The crystalline dove was forever unsure of her place in Gaucho's heart. Even now, even after all they had been through and conquered together, even though she longed to fold herself into his wings and press herself adoringly against his hard, muscled bodice, she hesitated, unsure how such a greeting would be received. But then his muzzle traced a line along her face, and she leaned into his touch, slipping sideways until she had nudged her way under his wing. Astraeus, unceremoniously displaced, squawked in protest and fluttered to a nearby tree limb. His bonded hummed softly, happy for the moment spent basking in her lover's presence. "Anha zhilak yera norethaan, shekh ma shieraki anni."

And so she melded herself to him, enjoying what had always come easiest to the pair. She recognized the warmth stirring within, the quickening of her pulse that always accompanied Gaucho's touch - but she took a deep breath, pushing whatever lust that filled her mind to the background, for there were more important things to discuss now. There would, after all, be time for that later, wouldn't there?

Gaucho's news brought a frown to the angel's lovely features, her brow creasing with concern. Another death, the murderer running rampant - what was she to make of it? How was she to protect her herd against such a vast unknown? "We must increase khasars, vijazerat our rhojosor." So caught up was she in her rapid thoughts, her uneasy planning, that it took a moment for his hesitation to be noticed, for his words to process. Her gaze whipped to meet his, grief quickly shadowing her eyes. But where she might have fallen to pieces mere months before, succumbed to the tears that threatened to overtake her, now she stood strong.

Tears did glisten in her eyes to linger unshed, but her emotions no longer overpowered and controlled her. The Sultana pressed her face into Gaucho's neck, not to hide her sadness but to gather comfort from his embrace. "Vod chafaan, my friend," she whispered, the only goodbye that she would be allowed for Phaedra. First Diniel, all those moons ago, then Rowan. And Phaedra, too, now. Would she be the last to stand, the strongest of them all when they had for so long overshadowed her? Was her destiny to be alone? Would she lose them all, even now, when she thought herself safe?

"What can we do?" she asked finally, resignation in her voice and in the lines of her face. "How can I help?"

Translations ::
Anha zhilak yera norethaan, shekh ma shieraki anni. | I love you completely, my sun and stars.
khasar | a small group of protectors; used here as patrols
vijazerat | to protect
rhojosor | family
Vod chafaan. | Dust to the wind; roughly translates to rest in peace.