cashewlater | for @suffusion

for @suffusion

[ the forest is quiet.

cyno knows these woods like the back of his hand. he knows all of sumeru, has trekked nearly every inch of it - nearly - for he fears no beast, nor the darkness of the unknown. his work takes him all over the land, through the deserts and forests alike, and though he works for no one, he does not hurt for mora, for cyno is the most gifted hunter and tracker in sumeru. no quarry has ever escaped him, and he has never failed to deliver on any job. this job will be no different.

it isn't an easy hunt. not only is this area of the forest unfamiliar to him, but his prey is sharp and smart, with an incredible sense of hearing. cyno's footsteps are all but silent, but the sensitive ears of the witch can detect him even at his most stealthy. it's fine. he's brought in difficult prey before. if stealth could only get him so far, he has other methods, though he must take care - should the rumors prove true, this witch is powerful, tricky, wise, and cyno could easily find himself on the wrong end of his quarry's wrath. but he was ready for a fight, if it came to it, and it would.

for five days he simply watches. listens. the witch hears him, he knows, but cyno is well hidden, and cannot be found. he scales the trees and watches from the branches, stock still, his clothing camouflaged, his pale white hair tied up and rubbed with charcoal to keep it from standing out. for hours he sits, vigilant, watchful, learning the witch's patterns and strengths, behaviors, taking their measure, and even that is not easy, but cyno learns over time that his adversary favors the bow and dendro magicks, that they know the forest well, and make use of all of its parts. in the end, cyno can only hope to overpower them by force and speed alone, striking fast, getting in close before the bow can be drawn on him. it'll have to be enough, with the element of surprise unavailable to him. but he'll use the tools he has.

his eyesight, for example, sharp in the night. his keen sense of smell. his own good hearing, and his powers of observation. his patience.

cyno strikes in the night, when the witch is far from their hut, gathering samples of bioluminescent moss. he's fast as a bolt of lightning, moving comfortably in darkness, taking them from behind and knocking them to the loamy earth, with his spearhead at their throat. ]

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[ tighnari is right to assume that it was simple adrenaline and sheer willpower that keeps cyno on his feet right now, and now that he is here, in this comfortable, warm place, it is all beginning to catch up to him, the fatigue setting in. he's been running on fumes to get collei to tighnari's home as quickly as possible.

he has many questions, certainly. curious about what it is that tighnari is doing with the vines, wondering if he interrupted something, but these are things that can wait. when tighnari's hand reaches out, cyno doesn't flinch away as he otherwise might, and his touch.. it's so warm, soothing in the same way that tighnari's presence alone is. it's that same strange nostalgia that he's felt since the moment their eyes met, a connection that seems to run so deep that cyno does not question its authenticity, but marvels at its starkness nonetheless. when tighnari's touch drops away, cyno finds that he misses its comfort immediately. ]

You mean..

[ what is tighnari saying? that he can heal her completely? or, at least, more than others have? every doctor he has spoken with has always told cyno that her illness was chronic, terminal, that there was no cure for eleazar, that, in time, it would claim her life. but what tighnari says - it gives him hope, a warm ball of light flickering to life in his breast, revitalizing. he'd resigned himself to losing her long ago, but if perhaps there is an alternative.. he would give anything to give her a long life, to ensure her continued safety.

it's a lot to think about, even if cyno knows full well that he would stop at nothing to save her. ]

.. all right. I'll get some sleep. Thank you, Tighnari. [ he says, and reaches to brush the hair from the witch's eyes before he can think to do otherwise. it's a little thing, a gesture of affection that feels easy and familiar, but he soon draws away, moving over toward collei again where he sits on the floor, leaning up against the couch, his head resting against the arm of the sofa. he wants to stay near her, to be with her when she wakes, so she is not alone. ]

[ the feeling of a connection is certainly something tighnari is familiar with. such as the forest here, what he feels is reflected in the nature - stretched out in lands, when it's easier for it to breathe and the days when it is not. he can feel that connection as if it fills to his core. but with cyno... that nostalgia, the familiarity of it, it extends as if it's been there since before he was even born. it doesn't quite make sense. a mystery buried so deep he had almost forgotten. but he feels it as his hand drops away, sees it as he peers into those scarlet red, and even hears it while his voice speaks softly to him.

and yet, whatever it was, it wasn't nearly as important as the girl sleeping soundly. it's that thought that disregards everything else. he can't get distracted by it. even as surprise flickers in when his hair is brushed aside and he's filled with a small ache. he stops himself from going after it. ]

Of course... sleep well. You'll both be safe here.

