[2913] A Longing for Her [Caregivers p2]

Theneras floated in the cool water, letting his mind settle. His eyes closed and his mind started to relax into the experience, feeling the water brush against his fur as it gently started the pull of a memory. It came slowly, like the first warm rays of sunlight after a long night, soft and inviting. Those nights were always the best, Theneras thought. Because those nights were filled with companionship.

In the memory, Theneras was back by the side of a crackling campfire. The light dancing and flicking, casting long shadows across the trees, and the wonderful warmth against his fur. The air was fresh and earthy, the way it always was after rain. But the best part of this memory wasn’t the fire or the forest—it was the presence of his companion, Ashryn, who sat beside him. The feeling of longing he had when he met with the Tranquil leader, Pyrrhi, became evident once more. It was Ashryn who he so dearly missed. Her hand in his fur, brushing softly over his spine as he sprawled over her lap. Even though he was bigger than when they’d first met, she never stopped treating him like her little pup. 

Ashryn’s laughter filled the air, bright and strong. In the memory, it seemed like she was recounting a story- one the both of them were very familiar with- but each time she spoke of it it was just as exciting as the time they had experienced it. Theneras remembered it clearly: a recent adventure where the two of them faced a rock golem. The creature had been huge, towering over them, its skin like boulders piled high. It had seemed impossible to defeat at first. She had charged forward with her usual courage and her headstrong attitude, her eyes blazing with determination and defiance. She was never one to back down from a fight, especially when one of her own was in the threatening vicinity. 

The memory showed how she called out to him, her voice steady and strong, with just a slight tinge of panic and fear. She had given Theneras a signal, and he’d dashed around the golem’s feet, dodging stones and circling it, creating a distraction. Ashryn had then done something incredible: she shifted, her body changing smoothly into a large dragon, practically twenty times his size! It was her proudest moment, having learnt that shape, and she used it whenever times were getting tough- or just to show off. For Theneras, it worked. She was the most magnificent creature he had ever seen, in any shape or form. Even as she fought, her gaze stayed on him, trusting him to keep up and move with her.

“Come on, Theneras!”

The roar of the dragon within his mind spurred him into action from his awe and he dodged the golem’s attacks once more around its feet. Ashryn charged the lighting from her breath and battered at the creature until the stones began to shake and crumble. Theneras was only barely able to dodge some of the rocks as they fell, and when he thought he was going to get hit he was met with the shadow of a wing over his head. 

Meeting her gaze, she grinned- as much as she could with her T-Rex like face, and looked down to her companion. Theneras had waited before he beamed a smile back at her in return. He wasn’t just a pet, or a plaything. He was her partner, her companion, and the both of them relied on one another. She told him she was proud of him. Well- perhaps not physically, or mentally. But her eyes spoke different truths than any words could.

His memory is jolted by her hand through his fur, her touch gentle and full of warmth. She spoke to him, but the memory couldn’t quite make up what was said. But, like before, the expression on her face said enough. Theneras looked up at her and huffed a little before he laid back down again, claiming his prize of resting in her lap. 

They sat in silence for a while after, watching the flames, watching the rest of the clan discuss amongst themselves, barter, trade, argue- the quiet of the forest surrounding them. Theneras shifted in Ashryn’s lap, feeling her warmth through the cool night air. He remembers feeling safe, knowing she was there beside him, and how, in that moment, it didn’t matter what dangers lay ahead. This feeling was everything- a quiet, peaceful happiness he rarely felt in their challenging world.

In the Beneath, the memory faded, leaving Theneras with a soft glow in his heart. His eyes opened slowly as his ears droop, still longing to go home. Holding onto the warmth from her, from his family. 

The Handmaids stand nearby, their hooded heads tilted in his direction. Though he can’t see their faces, Theneras feels their gazes on him. They seem to be observing not just his memory but the emotions that come with it, studying the bond he shares with Ashryn. It’s as if they’re looking not at him, but through him, into the memories and feelings hidden deep inside. They may not say a word, but Theneras feels a silent approval, a soft acceptance from them. He understands now that they see him not just as a visitor but as someone worthy of respect and trust, someone who carries memories of love, loyalty, and bravery.

The gentle tug of the water and the warmth of the memory lingered around him, leaving Theneras with a sense of peace. He closed his eyes again, letting his heartbeat slow and his mind drift, still feeling that Ashryn is close by, guiding him forward even now.