Nathem sat down, blowing out a sigh. As always, he felt Rurik’s approach just before she sat next to him. Nathem turned to look at the large cat, who licked her lips and then turned to meet his gaze. Nathem was caught once again in her azure pools of memories and pain. Blue vortexes that drew the man into their dark center.
Fehretti danced around the fire, her small dress flowing in the gentle breeze and the small sequined metal catching the firelight. It looked as if she were dancing in the embers themselves. Nathem thought it fitting with how inflamed his daughter made him feel. Seeing her dance was like riding the high winds over the dragon pass and lifting even to the halls of the gods.
As Nathem watched, he grinned, feeling contentment in the quiet life he and Meridian had made in the deep forests. His grin vanished when he locked eyes with the mirror pools of green poised in the underbrush of the clearing. Nathem sat up with a start, causing Ferri to stop her dance and glance to the trees.
Nathem’s daughter smiled as she looked from the eyes to Nathem. Tht, tht. Rurik… she muttered. Nathen looked at Ferri with a betrayed expression as the mound of 700 pounds of shadow cat fell over him, licking his face and hands as he tried to resist.
Nathem turned from the cat. Grunting and letting a low growl escape his throat. The cat turned as well, stoic and silent as she watched for their companions. She surprised Nathem as she suddenly pushed her head under his arm, coming to rest her massive form on one leg and forcing her head into Nathem’s hand. The hunter’s brow drew down in frustration before he exhaled deeply and began to absently scratch the top of Rurik’s head. The wounded carry each other… he muttered. Rurik responded by coating his face in a rough tongued kiss.