[ to further reassure any other worries. that nothing will come to any harm to them while under his and the forest's watch. for a while he observes, carefully waiting, going over his own thoughts and answers he's been given. because cyno will have many questions, and tighnari believes himself capable of likely answering them all. he just... he needs to be careful.

because in the end, it is asking a lot from the forest. but he wants to help them. he wants to help her. and he can tell that what dwells here feels the same way. eventually, when he's sure cyno is in the cusp of falling completely to sleep does he step carefully through the hut, coming back to them with another blanket in tow to settle comfortably around the huntsman.

it is likely that tighnari himself will end up not gathering any rest himself, but he can hardly complain. he has pulled plenty of late night researches that end up with spilling into the morning light. one more night is no issue. he'll manage, are his thoughts as he settles back at his desk, falling into idle writings to fill the hours. ]

[ cyno settles in comfortably, his tired eyes fixed on collei's sleeping face, watching her peaceful expression for as long as he can before his eyelids become far too heavy and he can no longer keep them up.

despite the fact that he's on the hard floor, cyno sleeps comfortably, the same way he had here once before - as if nothing can harm them here, a strange, unusual feeling of complete safety enveloping him like the blanket tighnari drapes around his body. cyno sleeps quietly, unmoving, his body slumped against the sofa, his ears full of the soft sounds of collei's even breathing.

he wakes when she does. late into the morning collei stirs, her violet eyes bleary as she blinks, confused, not recognizing the space around her. cyno awakens with a start, rubbing the heel of his hand into his eyes before he's sitting up further. his back and neck ache from the awkward angle he slept in, but he's more concerned with collei. ]

Hey, sweet pea. It's okay. I've brought you to a.. friend. Someone who can help you.

[ collei's brow furrows, and she blinks slowly, still heavy and tired, but feeling.. better, somehow. her gaze drifts down to the seelie. what's that? ]

[ when morning does come, tighnari quietly makes it to another room to prepare some food for when the two eventually wake. when he last looked it seem to possibly be a while more. which was fine, more time for him to work with. he's returning to the table at the end of the main room while he quietly sets the dishes down. he leaves some pita pockets of his own making covered to preserve, setting down some cups with a jar of water set aside. though there's an additional smaller jar filled with a bright color as the juice is left there as well.

his tail sways with thought, debating on preparing something else - tea, perhaps? or even coffee. something to keep himself going. however, his ears no sooner twitch at the sounds behind him from the couch, turning and seeing them both stir. and yet his own movements hesitate at the mention of 'friend.' but, with how disorientated the young girl must be, he loses that surprise.

the seelie wiggles a little, tilting as if to peer up at her until it perks and dances away to offer some space. though, it draws near in tighnari's direction who raises a hand to gingerly pet it. ]

A Seelie, they're gentle wandering spirits. [ with a soft chirp it hovers on back to cyno and collei first before gingerly resting atop cyno's head in between his ears once more. as if it's done it a million times before. it leaves it close enough to inspect collei with a feeling of curiosity. ]

I'm Tighnari, it's nice to meet you. [ the fox takes the opportunity to come closer, crouching a little to be more on her level. he passes a quick glance to cyno, the intention clear that he would like to examine her closely but with both their permission. for now, he looks back to her with the same kind of gentleness. despite her grogginess, she looks to have more energy to her.. which is good, it means the concoction worked well. ] How do you feel?

[ cyno's gaze flicks to tighnari as he sets the food down, wondering at whether or not the witch managed to get any rest at all, but that's a question for later. tighnari supplies a helpful answer, and collei blinks thoughtfully, though she seems to recognize the name. yes. her father had told her about the witch in the woods, about his comfortable hut and spirit friends, and collei had found it all very interesting and very magical, and right now, even through her illness she still can't help but be intrigued.

though she's still a little bit shy, and when tighnari draws nearer she looks away, glancing up toward cyno, but he only offers her a nod, just as the seelie nests itself between his ears again. ]

Collei.. do you think you can sit up a little, and let Tighnari have a look at you?

