 

As she moved closer, instinctively he reached, closing his eye and allowing their foreheads to touch in a light bump. It gave him chills, the ones that made your insides flutter. But as quickly as they touched he pulled back, not wanting to linger too much and step beyond placed boundaries of either knight. I must go now. With a smooth motion, he got up, tail hanging but ever so slightly holding a pendulum motion of its own should one watch carefully enough. 

I will see you again. Nature had a strange way of bringing individuals together and ripping them apart - and yet, here he was, certain of them meeting again. He desired to after all. He lingered to listen should she have more to say - otherwise, this would be a pleasant farewell.