Sanguine Cove by mistake or design

After her conversation with Nash earlier in the day, she had decided to remain in the Cove… with the situation as it was, and with Magg still missing she didn’t feel entirely comfortable leaving home. Besides, it was nearing March and she worried about returning to the mountain in time for when the heat began and she found herself far too far from her husband. No, she would remain, and reschedule for the summer… though the more she put off the venture, the more she wondered if it was a good idea to begin with.

What if it had been Eclypse? Or Magg? Or any of her children? What if the Backwater had let them die on their watch? Would she ever be able to find it in her healers heart to forgive them? And if she could not, as a healer… what hope was there for the Valle family? Perhaps Clover might… Clover was kind, rational… but Viorel? She knew far less about him, and she was not certain he could ever forgive her or the Cove.

She thought of Aleister in that moment, a sadness in her eyes as she looked out over the lake, having decided to sit down and peer out over it. The lake used to bring her so much peace, and now? It only brought her torment.

Aquene Slayer

Let me know if you're not okay with any assumptions about his treatment/recovery and I'll change em <3

The first couple of days back had been rough – setting his shoulder right, after so long, had hurt worse than he’d ever felt before. But it had dulled quickly after that, and with Aquene’s help, the bruised joint was healing nicely, making him able to put a little more weight on the leg every day. His pride was a different story, and his guilt, darkening his mind and weighing down his heart. All that kept him going was the need to make up for his mistake – as soon as he was strong enough, he would be back out there searching for @Magg, for as long as it took to bring her back. Until then he focused almost entirely on his recovery, getting in daily exercise, sometimes walking the border, to feel a little useful. He mostly stuck to himself, consumed by this new task he had taken on, and feeling his guilt much too strongly whenever he had to face one of the Eastfalls; @Nash especially. But today, as he ended his morning walk by the lakeshore, he spotted a dark silhouette gazing out over the water, and paused. His first instinct was to turn away, leaving her alone to process whatever she needed in peace. But something stopped him; She looks so lonely… Of course, she had plenty to worry about, a good deal of it to blame him for too, but that just made it even more right for him to stay – they hadn’t talked properly since he came back, she deserved a chance to confront him, not as a patient but a subordinate. Slowly, Leo walked over to sit beside the Shaman, a light sigh falling from his lips. He followed her eyes, watching the horizon for a time in silence. Then, in a hushed voice, he said simply: “Hey…” Thoughts ”Speech”

Coccineus, annamae22, stock-ashleyrwatts & Dawnthieves.de

Her world had come crashing down upon Leo’s return to the pack… Leo’s return without Magg… it caused an ache in her chest to think about it… and still, she could not find it in herself to find fault with him. She knew what the world was like, better than most… she was angry, but it was at the situation, not at the son of one of her closest friends… not at the son that she often saw as her own at times, especially with his own parents gone. She had been diligent in her treatment of the boy, determined to ensure nothing had happened to him on her watch, just as she did with every patient.

Especially the children.

Though they were not children any longer… though they were nearly grown, they would always be children. Her children. One could never understand the love and fear of being a parent… not until they became one themselves.

She was only vaguely aware when he sat down beside her, her eyes continuing to follow the breath of the horizon, seeking to know where it laid. What was on it’s edge? What new hope? New life? She could not begin to fathom…

His voice caused her to stir, a gentle sadness in her eyes as she glanced to look towards him. “Hello.” She’d respond back, her respectful and calm nature as always though the tones of melancholy were undeniable still in her voice.

She wondered if they were cursed… if perhaps they ought to have left the mountain long ago… a part of her wondered if they still should. It was Nash’s home… it had become her home for so long too… but each time something happened, she’d lie if she said it didn’t sound more and more appealing.

Aquene Slayer