[ the girl seems hesitant, but after a moment, tighnari's gentleness wears through, and she nods her head, sitting herself upward. she doesn't like to be touched by people she doesn't trust, but she's also quite used to being examined by doctors, so it's nothing entirely new to her, either.

okay, she says, her large eyes lifting toward tighnari, a little wary, but growing more comfortable. ]

Thank you, Collei. I promise it won't take too long. [ tighnari gives her a soft smile, his movements are careful and slow enough so he doesn't alarm her. first, he brings a gentle touch to her forehead with the back of his hand, humming thoughtfully. ]

Her temperature seems to be normal, definitely better than last night. [ he shifts a little, guiding that hand to the upper half of her back. he nods a little as he does. ] Take a deep breath in and out. By the time you're done, I'll be done.

[ a warmth surges from his hand when she inhales, tighnari concentrating closely but as he promises he's pulling his hand back once that breath is exhaled. there's a bit of relief on his face as he looks her over until he glances to cyno. ] She's improved a lot since last night. Her energies seem to have risen as well. For now, I think it's best we focus on getting you both something to eat. You and I can talk a bit more afterward, Cyno.

[ tighnari straightens, a bit refreshed with this good news. he was hopeful to begin with but it's better to see for himself. and it's good news for them both at that. the pita pockets he's prepared are plentiful in amount, and easy to eat. though tighnari did prepare both a veggie set and one with meat. so they'll be able to enjoy and eat however much they want. exhaustion is tugging at his own body a bit more obviously than before but he pushes past it to focus on ensuring they have breakfast. ]

[ cyno watches closely, trying not to hover too much, but more or less failing. he can't help it, he's always so concerned about her, and last night had been far too close of a call for him to be comfortable with. despite the fact that he had resigned himself to losing her someday, it was.. still too soon, he isn't ready to let go, not yet, not now, not when more could help her. perhaps he would never truly be ready.

but tighnari speaks of talking, and cyno feels that hope flare in his breast again, though he's careful not to allow it to show on his face. collei is a sensitive young girl, and he doesn't want her picking up on it, not when it could be too good to be true. ]

Good idea.

[ cyno rises to his feet with a groan, joints cracking as he unfolds himself, and collei soon follows. she's still a bit of a mess, her hair wild and mussed, still wearing her rumpled bedclothes, but that can all be sorted soon enough. she's here, alive, and doing well, that's all he needs to know to move forward. together they sit at the table and begin to eat. collei's appetite is minimal at first, but once she takes a few bites it kicks in, and she eats well, though she's clearly very, very curious about everything - this place, the seelie, and tighnari especially, whom she keeps sneaking furtive glances toward. he seems every bit as mysterious and magical as cyno had described, perhaps even moreso.

nevertheless, they work their way through the meal, with collei taking to the vegetable pitas, and cyno favoring the meat stuffed ones, but they both enjoyed their share of both. by the time they're finished, collei is feeling much chattier, looking around the hut, her eyes on everything, clearly holding back a thousand questions. cyno chuckles and musses her hair. ]

Go on and wash up a bit. [ he says, glancing toward tighnari because he sure has no idea where the washroom is. ]

[ tighnari helps himself to a few veggie pitas himself, but for the most part seems content enough to allow them to enjoy their fill. it isn't long when they start digging in that the seelie drifts away to join tighnari, hovering above his shoulder with a curious series of chirps. it has the fox tilting his head a little, ear flickering before he nods and lightly nudges the seelie who twirls off to float around with no real direction.

his gaze settles on the other two, curious and a bit amused when collei looks around with that childish wonder. were it a social visit, he might have encouraged her to ask whatever she has on her mind but he will save that for another time. his eyes soften at sight of cyno, affectionate and endearing towards her. when those scarlet red meet his gaze does he blink back before nodding, turning to gesture to the door on the right towards the back of the room. ]

Through the bedroom there, you'll find a washroom by the far door.

[ tighnari waits patiently for collei to make her way, the seelie not even hesitating to join her with soft enlightened chirping. that way she has some company nearby while she roams through the hut. it isn't until it's just the two of them that tighnari emits a quiet sigh, a wave of exhaustion showing as he touches his forehead briefly. it can wait until later though, turning towards cyno again with a more serious air. ]

..Have you given it some thought? I know it's a lot to ask of you, but the forest.. it does want to help if you're willing to listen.

