Rivka remains a constant shadow in the jungle, doing her best to stay out of Charybdis’ way and at the same time watching with the eager eyes of a child deprived. Though maturity has finally begun to take shape in the curve of her throat and the womanly curve of her hips, still Rivka remains teetering on the edge of childhood, clinging to what feels familiar and safe. The usurp of the Paradise wolf had affected her far more than the absence of Vanya. Where the old wolf had doted on her and showered her with tenderness, the seal brown queen had been far less forthcoming in her affections.

This is perhaps why Charybdis’ acceptance and even welcome seemed so strange. Despite that, Rivka drank it up with the same eagerness that one might devour water after weeks without. She tried her best to keep out from beneath the pale sea queen’s hooves but more times than not she found herself drifting near out of desperation for belonging.

The anxiousness of the mare was something she had come to recognize. For whatever reason, especially when she thought she was alone, an almost palatable apprehension seemed to take over the Ridge queen. Like an itch that could not be scratched, the woman would pace back and forth along the edge of the ridge where seasons ago she had saved Rivka from what would surely have been her downfall. Always Rivka found herself frowning with concern and pressing together her lips tightly to keep the questions from giving away her hiding place but always she remained watchful. Observing time and again how longingly Charybdis would gaze across the ocean in silence.

Today was no different.

Ever the silent observer, she watches from the safety of the monstera leaves as Charybdis paces along the high rocky outcroppings above. Again her brows furrow as she watches, lingering fear dancing in the back of her mind that this moment might be the last as always. Even tossed amid the crashing waves of her own thoughts, she cannot, no, will not intrude.

Whatever tortures the mare seems to subside and Rivka perks her ears at the sound of her summoning bugle. She is caught again amid a squall of her own thoughts as thoughts of Charybdis’ reason for the summons weighs heavily on each step she takes. Even as she emerges from the rain dampened foliage, the brightness in her gaze is clouded by worry and fear. She was not sure she could handle being left behind again. ”Charby….” she murmurs, closing the distance between them at a quick trot. Just as she had done the very first time they met, Rivka pressed against the alabaster woman, burying her small dark muzzle into the skin just behind her shoulder. ”You aren't….. Leaving…. are you?” she asks, her voice more timid and unsure of itself than her resolve only moments ago had allowed. Nonetheless, she needed to hear it from her lips, needed to know and prepare her heart for the uncertainty if that is what was to happen. Twin flutes tilt backwards submissively as she fights against the lump in her throat. ”I’ll… can I go with you this time?” she whispers, not daring to lift her gaze should the same stern expression Vanya had last given her be visible now.