Wonderful post, Jassface! ...I don't think I'm gonna use that nickname again. It's too close to ass face.
IN ANY CASE. You don't get a break from replying because I am inspired and excited!
WC: 415
For whatever reason, Rynnas had come up with his own scenario of what was about to happen. While he waited for Bris to answer his knock, the male pictured himself standing there in front of the door as it started to open. The image wasn't entirely complete – he had no idea what Bris looked like, but he pictured her as kind looking. A female version of Eli, whatever that meant. She would open the door fully and appraise him, a knowing look entering her eyes. She would smile sadly and nod as if to confirm some silent thought she had, before beckoning him in. And he wouldn't have to explain anything, he wouldn't have to choke back his tears as he tried to speak of Eli's fate. She would just know what his news was and she would accept it calmly before addressing his own issues. She'd tell him just how much Kol had wanted to meet Eli's little brother, whether Eli spoke of Rynnas much or not. She'd even hug him, too – a gesture that would keep the massive male from falling to his knees.
It was a comforting thought, a wonderful story that would inject some sort of quasi-happiness in this sordid tale. But the second Bris merely called out permission for him to enter, the illusion was shattered and with one blink he was back where he started. Standing outside a closed door, afraid of what he was going to find on the inside. His left paw rested on the doorknob, shaking horribly. It probably sounded alarming to Bris as she waited for a stranger to enter, but he couldn't find the strength within himself to open the door. Rynnas closed his eyes, his right hand moving subconsciously to rest on the top of the bag that hung across his shoulders. Hammer, wrench, nails, saw, chisels, screwdriver. He focused on each one, pictured Eli explaining their uses before letting him try each one. The exercise worked instantaneously. He took a deep wavering breath and opened to door slowly. A slight pause and Rynnas finally entered the room.
He looked horrible. His fur was spiky from him running his hand through it, his ears were flattened with both humility and sadness, but worst of all – there were tears in his eyes as he gazed upon his sister in law. And though his mind screamed at him to speak, Rynnas could do nothing but stand and stare.