[ collei seems almost more intrigued by the seelie than by tighnari, having never seen such a thing before. she's heard stories of the forest spirits, but cyno had never allowed her to delve deeply enough into the woods that she would stumble across one herself. he gives her what freedoms he can, but she is young, and ill, and he is perhaps.. overprotective in some ways. not so overprotective, at least, that he feels the need to follow her to the washroom, thankfully.

once they're alone again, cyno sits back in his chair, meeting tighnari's gaze again, his brow set, and furrowed. ]

Honestly, I don't think there's anything to think about. If you can help her.. I'll do anything. Go anywhere.

[ if it meant curing her eleazar, cyno would lay down his own life, so spending some time here in this forest hardly seems a steep price to pay for her well-being. even a chance at ridding her of the disease is something he would fight for, tooth and nail. but.. tighnari. how much will this ask of him? there may be a strange, unknowable connection between the two of them, and an easy (if strange) bond, but that didn't mean that tighnari needed to offer up his services. ]

Anything you need.. you'll have it. Work. Mora. There's no question. [ though he frowns, loosely crossing his arms. ] Did you sleep?

That's just it Cyno, it isn't really anything about where you need to go and do. [ tighnari meets his gaze, unmoving and straight forward. it does involve cyno in the way that this is his daughter they're talking about. if anything, it relies more on what he's willing to give up for her, regarding the decisions that will need to be made. but over all... tighnari thinks it's something that can be manageable. something that can be done. even though it may ask more from the forest and... consequently tighnari.

he blinks when the question comes to him, glancing briefly off to the side before shaking his head. though he isn't nearly as rested as he should be, his resources have been used up quite a bit last night and this morning. his posture straightens, recomposing himself to lessen any worries or concerns on him. ]

I slept enough. Don't worry, it won't be an issue. [ won't cause any trouble for what he's about to share. his gaze flickers out the window, looking at the woods outdoors until back to cyno. ] If you want Collei to receive treatment, you'll need to leave her here. I'm not sure how long it'll take, as I mentioned last night it could be anything from a couple of months to even a few years... but here is the best place for her to be.

[ while that sits, he steps up to move over to his desk, pushing some papers aside until he grabs hold of a journal and returns to the table. carefully, he opens it and sets it down to show the page to the huntsman. there's a sketched-out part of the woods, a large tree design with a circular orb-like cocoon settled at the center of it. ] The forest here has many properties to it that aren't really easy to explain, but I can promise that being here will have a good effect on her. The nature here is effective at mitigating the effects of Eleazar as long as she stays here.

[ after all, the forest takes away any sickness, anything negative, and turns it into something. but that isn't something cyno needs to worry about. his arms cross, because that topic doesn't really need to be elaborated on. it's something tighnari will take on himself so he continues on. ] To not overwhelm the nature here, the goal is to handle treatments little by little. Which is precisely why I mentioned it doesn't have a precise timeline on how long it can take to heal her completely. It won't cause any harm to Collei, it'll probably have the opposite effect really. And of course I'll be there every step of the way.

[ there's a pause, meeting his gaze with a frown lingering on his lips. ] I know I'm asking a lot from you, to entrust your daughter to stay here with me. But it's the only method I can really offer.

[ .. it is a lot to ask. it's quite a lot to ask. cyno is silent.

for all he tries to keep his expression neutral, it's quite clear that the very idea of leaving collei here makes his heart ache terribly. she's his entire world, she has been since the moment she was born, since her tiny fingers wrapped around his own, and he's done everything in his power to be strong for her, to care for her as best as he could. asking him to surrender her now to someone else..

cyno's chest constricts, and he looks away, his posture tightening, tensing, arms crossed over his abdomen. of course he would do anything to save her, to give her a chance at life, the chance to grow up and blossom into the person he always hoped for her to be, but the selfish parts of his heart do not want to let her go. tighnari, after all, did not invite him to stay as well, and besides, if he did stay.. what on earth would he do with himself? giving up his work for collei - he'd be more than happy to, but he hardly wants to disrupt tighnari's life any more than he already has. torn and uncertain, cyno drops his gaze, a shadow flitting behind his eyes.

papa.. you're leaving me here..?

collei's voice calls out quietly from the doorway, her eyes wide, ears folded back, her banded tail curling between her knees. cyno's stony silence breaks in an instant, and he's on his feet, moving toward her, dropping to kneel with his hands warm on her shoulders. ]

Collei.. you know I don't want that. I'd never leave you anywhere you didn't want to stay. But you.. Tighnari can help you, here. He can treat you, and maybe even help you with your abilities.

