Rhea

ooc: set immediately post SL challenge, but before the red wedding

There is blood coating her pelt from the injuries she has treated during the battle, yet Rhea does not realize this as she leads @Chaeton away and back towards her den. Her pouch is clutched tightly against her chest and the horror that she has witnessed this morning makes the strap around her neck feel suffocating. Once they are by the entrance and she feels that she is truly safe within the borders of Scilla does the medic loosen her bag and toss it onto the floor of her den. A sigh drifts from her lips as she takes a wobbly seat feeling suddenly on the verge of fainting as she attempts to process what has happened. She knew Isla had won in securing the Lagoon and Cassandra had helped secure her own position to remain here, but she could not escape the aftermath of what she has seen. She had seen the injured eye of Isla and made a mental note to check in on the queen as soon as she was done with her friend as well as stop by Mattheiu's den to see how his bandage was holding on. Oh, and Guelle. The list goes on and another sigh wracks her frame.

She attempts to focus on her friend now, glad that he is at least free of any harm from what she can see. A strong shoulder to lean on and she most definitely needs it right now. "That black and white male came and tried to overthrow Isla. We were suddenly attacked by the brook and wolfbron and it just turned into a war. Isla won, but the brook almost managed to take me," she shakes her skull ignoring the sudden urge to vomit as she wonders how everyone else is doing. "So much needless blood shed," she tells him the disgust rolling off her in waves.

SPEECH

coded by flea / art by drifter

As he followed after @Rhea, he could not help but feel the guilt wrapping around his lungs and forcing him to focus on breathing. Keeping his eyes mostly on her as they walked and occasionally flicking his eyes to the path so that he didn't trip or stumble. All he could focus on was her. Pain enveloped him in knowing that she had been in danger and he hadn't been there soon enough to defend her. Of course he was thankful that others had stepped in to protect her and keep her where she wished to be but he was mad that he had not been there to support quicker.

As she moved a bit further ahead and to her den, he stopped politely a few feet away from its entrance and waited. Chaeton's own heart as heavy as could be as he listened to her, feeling the weight of the words but also the weight that she carried now. While Chaeton had always been trained as a warrior, fighting had never gotten easier mentally. Every wound he inflicted left a mar on his soul and he knew that that shit never left you. I am sorry that I had not gotten there sooner, he addresses honestly and knows that she may not understand his deeply seeded desire to protect her of all lions but still he feels the connection to her soul with his.

How are you doing? he asks, specifically. While he was certain that she had done everything in her power to comfort, to heal and to soothe those around her... he would make it his duty to make sure that she was cared for, too. Is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can get you? Perhaps he came on too strong or too desperate to be in her good graces, he couldn't tell.

ART • CODE

Rhea

@Chaeton's concern towards her is not noticed. At least not in the way that someone might notice that there is a little something more than just friendly concern lingering within the man's heart as he checks in with her after her traumatic experience of events. Because war with so much blood spilled was indeed horrifying to the medic. Though part of her feels terrible for not defending herself. For allowing others to be harmed to ensure that she remained at a home where she has been nothing but accepted and treated kindly. Chaeton's apology causes her to shake her head. "No," she tells him a soft breath escaping from defeated lips. "I would not of wanted you to get hurt." It was one of the few good outcomes of the war. That he stood before her without a singular wound.

She thinks for a moment when asked about herself slumping her shoulders slightly. "I...well I am disappointed. In myself." Always so helpful and looking out for others, even she is surprised at how quickly his demeanor has her spilling her feelings. "I know how to fight, but for so long I was forced into it. When I escaped and found myself here, I told myself I wouldn't draw blood again...at least not to cause harm, but it seems like I need to here," blue eyes drift from the sand to him. "Otherwise, those I care about get hurt." Such as when Isla defended the claim against her and now Cassandra keeping her from being stolen by the Brook. Even Guelle had gotten into a scuffle and all while she sat there. Panicked. Useless. Yes, she had helped to patch up Matthieu after he lost his eye, but she felt she could of done more. Fight. Defend the Lagoon against its attackers.

Is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can get you?

She smiles, touched by his gentle nature. "I'll get over it," she tells him willing herself to believe those words as confidently as she speaks them. "Would you...stay? Tonight? I'd rather not be alone." The war had taken up most of the early morning into the late afternoon before they had managed to get the Brook and its attackers to scurry away. She knew the next few weeks would be spent gathering herbs and treating the injured, but for now she had a moment to lay down and rest her paws. Enjoy the company of her friend before she needed to get back to her responsibilities.

SPEECH

coded by flea / art by drifter

It would have been my honor, and his duty to protect her and defend her; something that he had failed in this day but knew he would rectify should the time come again. He hoped not, of course, but the way of the lion is not so peaceful. As for @Rhea feeling as though she needed to fight, he was conflicted with it himself. It was anyone's right to do or not do; to follow their own heart and yet, he had grown up in a life where everyone was taught the basics. That they were taught that the only way you truly lose is if you don't fight at all. Perhaps that was advice she may come to understand, too.

So Chaeton nodded his head, acknowledging her disappointment and while he wished to cure it, he could only sate it. Where I am from, we are told from an early age that the only fight you lose is the one you don't fight. Rhea should not ever have to fight or feel the need to do so but it would be good if she felt comfortable enough to help even if it was just for herself. Or, god forbid, younglings that couldn't defend themselves. Not necessarily true of the Lagoon, but it is always good practice to count on yourself first and foremost. There are always many ways to help when it is wartime and I do not entirely know of Isla's wishes during them but I do not think she would fault you for not throwing your claws. While she was a great warrioress by the look and sound of it, she was just as fair and minded the wishes of her members.

There was a harsh swallow of saliva at the question she gentle tossed in his direction. Words that meant so much to him and gave him so much hope, yet he knew looking into her eyes that it was not for the same reason. That while he found his heartrate quickening at the suggestion, he only saw fear and uncertainty dwindling in her pretty eyes. Of course. I will stay for as long as you need me and for as many sleeps as you require. Chaeton would not begrudge her needs and was happy to apply his own strength and company if it would soothe her. Uncertain as to how the night would go but truly happy to be near her.

^{ART BY AURORA, CODE BY CALA}

Rhea

Rhea listens quietly as he speaks about his home, her eyes twinkling softly as the setting sun slowly descends to bed and the night reveals herself. Her favorite sight - the moon rises behind @Chaeton's head and there she admires him. The soft glow of his fur in the moonlight as he speaks confidently to her, reassuring her with his kind words. "That is beautiful," she whispers softly watching him with a new sense of awe. "Yes, I do believe Isla is fair like that. She has always been thankful towards me, even after defending me in the passage. It was true, she was a good and fair queen. Rhea couldn't be more proud to serve her and the Lagoon.

Once he agrees to stay with her, Rhea feels her toes tingle in excitement as she stands up perhaps a bit too rapidly as she feels faint, wobbling on unsteady legs. "Oof!" she gasps taking a moment to catch her breath as she laughs weakly. Clearing her throat, she tilts her face slowly to look at him again. "Thank you," she replies warmly turning and leading him into her den. She shows him the way to her bed, gesturing for him to lay down as she turns and removals her medical pouch, placing it down by the bed. Rhea sits in front of her small storage of herbs, turning and twisting each one to inspect them for damage or signs of molding. Plucking a wilting leaf from one stem, Rhea glances over at Chaeton. "Tell me more about your home," she commands with a small grin, turning back to continue her thorough check.SPEECH

coded by flea / art by drifter