Broken did not even begin to describe Rhone. Rhone was old. He had lived his life completely and had made a mess of it. It was surprising that he was allowed even this chance to try and make things right. The fact that he was here on Novus was testament enough that someone thought he had a chance to make his life better. Sometimes, he wasn’t sure what the Gods saw in him, but they must see something or else he would not be standing here.

He does not mean to compare his story with her own because he knows there is no comparison. They have both had rough lives and they are both only trying to survive. But he listens when she speaks more in-depth of her past. She’s opening up to him and Rhone, for a moment, is scared that he cannot do the same for her. Yes, he shared some of his history, but he did not share the details. She got the cliff-notes version and he was afraid he would be unable to allow her to read his autobiography.

But something about what she says strikes a chord with him. She does not get to bury her son. Losing a child is the worst pain an individual can suffer from. No parent should bury their child. "So honor him here, in Novus." While he knew and understood her fear of fire, lighting a candle for him, saying a prayer, or even releasing a lantern into the sky. Any of those things might honor the death of her son and give her closure. Rhone knew that closure was everything.

He’s quiet again as she talks about her lifespan. Never had he thought she would leave this earth early. Sure, she looked a little unhealthy, but everyone has their troubles. Rhone liked to think she had more time than she might be letting on. "Immortality or health can still come to you, Luvena. While I did not grow up worshiping the Gods of Novus, I have found them to be reasonable." He wishes there was something more he could tell her, but he worries that saying anything further might do more harm than good.

He sighs as he adjust his feet beneath him to get them more comfortable in the sand. He thinks about her expressed desire to make the most of whatever time the Gods decide to give her, whether it be one day or a thousand. He can respect that and he understands that. "I cannot promise you love for I have built a wall around my heart for a reason…" He pauses, unsure of how he really wants to word his statement. He doesn’t want to offend her and yet, he doesn’t want to lead her on either. He wants to be honest and truthful with her, she deserves that at a minimum. "…but I can try." He couldn’t promise her they would ride off into the sunset together. Life would continue to be hard on them both, but he could at least offer her an attempt. Maybe love would happen. Maybe the ice around his heart would slowly melt away and he could let more of her in. There was a lot of maybes in a world with so much uncertainty.

@Luvena

Rhone can respect and understand her inability to let go. It had been hard to let Alexia go, to finally toss dirt over her small, cold body. To bury a foal is hard and he was not ready not prepared to lose his very first child. He didn’t want to let go either, so he understands her. He simply offers her a nod of his head, a silent acceptance. She would be ready in time, when that would be was another question for another day. Only she could really say.

What he could not agree with was her inability, or rather her unwillingness, to fight for her health. There were medics and shaman who could easily extend her life or even better it. Choosing not to use these services was foolish, but he knew she didn’t want to hear that from him. She had lived in Dusk before, she knew what Dusk Court was capable of. In all his years of wisdom, he knew that you cannot force help on someone who doesn’t want it. She had to be ready and open to help before it could be freely given.

Eyes watch as she slowly picks herself up from the sand, careful about where she places her feet. Rhone is not yet ready to watch her leave because he feels as though there is still so much more left unsaid. But he says nothing. She has made up her mind and perhaps she had good reason to. Ear flick at the sudden sensation of her breath against them, taking in her words and knowing that he will at least try for her.

He leans into the affection she displays to his nape, listening as she says her final goodbyes. "Goodnight, Luvena." He watches her until she disappears before he sighs and turns back to his fire, or what is left of the hot coals. He gets to work rebuilding and relighting his fire, watching as it flickers back to life. Such an interesting evening it had proven to be.

@Luvena