[ considering that she, too, is able to wield the dendro element. ]

[ it's what he had expected.

the silence fills, heavy and tense, but he was prepared for it. from the moment cyno had arrived, tighnari could tell how much collei means to him. his literal world in the shape of such a young bright girl. but he wouldn't have offered it if he didn't think it would be good for her. good for them both. the forest's nature, gentle and soothing in the back of his mind when those vines held onto his hand last night... she has a strong will to live. she has fought her whole life against such a strong devastating illness.

but he cannot ask for them both to suddenly leave their lives behind to change everything. he cannot ask cyno to leave behind his work and everything else he has just to come here. which is precisely why he does not ask. however, he isn't forbidding him entirely from these woods, the forest has grown familiar to his presence- the one that dances with another spirit deep in his soul. however, tighnari knows it's better this way. so cyno can still provide for her once she's better, once she's finally able to go back.

his gaze watches the man as he comforts his daughter, staying where he is as the seelie hovers only for a moment before fluttering over to tighnari's side with a light gentle bump. ]

I won't force you to stay here if you don't want to, Collei. It's ultimately your decision as well. [ tighnari knows it's a lot to ask from a girl so young, but he cannot help her if she does not wish to be helped. he isn't the kind of person to do that, to try and enforce aid to someone unwilling. and he knows very well that the forest will not impose itself upon someone unwilling as well. ]

You can take some time to talk and think it over together, you don't need to give an answer right away. [ though he doesn't say it, but the sooner the better goes without saying. a hand eventually settles on his own chest as he feels a distant pain. however, he keeps himself composed, steady. ] But I would like for the chance to be able to help you.

[ cyno would never have thought it would come to this, that he would have to face the possibility of giving her up, and for so long, perhaps years. coming home to her after particularly difficult jobs had been what kept him going, what made it easier for him to get through tough days. to think he was facing the possibility of coming home to a quiet, empty house, without her bright smile to greet him..

but it was in her best interests. if it meant saving her life, there is nothing cyno would not sacrifice, including his own happiness. collei's eyes fill with tears, though it's clear she's trying to remain strong, and cyno gathers her small, frail body up into his arms, hugging her close. ]

We'll give you an answer soon.

[ though cyno already knows full well how he feels, what his own answer will be. he won't force collei either, but she's a strong, smart young girl, and they've been searching for so long for a way to cure her eleazar.. surely neither of them would pass up this opportunity. pulling back, cyno smooths the hair from collei's eyes. ]

Why don't you spend a little time with Tighnari? See what it's like here, all the things he can teach you. I'll be with you, too.

[ tighnari's tail hangs low, twitching at the ends, but the only person that could really reach out to her is her own father. even if there's a part of him that feels like he could do more. say more. for now, he tidies up the table a little, gathering his journal to return it with the rest of his things.

though, he pauses at that suggestion, his ears perk and he looks over with some surprise. after all, no one has really look to tighnari with the thoughts of learning from him... no, that's a lie. it happened once before but that had been... he grows quiet, gathering some things to set aside into his satchel. it's different this time around. and he isn't against teaching collei, while she's here she would have more than the opportunity to learn from him. the fox is more than willing to offer to be a mentor of sorts. he doesn't want this to feel like a prison of sorts to her. ]

If she's feeling up to it, we can take a trip around the woods. We'll stay close by so we can come back to the hut if need be.

[ and more gently, turning his gaze onto cyno. ] And Cyno, you know you're free to visit these woods when the opportunity comes. Neither I nor the forest here want to take that from you.

