Despite his previous feelings, Serris was actually quite glad he had rambled on to Devil’s Angel. All the things that needed to come out had, and already he was feeling lighter, less depressed, less stressed. She had accepted his offer of help, if only slightly, but that was Devil’s Angel. Much like himself. Help was for those who were weak, but what creature would want to be identified with such a term? He was glad to see her trusting of his assistance, though. Her comment drew a smile to his kissers, a sideways grin as the proceeded into the territory.
This was not the end of it, though, for as they walked Devil’s interloping comments caused not only smiles but chuckles and even laughs to bloom from the Alpha. The comment on his ‘old man’ statement especially. The younger members of the pack probably thought him quite aged, but Serris knew he could run each one of them down without the slightest break in breath and send them to greet Wolfbane, where ever the dark lord might reside. Devil seemed to know that as well. In her health she could very well do the same.
The sudden lull in the conversation gave Serris time to contemplate his next move. It might have seemed like they were wandering aimlessly, but the slender brute was purposefully directing their movements towards the river and the caves that echoed there. He had led Alleria there when she herself was wounded, and Serris figured it the safest place for any of his pack to reside. Afterall, he found himself down by the water often, and the few caves he had explored were far deep enough to hide any lupine from danger of any sort. Whether Devil’s Angel decided to stay was another matter, and whether Serris himself would stay to try his hand at nursing was another matter as well. Sure, Alpha duties called, but he considered this job by far the most important. As long as he kept his sight on caring for his members, everything else would fall into place. Afterall, why else does an Alpha defend his pack against challengers if it is not out of concern for his members? Border patrol fell under much the same category. But Serris knew his presence would do little to nothing to help Devil’s Angel regain her well-being. Perhaps he would be better of continuing his rounds.
They were almost at the creek when Devil’s Angel suddenly stopped. The loss of her silhouette from his aqua portals caused Serris to start, slight surprise in his gaze as he was jolted back to reality. His neck craned around to inquire upon her actions and his own forward movement halted, but the darkly-tinted she-wolf resumed her stride quickly and the regal was forced to trot a few steps to re-match their paces. It was then that her lyrics hit his auds, brave and reserved at the same time. A question on his thoughts. Nothing out of the ordinary to an onlooker, but in the current situation it was quite the bombshell. Surely she was taking a risk to inquire such a thing. The knight let the question sink in for a bit, his gaze pinned to the terra, memory now guiding their steps. Something between a sad smile and smirk contorted Serris’ face, his pools both soft and hard in the shadowy light.
“What indeed.” The words were soft, yet biting. Evidence of the king’s eternal internal struggle. He let his cranium rise back to its normal level before continuing. “The thoughts within this skull are much too difficult for even me to comprehend, let alone conjure into flesh. I do suppose there is another way for me to answer that question, though. Let’s just say that I am too stressed to concern myself with outward appearances right now, both physical and psychological. I wish only to concern myself with acquiring some semblance of mental comfort. And indeed, this conversation has helped to ease me some.” Serris took a breath, deciding to add an afterthought. “You see, I wouldn’t dare utter these words to Aindreas. He seems to be the only thing around with some intelligence these days.” A deep chuckle resonated in his chest.
It just so happened that they reached their destination as Serris concluded his reply. The hessian left the fae’s side to guide her down a small slope and to the mouth of a cave he knew would suit her well. The water trickled behind them, the sound of joyful water spirits as they ran over the river rocks, their toes ringing like bells with every contact. It was the soundtrack of his world. But his attention returned to Devil’s Angel and he motioned to the cave’s entrance. “Here is a safe place for you to rest as you regain the rest of your strength.” He didn’t say much else because he knew it was not needed. Devil knew he would come to check often, as would he send food whenever excess was available. And, of course, she was fully able to deny his offer. Either way, Serris would make sure to provide for her in any way he could.
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