Lost Creek Hollow There's a pain in my chest

AW, but preferably @atreus . Maia for reference so you know where Amalia is.

Amalia had met the wolf Sandulf at the borders and he'd been nice enough, but what he had to tell her had frozen her blood. She had quickly told @Maia where she was going and then she ran. She didn't stop for drink or food she just ran. Every mile she thought of how she hadn't been there when he needed her and it spurned her onward faster. By the time she made it she was exhausted hungry and tired. IT had taken her a few days to get there.

She received permission from Ash Paw to enter. Though she also got quite a dressing down for not taking care of herself. But she didn't care. Even so much as snapping at the poor woman with harsh words something she never did. But she felt it could be forgiven this time.

And she made it to the den mouth and collapsed, but kept her head up.

Atreus? She spoke on a pant.

He’d wobbled around outside for a little bit today, though it still hurt to walk. It also hurt to relieve himself, not just physically but emotionally. Atreus couldn’t just lift a leg and point anymore. He had to squat. It felt very undignified and he soon limped back to the den to lick both his literal and proverbial wounds.

He was just falling into a drowse when a shadow fell across the doorway, soon after followed by a body collapsing to the floor. Atreus jerked awake with a little shout of surprise, blinking stupidly at—

Amalia?! What’re you doing here? he gasped, both happy and surprised to see her here.

The male Sandy had told her of the grievious wounds. But she was unsure exactly what it all entailed until she got there. But she was more worried about him mentally. Physical could heal well if taken care of.

She coughed and spoke her voice a little raspy from lack of water. I'm sorry I wasn't there, Atreus.

She looked him over and nosed forward, but stopped short from touching him in case he didn't want her too.

What? he said a bit stupidly before he realized what she must mean. You mean, when…

He felt humiliated, suddenly. Atreus didn’t want to talk about the nature of his injuries or how he’d gotten them, even if it meant missing out on an opportunity to vent his hatred for his cousin. His joy at seeing his sister evaporated as he realized Amalia could see that he’d been castrated.

Of course you weren’t there. I was out exploring on my own, just like I wanted to be. It’s not your fault, Amalia, Atreus said rather gruffly, finding it difficult to look her in the eye. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I’m not going to be able to go back to the caldera for a little while.

She realized her misstep to late. And mentally yelled at herself. Atreus took things not so good sometimes and he tended to self sabotage in a way. He would take what she said and internalize it when she hadn't meant him to do that at all.

Amalia snorted. Don't you dare apologize. You're hurt and if i find the wolf that did it. I'll i'll hurt them.

She nodded. Yes I will i'll rip them apart. There was no reason. No reason.

She slammed her paw in the dirt and then suddenly grew dizzy and sort of swayed. Oh. She said quietly. Pressing a paw to her head and cheek. She hadn't realized how in a bad way she was. She probably should have had something to drink.

She blinked. That's okay you just focus on getting better.

She rebuked him for apologizing, then insisted she would avenge him. Atreus still felt shame curling in his gut, though he appreciated his sister’s protectiveness. He let himself picture Amalia tearing Masquerade limb from limb and took savage pleasure in the mental image.

There really wasn’t, he growled in agreement, indulging the feelings for a moment. She thought I did something to her mother but I didn’t. I have no idea what happened to her, he seethed before realizing some context might be helpful. It was my cous—

But he abruptly cut off when he realized Amalia was in a bad way. She swayed on her feet. Atreus instinctively scooted toward her, wincing as the movement pulled on his mending flesh. He nosed at her, trying to coax her to get down on the ground before she fainted.

Amalia, are you alright? he asked, voice thick with confusion and concern.

What was wrong with her? Atreus hadn’t expected Amalia to turn up here. He’d hoped someone would notify her and then he would eventually get back to her. He should’ve known she would drop everything and run to him. Atreus now felt like a moron on top of everything else, a little whine of worry eking out of him as he continued nudging her.

Do you need me to call for Ash Paw?

Amalia was not a savage wolf in mist cases. But she could hold her own, she thought, hoped maybe. And this was not something that ahould be left unavenged this was bad.

Amalia tried to listen. So his aunt then, at least she thought he was about to say cousin. If she is like her daughter maybe someone took revenge.

