Whitefish River Heart strung, young and dumb

:'^)

The weeks of rain came and went, taking a lot more than the Count was completely aware of with it. The land remained muddy, but at the very least she was finally dry outside of her den. It would be wrong to say Ira had forgotten about Hieronymous. Compared to the last time he lost his way she often found her thoughts drifting to the male. Was he ok? She prayed that the worst was just her overthinking things, but given how much time had passed she knew she'd have to swallow that rock soon. Whatever happened he was gone...and she missed him.

It felt unfair, that right when she needed him most he disappeared. The weight he lifted from her shoulders by helping shoulder her responsibilities, he was more than capable as a right-hand man. Yeah, that's it. A friend and leader, it was a hard loss not just for her but the whole of the pack. At least that's what she'd keep telling herself.

Then she heard it— a call, though it almost seemed as if it waivered. The Count froze in place at the sound, it was all too familiar, surely she had imagined it? Right? How often did those you think about appear when you're thinking of them? Not wanting to risk it Ira changed her course quickly making her way to the borders in search of the painted knight. Working her way through the trees, the male's broken form soon came into view causing her to stop in her tracks as if she had spotted a ghost, Gods deceive me— The words were a mere whisper on her lips as she waited for her mind to process, ensuring this hadn't been a trick of the light.

Seeing him so injured hurt, it sent a pang through her heart, but more importantly, he was alive and he was home. Perhaps she had missed him more than she realized because it wouldn't be long until she rushed to the male's side for an embrace, Hieronymous you're alive—! though it suddenly occurred to her that while he couldn't feel pain the touch might still hurt his injuries...not to mention she just rushed to hug the man. Clearing her throat she took a few steps back ignoring the burn of embarrassment that ran through her cheeks Sorry...ah...you've been gone some time.