[ to help ease his worries and concerns, to also soothe any of collei's fears as well. the seelie chirps as if in agreement, floating up and down in with more energy. ]

[ releasing collei from his hold, cyno stands again, his hand pressed gently between her shoulderblades as she steps toward tighnari. collei isn't terribly good with strangers, she isn't good with people overall, but.. there's a definite interest in her eyes as she looks up at tighnari. for a young girl, it's difficult not to be captivated by the idea of a magical forest witch, and she definitely sees many things in tighnari and his home that catch her attention. the seelie among them.

but first, she bows her head politely, both hands clasped in her shirt. i-it's nice to meet you, mister tighnari.. thank you for your help..

cyno smiles, though his heart is already aching with the knowledge of their separation. ]

.. right. I know. Thank you. [ even if visiting isn't nearly enough. his home will feel so.. empty. so cold, without her. he'll simply have to get used to it. ] Go on, then, Collei. [ he says, giving her a gentle nudge. ]

[ his gaze softens when she bows her head, shaking off that distant familiarity of it and nods in return with a light twitch of an ear. ]

I'm happy to have helped, Collei.

[ and of course it's geunine. though he hadn't needed to help cyno those months ago, and help him again now... he is glad he has. the aspect of helping others, it feels good to do. living most of his life secluded in the forest, facing the backlash of most people only seeing the evil in what he did... it didn't bother him too much. it's what he always told himself, he couldn't really feel lonely when he had the company of nature rustling every day beside him. it's changed recently. a lot has changed recently, and sometimes he's never sure what to make of it but.. this he feels as if he was always meant to do this. his gaze raises to meet cyno's own, until he nods and gestures for them to follow while his hand reaches to take hold of his satchel. ] Come along then.

[ once they're outdoors, tighnari makes way to the closest rivers that make their way through the large expansive forest. he explains along the way that while he helps deal with threats to this forest, he also helps heal it. how important it is that he does his patrols, to check on more sensitive parts of the woods. at the curving paths of rivers, he shows the nilotpala lotus that grow on large lily pads, gleaming brightly like a moon floating adrift over the waters. the important part of what he does is to familiarize himself with everything in research, to every single floral and plant down to every part of their property. what uses they have, how they can help, and what can be made from them into useful concoctions.

after all, nilotpala lotus had been used to bring back collei's energy, to help with her illness, and he shares that much with her. though witch by nature, there's so much he does here, so much he needs to remember and learn.

the seelie accompanies them, drifting as it dances between the trees, even meeting with a few smaller blue whisps that watch curiously from afar. for now, tighnari focuses on gathering florals to restock his wares. but he doesn't allow himself to get too distracted in sharing and teaching a little here and there. if he did, he'd probably be out all day and he can't push collei too much. not when she's only barely recovered enough after last night's attack from her sickness. so, he'll eventually lead them back to his hut after a while, though opening up the discussion to something else as they make their way back through the bright and colorful scenery of the woods around them. ]

Is there anything specific you're curious about and want to know? It must be a lot to take in. [ though his gaze watches collei closely, he does glance over to cyno to see how he's faring. ]

[ tighnari ferries them through the forest with ease, showing them the way through the twisting paths and even off of them a little bit, though he's always cognizant of collei's condition and never pushes her, which cyno not only notices, but deeply appreciates.

of course, the girl is full of energy now, likely feeling better than she has felt in months after the treatment she received, so after a little while her interest began to outweigh her shyness. bright eyes and bushy tailed, she would pepper tighnari with question after question, clearly very interested in the flora and fungi of this deep forest, as well as the seelies in the distance, and what animals they came across. seeing her so invested in something made cyno's heart swell with happiness and pride both, even if it showed little enough through his stoic demeanor.

but soon enough tighnari is seeing them back toward the homestead, which is good and well, because collei is beginning to tire, though she bravely fights her fatigue.

i want to know how to make potions like you and papa..

cyno chuckles, mussing her hair as they step back inside. ]

She's always been interested in what I do, but honestly, I think you're the interesting one now, not me.

Ah, potions are a good essential to learn. There are so many uses to them.

[ tighnari's tail sways up and down as he comments on it, a wider smile on his lips while his eyes gleam a little. the satisfaction in preparing his concotions has always been something he enjoyed. especially when he began to research and find new potions to create and work with.

the fox continues on, oblivious to the seelie that follows right behind him that dances along with his tail. ]

I can show you the one I've put together for you.

[ his ear twitches to the side at cyno's comment, glancing over with a bit of surprise until he shows him light amusement. ]

...Her father will always be the most interesting one. Don't worry too much, Cyno.

