Water pooled around his ankles, taking some of the blood and dirt off instantly. Due to the recent bout of warm weather the water moved at a leisurely pace, tumbling over the rocks as it meandered through the forest. The river had always been a source of comfort for the ghost, like the lake south of the Kingswood. His chartreuse stones fell to his paws, briefly, watching tendrils of red being swept down the river. His brows narrowed, throat suddenly becoming dry. The last remnants of Kisla were dispersing into the river; disappearing and soon to be forgotten. His heart ached. Coming to terms with this loss was going to be difficult, he knew that, but he couldn’t let it continuously weigh him down. He had to move forward, even if he did not want to. Even if he wanted to let the grief consume him. He couldn’t let it.

He peered over at little Risaela, his features softening as he stepped toward her, brushing his tongue against her forehead once more. Remaining silent the leader slumped into the water, his long legs folding against the bottom of the river. He motioned for her to join him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “It’s okay,” he hummed as he lowered his nose to the water, his peridots still focused on the little Tainn. “She’s still with you, Ris. Always. Even when the blood is gone. She’s in here—“ he tapped her chest gently with his nose “—always.” With that XIX dipped his head beneath the water, despite being reluctant at first, and allowed the shallow water to cascade around him, ridding him of his friend’s blood.

After keeping his body submerged for a few moments Lachesis breached the surface, his jaws parting as he gasped for breath, his chest heaving. It appeared the little Tainn had followed suit, for her tawny fur was visible beneath the rippling surface of the river. Seconds after the ghost had greeted the cool air, the silver-eyed girl reappeared, looking even more panicked than before. He wasn’t really good at this whole comforting thing, was he? A frown tugged at his lips as he moved toward her, seeking to comfort her once more, but the girl scrambled away from the water visibly distraught. Way to go, Lachesis, he thought brashly to himself as he followed her, his long legs pushing through the slow moving water with ease.

Flopping down beside her once more the ghost took her against his chest, hoping that his body heat would help sooth her trembling body. The wounds were still fresh—there was nothing he could say that would ease her pain. XIX knew that he just had to be there for her and do whatever he could to help her get through the loss of her mother. If she ever moved passed it. Tucking his chin over her small body the ghost remained silent, not wanting to disturb her or cause her to run from him once more. They would stay like that, for as long as she needed to, before XIX would return her to the dens, tucking her inside his own den after ensuring checking on Mathéo to see how he was handling his mother’s passing…

Fade.