for Vitus , but aw

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Warmth met her. A comforting hush that basked over her back, holding her close. Neither fire or fever, it was like a fading sunlight filtered through a bloom. The earth beneath Teyani was soft, kissed with moss and the press of wildflowers. She could smell it all as she lay there: redfern, rich soil, the faint sweetness of fresh life blooming. The breeze was slow, full of pollen and promise. Birds chirped nearby—soft calls, and she listened with twitching ears, and tired eyes.

A small sound left her, low in her throat—a call back to the birds, hoping that one would remember her. Was he out there? He had to be. To wake up completely alone…It was unimaginable. She didn’t want to think about it, didn’t want it to be real.

A chirp, just as tired as hers, sounded from behind her. Another, louder this time, calling for her. Teyani stirred. Impatient, it sought her. Before she could completely turn, the swallow was burrowing within the thick furs of her nape, clinging with tiny claws, feathers ruffling as it nestled deep.

Siina sina olet, (there you are,) she whispered beneath her breath, chin dipping to brush against its chest, gentle and grateful.

And then she was moving, slowly at first. Stretching languidly, she reached up for the sun with her snout, shoulders dipping, spine arching in a long roll as she let herself wake. Nostrils flared, lips peeling back just slightly as she tasted the air: sweet, and full, a new life awaiting her.

Skill: seer

He was coming back from checking on his Speaker, the bugs were doing their job nicely with the skull and soon he would have to wash the rest away himself. Then, his training can truly begin, at least with this artform.

Though, with Dimitri’s children taking up most of her time he figures there's still going to be quite a bit of free time. Time for him to follow his crows around, examine the corpses they've found, there was a disturbing amount coming from Howling River..

Lost in thought, he didn't notice the other yearling at first, but was she...there before? He doesn't remember seeing her when he started walking this way, looking back to the crow that sat on his shoulder as if he would tell him if the girl was there before, before returning his attention to her with a soft woof in greeting.

Strange, how his chest felt when she stretched in the sun, that's something to tuck away and examine later. Hello....are you new?

She blinked at the sound of a woof, slowing in her stretch. Her ears twitched, catching the rustle of feathers, the hum of moss shifting beneath her paws. Talta chirped softly in response from her fur, but did not rise, or leave her side, warmth pressed tight to her breast. Much help he was.

A quiet sound left her lips, surprised and curious, and Teyani turned her head. She moved slowly, as though afraid the peace might shatter if she moved too quickly, or from the tiredness that still held her close.

Just seconds passed, and storm-washed eyes found him—boyish, unfamiliar, with a crow for company and a voice that didn’t bite. Her lips curved upward in a smile, one that warmed her cheeks and lit up her face.

He was the color of wheatgrass, golden and honey-hued, with eyes like the sky.

Handsome, she decided, before she could help herself.

Her legs tucked beneath her, and her brows furrowed at his question. She nearly laughed at how ridiculous it sounded, but held it back, glancing toward Talta instead.

It took her a moment to realize what exactly the boy was asking.

Tenyani’s accent was thick, but her voice was sweet, the words wind wrapped as she answered him. ...I think so, a breath, confusion tangling her words. This is not…..

She shook her head, eyes a little wild with her apology. Ah…anteeksi, she whispered, softer this time, cheeks hot.

Where are we?

Yeah, it most definitely sounds strange at first. This is the second time he's met someone just when they've 'woken up', the first time had been a feisty dog, but this young lady was much nicer.

Her voice was sweeter.

You're in Mythris he answered, sitting so he'd be less intimidating. Blushed meadows to be exact, home to the Kingdom of Avon. His own accent was..mixed, his voice deep, vaguely nordic. They're nice people though It was then that his crow flew up to sit on his head, the yearling looking mildly annoyed as his ears were squashed down, the blue eyed crow squawking its own hello and bobbing its head up and down.

Teyani blinked in surprise, lashes fluttering. She stayed put, head tilting a bit as she looked at the boy in confusion. Mythris? She’d never heard of it—not in any tale, or lesson.

This world was much bigger than she knew, wasn’t it? She wished, suddenly, that Thirra or her favorite brother were here to see it all, to share in the new discoveries. The wonders of this strange place.

My…Myth..reees…? she echoed it clumsily, butchering the word on her first try. Nose wrinkling, she tried again—softer this time, almost embarrassed, as color bloomed high in her cheeks, keeping her skin warm. Myth…You are from this…Mythris? I don’t…. I am not from here. As if it wasn’t obvious.

The boy sounded like a stranger, his own accent blended and unique, twisting like water through stone, and deep in a way that made her stomach flip.

Before she could ask more, the crow beside him interrupted and landed atop his head! His ears squashed flat, and Teyani couldn’t help it. A giggle burst from her—loud, but sweet, ringing like creek water between them. Even Talta ruffled beside her, flapping a few times in what looked very much like delight.

Who is, uh, friend? she nodded towards the bird, meeting its blue eyes for a moment before tipping her chin toward her own. A smile lit up her face. This is Talta. He is….big spirit. Thinks he is boss.