[ tighnari moves over to his desk to refill his wares, setting away his stock of flora and other miscellaneous things until he starts to pull out what he'll need for the potion he put together for collei. ]

[ cyno offers a nod of agreement. though they might use different ingredients, potions are also a specialty of his own, having studied under a spantamad scholar for many years. collei knows the basics, at least, that much cyno has taught her, but he has no doubt that she will learn much and more beneath tighnari as well, given the amount of time they will have to spend together, and the revitalizing nature of the forest. collei is already behaving with more curiosity and energy than she has in a long, long time.

it's why cyno knows.. this is the right choice. painful, yes, but.. necessary.

at tighnari's comment, however, cyno huffs a sound like a thin laugh. ]

I doubt that.

[ dads are cringe, after all!!

after some time further, cyno sighs softly, and drops a hand onto collei's head, ruffling her hair and rubbing her soft ears, before he's kneeling to be on her level again, looking into her eyes. ]

.. so what do you think, sweet pea? Think you can stay here for a little while, and let Tighnari get you all better?

[ cyno has to fight to keep the sorrow from his voice, focusing instead on the hope that tighnari's presence brings, on the possibility that this could really work, after years of searching for a cure. collei looks somber again, biting her lip and clasping her hands.

you'll.. visit? all the time, right? ] All the time. [ and.. and you'll promise i'll be okay here? ] I promise. Mister Tighnari knows what he's doing, and I trust him. Think you can trust him, too?

[ collei's eyes shift to tighnari again.. and she nods. ]

You should give yourself more credit.

[ dads truly are cringe!! but so far, from what tighnari has seen, he is really everything to her. cyno has nothing to worry about. it's what he thinks anyways while the other man checks on his daughter after a moment of going through some of his concoction-making.

even after everything - cyno was surely taking the time to reassure himself as well. the young witch may not be capable of requesting the man stay here along with her, but at least they both know where she will be. they can meet with one another whenever he wishes, while tighnari ensures her safety here. as her gaze flickers over to him, tighnari offers a reassuring smile.

it's.. a lot. to have trust from another. but it's enough that they trust him with something like this, trust the nature here to do what it can to help. the seelie sways in a circle where it stays adrift with a series of chirp. tighnari's ears flicker back and he brings a hand over his chest in his own promise. ]

I promise we'll do the best to our ability to do what we can. You can trust me on that.

[ they can trust that he will do that much here. though, he's determined to try and get her back to him as soon as he can. but while she's here.. he can mentor her along, guide her with her element usage - yes.. she'll definitely be fine here. ]

[ and this dad is the most cringe of all dads.. even if tighnari doesn't know that yet. but his observation is, at least, correct; the two of them are very bonded, very attached, after all, they're all the other has in the world, which is what makes the idea of separation so difficult.

but.. cyno trusts tighnari, trusts him fully. perhaps he shouldn't, but deep down he knows he can, knows that tighnari is nothing if not straightforward, honest, and compassionate. he'll look after collei, and she'll live a vivid and full life here, learning all the things she's always wanted to learn, thriving in an environment that well and truly suits her.

and tighnari's reassuring smile seems to be the balm to the bruised soul, for collei soon nods, looking from tighnari's smile to her father's eyes. .. okay. i'll stay. but only if you promise it isn't forever, and promise that you'll visit a whole lot.

and at that.. cyno smiles. ]

I promise.

[ a promise made will always be kept.

many months pass, and when tighnari looks back on it's a bit surprising just how quickly it actually has come by. at this rate it'll be a year before they know it.. and the fox knows it isn't really the wish for cyno and collei both for her to be away for that long but... her progress has been going very well, all things considered. any attacks from her illness seem like a faraway distant memory. she's healed quite well, between the concoctions that tighnari makes for her along with the visits deeper into the forest to find the center heart of the woods. collei may not be able to hear the nature's words, but the treatment is always warm and gentle. like the comforting warmth embrace of her father.

tighnari deals with any negative side effects it may inflict upon the forest itself, handling it himself. though it's a part of his duties as the forest's guardian... he cannot bring collei close to those withering sections. he knows it may be a bit disappointing when she can't help him during those times, but he always reassures her that she helps so much in other ways. she learns quickly too. helping her get the hang of her dendro element, guiding her along with teachings and research to familiarize the forest like he does. at this rate, she will be able to guide cyno through the woods without tighnari's aid. it warms his heart to see how well she thrives with all that energy and curiosity.

