‘ easy now. ’ the druid lifted her hands in defence, hoping to show that she was no threat. ‘ i am a friend seeking shelter from the storm outside, just like you are. mind if i benefit from your campfire? ’

there is nothing i would rather do.

come, let us rest now. you have had a long journey.

soon, i hope ... as soon as we have put an end to this curse.

of our oldest?

yes, she is. and tougher than me, that one. all of them are, in their own ways.

you are a father. ( her thumb brushed against his knuckles when she saw that darkness in his gaze. ) there are rion and jord, who are following in their mother's druidic footsteps. and fig, jhessem and tate, the younger cubs ... i hope you will get to meet them all soon.

do not forget to breathe now ... ( she squeezed his hand reassuringly, though amused. ) yes, we do. five young cubs, far away from this evil. ( or at least, that's what she thought. )

i speak and speak and that is the one detail that captures your attention. ( a small chuckle, features softening a little at the thought of her family. ) i have taken in five wards.

i savour every moment i get to share with you, even more so than before. ( a deep sigh escaped her, gaze shifting to the dancing flames. ) forgive me. perhaps the young ones were right to call me a bitter old woman.

( her fingers held onto his a little more tightly as her gaze shifted over to him. ) my khalid ... for as long as silvanus allows me to walk and breathe among the living, you will not have to wake up alone again.

( fingers laced with his; a connection she's missed so deeply over the years. ) what has been on my mind is 𝘺𝘰𝘶. your return in the midst of this chaos and darkness. yet you shine brighter than the stars tonight.

come, sit with me.

sleep is 𝘯𝘰𝘵 her friend tonight. with her mind busy and her body restless, perhaps she shall find a moment of peace in 𝑛ature, beneath the starry sky.