I have watched this pup grow from tiny little newborn, to a bright eyed yearling. I have seen her begin to blossom under the tutelage of my mate. She has grown much, but the way she looks at me, with the skepticism of one who has seen a ghost but seriously doubts it, I really want to shake her. I do not appreciate being doubted, but the only thing that stays my jaw is the fact that I completely understand. One ear twists back, and suddenly, as she speaks. Smell her? Confusion graces my face, and I smile lightly. "Malina.." I start, but she is talking again, forcing me to listen, telling me of all of my living children, how well they are doing. The news that Isola is a queen floors me, that my daughter has followed in my pawsteps, that she is acting queen. No doubt this must be difficult for Heyel if he truly does reside in this...Diveen. To live under his daughters rule, one day his ego was going to get him harmed. My heart stops beating and suddenly, through the happy news, I am slammed with reality. They live, and this wonderful, dark girl has brought news of them.
My tense stance eases a bit and I begin to speak again. "I would like to go to them. But...I believe I would only distress them further in this...condition. I need time to heal further, time to look...more myself. As for how I survived, well..that is a story for another time." I smile softly at her, understanding, I have questions for her as well. I do not want to overburden her with the details of my survival. As she steps forward, I do as well, closing the distance to pull her to me, tucking her close to my chest as I press my muzzle into her shoulder. I inhale deeply, taking her up on the earlier offer, and I nearly crumble at the first traces of Heyel, tears well up behind closed lids at the scent of my children. "I miss everyone so much, Malina. Will you do me a favor?" My voice is thick with tears, and I fear I will break and cry into her pelt if I do not pull away from her. Glistening opals stare into hers, imploring her to acquiesce. "Bring me news of my family, of how they fair. But, I do not wish them to know of my existence just yet. I wish to surprise them when I am healed enough to do so. Will you do this for me, Malina?" Again I am hopeful, that she will be able to keep my secret, that she will bring me news of my loved ones. It is also a test of how well she has been trained, if she could fool Heyel, keep my scent from her pelt, and sneak away to bring me news. My tail even waves with the hopeful spark I have in my chest. | |