[ P ] a return to roots

Meala Not much had changed despite the volatile relationship between the two warring factions. There were scars, deep grooves within the hearts of the people as their claim to land became smaller and concrete, but here felt untouched by comparison, a world in itself protected from the touch of those who would otherwise raze it to the ground. She had almost forgotten this feeling of timeless abandon the rows of trees offered, a chance to forget everything and get lost within them. And, while it was tempting, Meala hadn't returned in for selfish reasons. A short call out with an almost foreign feeling name on her lips, fiery sights blinked away the overwhelming thoughts that threatened to strain her vocals. There would be time for that once she was hidden away, but now she was to continue moving, following the scent she once knew so well that now carried so many more with her. And, as she rounded treeline, her eyes finally settled on who it was she was seeking. For a moment the older woman remembered the promises they made to one another and the long nights of talks as the child slowly fell into deep sleep, but in the same breath recalled the news of her pregnancy and the fear that drove her from being there. "Clover," she cooed, her thick accent of the north softly parting her lips. "You look well, praise be." @Clover

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A

return to the Fae Forest was exactly what Clover needed. Being displaced by the war had caused her a great amount of distress. Even coming back to find remnants of the war that had taken place here had left her fur standing on end. Despite knowing her immediate family was well-protected and eternally preserved within these woods, it hardly kept her from worrying about them. Having to leave them and Daisy behind was the most difficult thing she'd ever done in her life.

Clover had returned to find her family in the same state as she had left them like always. It was both comforting and sorrowful to find them, but still not a single sign of Daisy. If the rest of the Eithne family hadn't acknowledged the loss, she might've thought she'd simply dreamt up the precious baby girl. She made her way to a part of the grove that she often brought her pups to explore and watch butterflies flourish. She sat there watching a vibrant teal colored set of wings dancing through the air when she heard her name called by a familiar voice.

She turned her head and stood slowly, her soft pink eyes widening as they recognized the elegant form of the beloved caregiver of her childhood. “Meala!" Her voice caught in her throat as she kicked off the gentle moss beneath her paws to bridge the distance between herself and the woman. She fell into an embrace and then leaned back, misty eyes looking her over as she struggled to find the words to say. “H-how are you? Where have you been all this time? I-I've missed you terribly!"


@Meala

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

Meala The weight of the now-woman's body against hers as she bounced into her frame caused her to sturdy them both. With a chuckle, Meala grinned once the danger of them both toppling had subsided. “Hardly much change in ye aside from ye bein' a bit taller," she cooed, embracing the child, not wanting to let go. It had been too long, far too long. That one moment enough to tear her apart for years. As she felt Clover lean back her focus shifted to the present, her honey sights lowering to give her undivided attention. “I've been around," she spoke slowly, trailing off as though trying to recall. It'd be too much to answer where it was she had been, she wasn't too sure herself in some aspects. Drifting around would being a more apt description. “I've missed ye too, too much to put int' words." Using her paw to soothe stray strains of fur on Clover's head, she took this moment to look her over, the gravity of the time apart becoming evident. “Ye'r eyes matured. Wee bairns givin' ye the run about? Have ye been gettin' rest?" @Clover

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