wc: 558
The Marino continued to watch the silent debris of the old barn sitting across the lake for a few moments more, seemingly mesmerized by its ominous shape lurking so near. He shut his eyes, and for a moment it almost seemed like the image of the collapsed barn had burned itself into his mind’s eye, the mental image just as sharp and detailed as it was in true life. It didn’t take much of an effort to banish the image from his thoughts, and he just as quickly replaced it with a memory of the barn’s original form. Ehno could remember the old building exactly as it had stood not months before, and despite the charm and familiarity that surrounded it at that time, he could only detect a sinister, deceiving energy about it now in his memories. Had the pack of Dreamers been blinded by Old Red’s comfortable familiarity so much that they couldn’t have noticed the inherent danger the aging barn held? Of course, there was no point in dwelling on it now, though the Marino didn’t have much of a chance to let his thoughts focus on it for much longer as a familiar scent drifted toward him that caused his eyes to snap open.
For a brief moment, Ehno’s thoughts didn’t find any peculiarity in discovering that his sibling was apparently out at the lakeside, enjoying the fresh air. With the thoughts of the barn’s collapse still fresh in his mind, it didn’t take him more than a moment to remember the injured state of Ghita and the rather strict prescription of bed rest she had been given. It really shouldn’t have surprised him, knowing the wild and free spirit his dusty-coated sibling possessed. There was never much that could keep Ghita from doing what she wanted, even back when they were young pups across the sea. Surely his sibling wouldn’t allow even a broken leg to hinder her in her ambitions for but a moment. Honestly, he should have realized that she would have started sneaking around sooner or later, especially with her injuries making a rather smooth (if understandably slow) recovery.
The Italian man turned to face the wind’s source, finding exactly what the invisible messenger had alerted him to. His amber gaze caught his sibling as she turned away, hobbling back the way she came with the aid of her makeshift crutch. Despite the protective instincts telling him to scold her for risking further injury to her damaged leg, he felt a grin slither to his features at the sight of her frenetic retreat. It was a rather amusing image from where he stood, and he couldn’t help but admire his plucky sibling as she tottered away. He watched her continue onward for another moment, allowing her to lengthen her head start and hold onto the illusion of sweet freedom for a bit longer. Then, he took off after her with a relaxed jog, determined to catch up before she could get into too much trouble, but confident enough that she could handle herself a while longer.
“Ghita,” he called as he began to finally close the distance between them. “Can’t turn around without you wandering off, now can I?” His tone was light and slightly teasing, but he knew his sibling would understand the true worry that lie behind them.