Long May She Reign {Ruan}

[Ruan]

Ruan

it's not by bone but yet by blade
can break the magic that the devil made

He'd already been tired, but the quest had taken even more from him both emotionally and physically. It wasn't every day a man lived his own death. It had felt so real. And he'd chosen it. He wasn't sure if that made him stupid-- no, it definitely did. He had always been too selfless, too giving. Too trusting.

His attention was gradually won over by the sound of hoofbeats racing towards the part of the forest he was standing, taking a rest in the shadows where he couldn't infect his children. Where he could stay away from others. Which meant he was moving again, walking another direction at a casual pace so he wouldn't infect this one either. The quicker strides from the other reached his area before he was completely out of sight and he cast a brief glance over his shoulder.

He stopped and faced her, relaxed in the shadows beneath the trees. She smelled like she may already have been infected, so he chose not to rush off this time, curiosity getting the better of him and the lack of companionship. Often, the only ones at his side were his two adopted youngest children, but they were with his eldest now to give him a bit of time to himself.

For a long time, he nearly didn't speak. He often didn't say much, but when he did, it held deep meaning and had a purpose. Small talk would never be something in his skillset.

"Enjoying your run? I take it you're already sick?" he asked, his voice quiet and deep and blue eyes bright in his dark face. He still didn't want to spread it if he'd gotten it wrong and she was still healthy.

and it's not by fire but what's forged in flame
can drown the sorrows of a huntsman's pain