While his newfound fox friend provided a logical explanation for what Lee had half-believed was his own hallucinations, he emitted a self-deprecating laugh – though it rasped from his throat somewhat excruciatingly. “Well, Jesper,” he coughed, “I’m relieved to know that I’m not going crazy.” Not yet, at least. He knew the sickness was advanced in him, so perhaps it was only a matter of time before his mind slipped away on the plague’s black tides before well and truly finishing him off. Giving a weak shake of his unkempt mane, he stubbornly returned himself to the present.
“My sister, Kora, is somewhere here on the Isle, and I…” he paused, drawing breath, “I won’t leave without her.” He could have said ‘I can’t leave without her,’ but that wasn’t entirely true. Leander might very well be able to muster the last dredges of his strength and make the short flight to Nerine alone, as the fox-shifter suggested. If he went now, chances were that he would get the help he needed. Then again, if he went now, chances were that Kora would disappear on him forever. “It’s a generous offer, though. Thanks,” he managed amidst a hacking cough, working to bring what was meant to be a reassuring smile to dry lips.
A wind rose over the tundra, stirring up flecks of snow and dusting them across his too-thin frame. Lee did his best to ward off a shudder. “Perhaps you would help me pass the time until she gets back?” Weakly, he rearranged his wings in an attempt to deflect the sudden gale. It wasn’t really that cold of a day, but his illness made him feel chilled to his very bones. “You could tell me more about your family,” he suggested, “You mentioned a grandsire? What about parents, or siblings..?” It felt a small comfort to be in another’s company, and Leander didn’t want to give that up just yet – especially when a part of him feared what might happen if he were left alone in his current state.
