For Artemis; Dated 8/19, after this thread.
The surface of the lake shimmered under the rays of the after noon sun. Reflecting its golden hues as the gentle fingers of wind rippled the surface in miniature waves that left its surface ever changing. Cypress often found the familiar lake shore to be something a sanctuary. A safe harbor where he often went to sort through his thoughts. After his encounter with Alder he had thought a walk along the lake’s edge would help to cool his temper. The troubled blue depths of his eyes mirrored the tides of his emotions. Alder had ignited his anger practically the moment he had set foot within Crimson Dreams. His masked brother had some nerve. He had not been here the night Anu had been taken from them, he had not right to judge Cypress for his own absence now. Where had his eldest brother on the night of the raid? He had certainly been of no help to their mother, then or now. Mother.. The mottled brown youth's feet halted. His anger had given way to his concern for his mother.
Anu.
Cypress had trusted that Savina would have gotten her back home by now. Even after the failed parley. He had expected he would find his mother safe and comfortable in her room within Haven Manor. He had put faith in that hope. He did not what more he could for her, but to be strong for her and put trust in patience and hope. Trust in Savina. That was what Anu had thought her sons, but without her here to light the path with her gentle guidance Cypress felt lost. He had to believe she would come home. They would get her back. They must.
The roof of the manor could be seen in the distance, but he didn't feel like going back quite yet. It felt less like home knowing his Mother's presence was absent. Fear for her threatened to take root in his heart. Troubled eyes staring out across the calm waters of the lake. How he wished the blue his eyes could mirror the calm waters, his own mind become so serene. Instead it was flooded with concern and regrets. He did not know what he should do, what he could of done, or what he might have to do. So he sat silent and still at the shore. Tail curled around his feet as he stared out over the waters.
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