“Oh.”

Elio’s little gasps sits between the pair. He draws his chin to his chest and knits his brow together. Beneath his mother’s gaze he plants himself, four growing hooves unsteady in their future but steady in their determination.

No Celina, no more glimpses of his father.

It’s not as if he has to go, but in his truest heart he knows that for now his mother’s side is the one he belongs by; and frankly, he doesn’t feel strong enough to branch out on his own. Elio has never been terribly independent, and Lepis has her unintended sway over him. So, he swallows that sadness and clear apprehension, and smiles.

“I will visit, then. I’ll miss Celina if she doesn’t come, though.” He doesn’t mention Wolfbane. He doesn’t really know how to, and the nagging feeling that his father will disappear again rests in the back of his mind.

“I’m gonna go find some berries. Do you wanna come with?”