Sorry about the wait! Had a week full of stupid doctor appointments.
WC: 535
While Conor certainly seemed understanding enough (especially under the circumstances), Rynnas was far from relaxing. His embarrassment was still strong, the blush beneath his fur only just receding. He had a feeling that it wouldn't be gone for long, either. Even as he stood in front of Conor, actively being addressed by the pack's leader, Rynnas couldn't help but think of the scattered tools behind him. He longed desperately to be able to pick them up, return them safely to their bag. It seemed like some sort of post-mortem insult. It was stupid to think of such things now – as if Eli would ever be insulted by something as trivial as that. But try as he might, Rynnas couldn't banish such thoughts from his mind. He was always worrying about things like that- afraid that something he might do or say would insult Elliot...from wherever he was. When he was alive, Elliot's little brother had always looked to him for approval. And even in death Rynnas seemed to be doing it on some level. His sibling had always told Ry to think for himself, to have more confidence and Rynnas acknowledged that it would be a hard habit to break. Who knew it would be difficult even after part of the duo was gone.
Rynnas had known of Eli's death from the second it happened, until now. Several months, none of it spent in denial. His grandfather had spoken to him about the different stages of grief, but Rynnas didn't put a lot of stock in such information. To him there had only ever been one stage – an endless state of misery that seemed to stretch on forever. Sure there was anger as well, but as far as he was concerned, that was all part of the misery. However, despite how very real the entire situation had been for him from the beginning, despite his lack of denial; whenever the subject of Elliot's death came up, it hit just as hard as the first time. So when Conor spoke directly about it, Rynnas couldn't help but stumble slightly, rocking back on his heels. He flushed again and attempted an apologetic smile – it was feeble, but it was there. And when the alpha offered his condolences, Ry's eyes became bright with tears. Thank you. He croaked hoarsely, dipping his head. If Conor knew about Elliot, then maybe Kol did as well. Regardless, he still had to see her. His mission remained the same. He wanted me... The large male had to stop for a second in order to fight for control. It took him a moment before he was able to continue. Before he....died, Eli asked me to speak to his mate, Kol for him. Tell her what happened. He drew a deep, shuddering breath. Is there any way you could tell me where she might be? He was afraid to move forward in any way. A large part of him wanted to lay himself down right where he was and do nothing. Let himself stay crumpled on the ground amongst the many tools Eli left behind along with the memories.