I knew something was not completely right, and it did not have to do with me and my family arriving to Iromar. Something else had happened that involved the dried blood upon her, her own form seeming to drag down as we become more alone and in a more private spot. My eyes can only simply reflect their concern for her as my very soul feels the burden of her pain. I somehow know I should have been there, to have her wounds inflicted upon myself instead, as I would do that in a heartbeat.

Yet when I express this fact, she steps towards me, her green eyes touched with a craze lighting up my own, causing my form to grow tense in only that I had wanted to fall into her right then and there, but paused before doing so. She was so close to me now but yet so far. Her words, were something that I knew was correct. I did have to ensure that my family was well, and even then, I could not protect them for the overtaker of Glorall. Yet when she says that she is glad I am here, my eyes brighten as I blink a few times. It is simply...an amazing feeling to hear her say that. My heart beat races and I feel what is akin to a tingle all across my body. Even more surprising, Aithne reaches out to me, and I respond by moving very slightly into her in response, allowing her to place her cheek against my neck.

I know there is an instinctual part of her that does not wish it as she shudders as I allow my own muzzle to gently touch upon her neck near her ear, closing my lavender eyes, allowing her to control what happens from there on out. I must admit that I am in my own sort of small heaven, delighted by her touch in an inner most way, as if I am whole again and had never known I was not. Her scent, her touch, her voice, I could stay here forever, and there is a certain comfort in knowing that I could now...do that.

Her next words do stir me though, my eyes closing tighter. She had killed someone, and I am not angered by this fact, but by the fact that there was nothing I could do at this point to help it. I know that I would not prefer to kill but if anyone had tried to touch Aithne in a way that displeased her, to the point of extreme pain and suffering...I know the simple thought of it makes my teeth want to shoot out of my lips. I would fiercely protect her with my own life and protect her to the point of ending the life of another iaf that was what had to happen. I inhale and exhale, leaving a moment quiet between us before I speak.

"You do what you have to do to protect yourself and others," I say in a comforting tone. I know not exactly the details, but it was a simple enough statement.

"I will stay here and...hopefully ensure you will never have to do that again," I say seriously, knowing that I would be her fangs for her. I would be whatever it is that she needed in this pack, and I know that it is best for me to be here, as I have known even from so long ago. I should have come sooner, but I cannot dwell on that now. Now, I must be here, to allow her to press into my fur if she wishes as my own nose gently presses into hers. It is a moment so perfect for me, even despite her sadness, and I know I will remember it for years to come.

Praetor
Six-No Love-Soul of Aithne-Prince of Glorall