surrendering to gravity | ...

[BLOODHOUND.]

They feel frozen in place, anchored to this location, to the memory of dark fur bobbing over the waves, trying to stay afloat. Tied to a force of will greater than their own, bound to lay here and simply mourn. It was foolish, all of it was, to pin hope upon a suffering child, to expect something more than loss.

To lay there like a corpse, found only by those who remained.

It is Vigenere that they hear first, startled to know that they can determine his footsteps at this point, that something in this swamp would remain familiar. And even as comfort feels distant now, as every bleak feeling of helplessness weighs them down, they turn to face him, his voice breaking the silence, punctuated by them desperately trying to catch their breath and wipe away tears. Not for him, of course, not that they were afraid of being caught like this, but because they knew at some point, they would have to wipe them off anyways.

"No." They have to force themself to speak, their voice raw. "He left a note. I do not know where he was heading. I do not think he was meant to be found."

Their abilities had failed them before. It wasn't devastating, it was easy to lose track of someone. But this... here and now, after reaching out to the boy, after being left behind, the death of their crow.... everything had all crashed down on them, the more the searched, the harder they pushed their body, even as their lungs screamed and they followed the same scent paths over and over until their own overpowered Ivan's. How strange and weaving and aborted his trails were, they felt they were going insane.

Perhaps, that was how Ivan had felt, too.

Aurum approaches soon after, large paws sinking into the gravel and sand. He speaks, and the sound of his voice matched the endless waves that washed over their legs, matched the bleeding red sunset that burned their eyes. Their eyes land on him, large and soft and full of tears, and all they can do is shake their head.

And deep in their heart, they know they would not ever find him.

Another approaches, Delilah. Bloodhound remembers her from that day. How she had watched them pull the little one from the waves. Her presence in the recent meeting. They do not know her. And as it happens, they do not need to speak, for her to put the pieces together.

They lay there in silence for some time, before deciding to stand on aching legs, overworked and tired. Slowly, they compose themself, shaking off the sand and grit and water. There were many trials one must face throughout their journey to valhalla's end. This was one of theirs.

They would be strong, as Ivan was.

"I am touched, that you came searching." They say to those that have gathered.

At it's core, Tanglewood was a force of kindness, they were sure.

THE TRUE TEST IS BEFORE THE ALLFATHER.