His eyes stayed low while a moment of silence passed between the two wounded warriors. Leaving Ichika had seemed right before. To be without family and people he could endanger seemed fair for a murderer. Now separating himself from his friend seemed somehow selfish. When it came down to what made Jaden ache most when alone on the cold nights of spring things were never easy to sort out. This was just another example. But these things were leaning one way in his mind. What good would he do if he returned? He held no respect from those who called Ichika home. Even the ones he had known had likely lost what little they held for him. He would just be making an example of not following the strict peace of Ichika. Relationships with Salsola would suffer further if they knew a wolf who had raided them now resided in Ichikan lands. It seemed only a little good would come from so much bad.
The only thing that made him question his dedication to living alone and away from it all was her. She was his truest friend. Leaving her to deal with her problems alone put just as much of a bad taste in his mouth as defying the rules of Ichika, the land he loved so much too. It hadn’t occurred to the former Ichikan that the rules could be manipulated by the land’s new leader. The woman in front of him held so much more authority now and he still didn’t comprehend that. He knew she would like to have him home. What he really needed was reassurance. If only she would ask him to return. He couldn’t say no to her. He would throw away all his pride and ditch his morals if it is what she wanted. But he wouldn’t ask a question he knew the answer to.
His heart warmed when she drew his attention with a growl. He knew his words wouldn’t bring back her lost pup or heal the wounds it would leave, but that she took comfort in his voice brought him great pleasure. He smiled nuzzled her neck and pressed his head against hers affectionately. With a whine of happiness he held her there and listened.
Jaden didn’t truly believe in a higher force. Since he realized his family had manipulated religion to serve their purposes it was hard to place trust in such a thing. He wasn’t sure of X’yrin’s ancestors watching over them but it did seem an odd thing that he happened to be so close in her time of need. Maybe it was just more proof that he should find his way back to be by her side. His disbelief wouldn’t allow such a coincidence to alter his judgments but he smiled at her words anyway. I think your right. You must have your ancestors favor. I should thank them for letting me see you again.
Jaden does. Jaden speaks. Jaden thinks.
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