Qeya River to die for

hurr hurr hurr hurr... only @Star Eater for now, pls.. tho dont take thread title too seriously ive just been watching a lot of TLK

he brought towards the river of their home, led by the sounds of splashing water. ghelan peered over the edge, watching the rushing waters distort his reflection. little droplets danced and reached for him. they could only touch his nose, but a rush of cold as rapid as the river ran through the young boy. like hell did it deter him though.

but a slap to the face does. eep! a yelp erupts from him, sending him galloping in a circle away from the waters edge. a fish flees the scene, mocking ghelan with hops above the water's surface. come get me! 

blocks of ice float by and interrupt his play. giggling, the boy leaped between ice block and ground, chasing after the trout that slapped him. the cold stung like needles, pricking him from head to toe, but the galloping boy didn't dwell on it. he would just run the cold off.

the boy's carefree laughter reached her ears, but it did little to ease the tight coil of worry that had already taken root in her stomach. her legs carried her faster than her thoughts, pregnancy’s weight pressing her paws into the frost as she hurried toward the edge.
ghelan! her voice rang out, sharp and edged with fear. the boy’s head whipped around at her call, his bounding pace faltering for just a moment. anxiety churned in her throat, nausea rising alongside it, though she forced herself to keep steady.
she began to pace along the edge, her sharp gaze tracking his movements as if to will him to safety. be careful! she urged, her tone dipping into something softer, pleading. the rush of the river’s current seemed louder now, the chunks of ice appearing sharper, more perilous than before.
star eater stopped abruptly, her legs bracing as if to leap forward should he slip. you’ll catch cold—! or worse, she called, her voice firm but warm, laced with the maternal concern she couldn’t suppress. the sight of his small frame against the mighty river’s backdrop sent a shiver through her that had nothing to do with the winter air.

running, prancing, jumping. he continued to do all of it, joining pace with the river while legs weave between ice and ground. the fish had long since outrun him, and ghelan couldn't care! the wind against his face, nimble only in this race against himself.

and yet he halts, frozen. for a moment, he could've sworn he heard her in the flurry when someone calls for him.
eyes find only keda — star eater now. she stands at the edge, anxious and worried, her round figure becoming smaller as he floats along a block of ice. his head dips, momentarily, but he continues his play at a slower pace. he was being careful, and he wouldn't catch a cold — it's cold all around them! he already had the sniffles.

i'll be fiiine. through a pout he grumbles. he can't ever get far enough on his own without her on his trail.

ghelan’s carefree leaps, the way he toyed with the rushing current, brought a sharp whine to her throat.
ghelan! she called, her voice strained, cracking at the edges. her distress echoed in the icy air as her steps carried her closer to the water’s edge, her eyes never leaving his small, daring form.
please, come back! the words spilled out in a desperate plea, her tone laden with worry. her tail lashed behind her, a helpless gesture as her heart thundered against her ribs. every leap he made sent a jolt of fear coursing through her, her instincts screaming louder than reason.
she whined again, her voice softer this time, imploring. it’s not safe! the edges of her paws brushed the snow-dusted ice, her stance taut as she fought the urge to plunge in after him.
the ice would continue to crack.