It had been too long since she’d last set hoof upon this land. Far too long. And everything had changed. Vihaan felt she knew the whole truth now, and it had taken her some time to process. If she were to be honest, days ago she wasn’t even sure that she had wanted to return to the Desert, even though she yearned deep in her heart for her son. He wouldn’t be that gangly little colt she’d left behind any more, Vihaan knew this. And, though she’d never regret her decision to leave him behind while she protected her mother and father and siblings on Luthien, if she were to regret anything, it would be this. Once upon a time, Vihaan had been certain that she’d known who she was. But she’d been wrong. She knew now, though. More than anything else, Vihaan would always be a fighter and defender.

But there were some things that she’d forever be helpless against, such as the sad scene she observed from afar for a time.

Uncertain as to how Cain would welcome her, after she’d been gone far longer than she’d originally intended without having sent word. And her heart broke the moment she laid eyes upon the graves. The grief she felt wasn’t entirely her own – while she’d met the other mares of Cain’s herd that were noticeably absent, she would not falsely claim to have been close to them. Death was always tragic, but for Cain to lose two in such a short time… Vihaan was slow in her approach, did not call out for she had no desire to disturb him, but neither did she attempt to sneak up on him.

"Cain," she said softly when she was within earshot, stopping a small distance from him. If he wanted, he’d only have to reach towards her and he would know by touch that she was really there, and not just some phantom spirit of the desert. "I’m sorry," Vihaan continued, her voice raw, expression taut, layers upon layers of grief and hurt and mourning. "I’m sorry for everything." And layers of meaning. And there was a glimmer of something in her eyes. She longed to reach for him, and offer comfort, and be comforted in return. But she held fast. Cain might not wish for company, especially not hers. And besides that, Vihaan had returned for a purpose, and the steel that braced her spine was stronger than ever.

A deep breath, as if to steady herself for all that was to come. But she knew, she knew what needed to be done. "You need me." It was not a question, and nor was it an admission of conceit. Vihaan was not by nature a vain creature. She was fierce and faithful to those who proved themselves to her. It was merely a fact, spoken with a weight to it. "I kept my word to you. I came back, despite everything." Her gaze sharpened, but it was not cruel, and Vihaan had control enough over her emotions to temper her anger. Now was not the time for the unspoken truth to pass between them. Perhaps later they would speak of Primrose, her sister, and what Cain had done to her. Perhaps not.

There was much she wanted to say, but for now, she fell silent, waiting for a response from Cain and to gauge how he’d take her words, and watching for some kind of cue as to whether or not to continue, or whether Cain needed more time to grieve. Regardless, unless he chose to excuse himself, or asked her to leave, Vihaan would remain with him, for no one should have to bear such burdens alone.

Vihaan