It doesn’t seem remotely fair that Gale grew more muscular, more handsome, over the winter while she had only grown into a whale. Even though she knew some of the activities that led to these changes in him, knew the Curse was building up his strength, she still takes a moment to admire him - to feel a thrill when he looks at her and when she sees that easy smile and how - despite everything - it coaxes one effortlessly from her.
Today was a good day.
Shit is her first, eloquent thought.
He was having a good day and she was here to ruin it. Mazikeen had spent every day since the waterfall day coming up with her plans, letting them solidify inside her mind. Inspired by his request that she keep the children safe (and herself but that part is not yet possible). Especially on those quiet days when she just laid beside him while he slept off the night’s activities, taking and providing the barest level of comfort. Just wanting to be near him, even if he had no idea she was there. None of her plans considered that Gale might be having a good day when she returned, she just sort of expected that the Curse would sense the absence of the children and they’d launch right into it.
This is worse, this is harder.
Mazikeen knows the happiness is going to break, that she will be the one to shatter it, so for now she leans into the touch on her cheek and then moves closer, embracing him. “I've become very fond of waterfalls since that day.” She replies softly, in a voice that doesn't feel quite real to her. Her muzzle brushes against his skin, the glowing markings and scars there so bright on this overcast day, as she presses her body into his. “I’m going to give you more good days, Gale. One day we’ll wake up and the curse will only be a nightmare, a memory.” It’s so easy to make more promises, so easy to have her hope fuel that dream. She inhales deeply and plays with the spinal mane that their daughter inherited. “What would you like to do today?” She asks because it is a good day and this is what she would say if it actually were going to stay that way.
@[Gale]