She held up a paw and licked along his head. Shaking her own. No no its okay. I just need a drink. I didn't stop to drink or rat. I'll be fine, right as rain with a little water and some food. I'll be fine. she reiterated not wanting him to get to worried. He had his own needs to attend too.

His brow furrowed at her admission. Amalia had lovingly admonished him, now it was his turn!

Why did you do that? Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re here. But I’m okay. You didn’t have to come all this way, especially without eating or drinking, Atreus chastised.

He didn’t have any food or water to offer, though he scooted even closer and tried to curl around her a bit. It hurt but it was worth it to take and receive comfort from the only wolf in the world who really meant anything to him.

We can go outside and get a drink at the river. I should be able to walk there, he muttered quietly.

She looked at him with a soft smile. Because you were alone and hurt in a place you didn't know.

She was alarmed as he moved closer only because she didn't want him to hurt himself. But he was determined so she bit her tongue and didnt chastise. She preened at his esrs and head where she could reach.


Are you sure? she didn't want him to push himself. Healing especially something so grievous took time.

No, he admitted with a grunt, but I’m going to try. You need water.

He gently pushed against her, stepping toward the den’s mouth. Atreus moved slowly, favoring the scabbed skin where his manhood used to be. Teeth clenched, he emerged into the daylight and then cast his eyes for the river. It wasn’t too far.

Looking around for Amalia, he said, There’s something you should know, Amalia. His ears splayed a little before he continued, I offered to stay here as part of their pack while I heal, then for a little while longer. They saved my life and they’re using resources to get me well. I want to repay them.

She followed behind him. It was within sight. She lay a heqd to his shoulder.

Stay right here. I can make it that far. Just keep an eye yea.

He next words filled her with sadness and for a moment breif bitterness. They always leave. But she took a deep breath.

If that is what you want to do. I'll just have to learn all the shortcuts to come see you.

She told him to stay put while she continued to the nearby water. Atreus was in no shape to argue with her. He merely nodded and very gingerly took a seat, eyes fixed on his older sister to read her expression.

I wouldn’t say it’s what I want to do, he said thoughtfully, it’s what I think is right, though.

Atreus wasn’t sure what he wanted these days. He had been happy enough being part of Brecheliant, even if he’d been spending less time there in an effort to lose some weight. Once Masquerade had maimed him, he’d truly wanted to be put out of his misery.

But looking at Amalia now, he was glad he was here if only so she wouldn’t have to suffer over his loss. His tail tapped on the ground as he bent to lick her cheek before nudging her to go fetch that drink.

Amalia knew that he couldn't go that far. And that was okay. She could make it she was pretty sure.

She smiled at him. It is what is right and i am proud of you.

She slowly went towards the water. Knowing not to drink it so much she get sick after none for 2 days.

Then she would return to his side. Looking him over again.

She took a drink and then padded back to him, her expression speculative. He could feel the weight of her gaze and offered her a thin, reassuring smile.

Since you wore yourself out coming all this way, why don’t you at least spend the night? I mean, you don’t have to if you don’t want to or if you need to get back. But I’d like having you here. I’m sure they won’t mind.

He saw her watching and tried to offer her reassurance. And had she not known him well it would've been enough. But she knew him and it wasn't, but she chose not to comment.

I will stay a few days. Help them fill caches and keep an eye on you.

Amalia said she would stay with him for a few days. Atreus’s smile was a little broader and more genuine this time. It would be nice having her here, reminding him why he was still here and why he should do his best to adjust to and cope with his new reality.

I was about to take a nap when you showed up. Want to join me? he asked, turning slowly to walk back into the den where he’d been staying.

He carefully lowered himself to the ground with a grunt and a sigh. Atreus shifted his weight a little, every movement ginger to avoid aggravating his wounds. He angled his hips to the side and kept his hind legs clasped together to keep the destruction out of sight.

Wanna fade this for us? :)

sure thing as always thank you for the thread

Amalia knrw if given the chance Ateus would get a little sad and despondent. And she was determined this wouldn't happen. This was bad and a tiny bit life altering, but not to the point of death.

She nodded and curled up near to him. Mindful not to jar him in anyway.

Sleep well