I'M STILL HERE ; visitor

[aine.]

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I'll come back when you call me

Since the sky burst into flames, the petite deer-fox had rarely wandered all the way to the border.  Last time had been before the Pitt spun on its axis, when her father's cousin stopped by with concern and an offering of herbs.  A pleasant visit.  It felt like forever ago now.  Aine did not know when she'd have another pleasant visit like that.  Peaceful.  Happy.

It was only a matter of time before the loneliness drove her to the brink.  Recklessness.  Listlessness.  The grief had yet work its way through her system.  She barely had time to think on the other repercussions.  To fully comprehend.

The desert gave her space.  Even if her legs wobbled.  Even if she knew she shouldn't push her broken leg.  She liked the open space.  The border itself gave her... Uncertainty.  The fae lingered away from the line.  Most days.  But most days she didn't see the fuzzy outline of a friend sitting there.  Her heart dropped into her stomach.  Even if her hazel hues strained to focus, she knew the shape of those horns.  Those wings.  Those freckle-like spots she found adorable.  She knew him.

She shuffled her own wings.  The jet black, speckled with white, no doubt a stark contrast to the surrounding sand.  Deer in the headlights.  She may have yet fully caught him in her poor vision, but he likely saw her.  For the first time she thought of bolting.  Her eyes pricked.  To talk to Ry.  To her best friend.  To.  To explain.  To.  To voice everything.  It felt too real.

But that was her name on the wind.

Aine swallowed.  One hoof in front of the other.  Still wobbly.  She didn't run.  Neither to nor away.  Just tried to breathe on the way, unsteady walking.  Her ears were perked.  Nose flaring.  If anyone else... If someone... He has to go.

There were bandages already on him.  Her words died somewhere in her throat.  Eyes stinging.  Not here.  Not right now.  He had to go.  Even if she didn't want him to.  To stay was worse.  Even if he was her best friend.  Even if she missed him everyday.  Even if it hurt.

"R-Ry.  Ry.  You can't.  You shouldn't.  You shouldn't be here."  Not here.  Not right now.  She fought the way her lips trembled.  Fought every sting in her eyes.  Not here.  Not right now.  "Ry please, you-you have to go."

— aine | the pitt | fleshweaver | fae druid —