Broken Antler Fen Please allow me to have ONE cathartic experience in my life -

Her excitement was palpable as she almost jogged in place, vibrating, at the news of Maia's children. Then more—oh! Sisters and a brother! She was about to butt in to ask about their names when the woman continued.

It was a segue she hadn't expected in the least, and Lilitu's face remained stretched in a smile for a couple more heartbeats. It slowly faded, though, all life in her face draining away as the words sank in.

She didn't make it. I'm so, so sorry.

No, she said, shaking her head. That—she was fine, when I left. That can't be true.

But why would Maia lie? Her friend was a storyteller, but she was no fibber.

Lilitu sat suddenly, heavily on her haunches, feeling as if her body was weighed down by immeasurable pressure. She felt herself hyperventilating, struggling for breath. And then the grief came, pouring violently from her like blood from a mortal wound.

A wretched keen escaped her maw, tears rolling thick and fast down her cheeks like the spring rains.