he has been mentoring her in other ways as well, with reading and writing... encouraging her to write letters to her father. at first it meant to be a surprise for cyno, for something to have him look forward to as the dusk bird makes it way from the forest and back with a new letter every time when cyno cannot afford a visit. eventually, tighnari began to include his own letters. just to share collei's progress in his own words, how their dream of collei being completely cured is more than just a simple hope. it'll happen sooner rather than not at all.

cyno's visits come and go when he has the time. tighnari knows that, depending on his job, they can extend for quite a long time if he needs to travel far for them. but he keeps on his promise, visiting when he can, tighnari feeling a sense of pleasant warmth and joy when he comes by. happier when tighnari gets to see collei brighten up and ready to show everything she's come to learn. after all this time, how much the two of them have managed to worm themselves into a space in his heart. enough so that it.. aches just a little to think one day they'll no longer be here. but he never dwells on that sadness, focuses on the brighter end of things. focusing on his research and being the strength and support they need.

it's been a while since cyno's last visit, so tighnari has left the pair to catch up in collei's room and instead focuses on organizing his stock while he jots down the new specimen that cyno has brought as a gift for him. he stands by his desk, magnifying glass in hand while he admires the pattern and bloom of said floral. it's always so exciting to see something new... something that grows outside these woods. his tail is wagging happily along, ears perked high as he admires it some more. now and then listening to the distant chatter of collei's excited voice and cyno's more gentle one. ]

[ being without collei was far, far more difficult than cyno ever could have imagined.

he was used to being separated from her at times, to working long hours sometimes, even traveling far from the city on his hunts, but always she would be there when he returned, ready with a smile and a hug, eager to hear his stories and receive whatever interesting gifts he'd plucked up for her. but now..

now he comes home to an empty house, to silence where her voice once filled, and chill loneliness where her warmth had been. he takes his meals alone, in silence, and he fills the empty space in his heart with work as best as he can, visiting at every possible opportunity, and those visits soon become the highlights of his life, the moments he works toward. seeing collei always fills him with joy, but.. tighnari, too. as the months pass, they get to know one another better and better, and it isn't long before cyno is bringing both of them gifts when he visits.

it feels right in a way that he doesn't have the words to explain. it feels like family, and appreciation, and love, the three of them together, and cyno can't help but marvel quietly at the thing they have built together. he was right to trust tighnari, to spare his life and protect him, not only because he is saving collei's life, but because he is an incredible, captivating person who makes cyno's heart kick up into his throat with every smile.

with a few days to spare now, cyno visits the moment he's back in the forest; it had been a few weeks since last he saw them, and he was more than desperate for their company. collei tells him of her exploits, of all the things that she has learned, and her energy is so powerfully good that he can hardly believe she is the same sick little girl he once knew. truly, she is thriving here, as if she was meant to be doing exactly what it is that she is doing. but soon enough the sun is dipping below the horizon, and collei is yawning, dozing, so cyno puts her to bed with a kiss to her brow and slips back into the living area, where tighnari is bent over the yellow cactus flower like a man possessed.

a soft smile slants his mouth, and cyno approaches, carefully settling his hand against the small of tighnari's back. ]

.. you like it?

[ he truly is a man possessed.

it can't be helped... when given something so new, how can he not be excited by it? cyno introducing something that exists outside these woods to him - when tighnari would not have been able to see for himself otherwise. he would probably be stuck here for hours if not for cyno's now presence. distantly he's aware that collei must have gone to sleep, they both had a bit of a busy day.

even so, the touch has him pausing suddenly, ears perking straight up until they lower back a little in faint embarrassment. though he tries to push past it, clearing his throat a little while he gingerly sets it down. ]

Ah.. I do. [ he's so acutely aware of that hand against his back, his tail dropping to sway slowly from side to side.] I'd like to research it thoroughly but, I almost want to save it.

[ what a dillema. maybe it's because he himself wouldn't be able to get another specimen like this on his own. and... it's a gift from cyno. for once, he wants to preserve and save it above all else. ]

[ cyno is thinking about it, too - about how easy it is for him to touch tighnari, about how warm the witch's skin is beneath his clothing, about the way it makes tighnari smile in a way that makes cyno's stomach tighten and flutter. yet he doesn't pull away, at least not yet. ]

Do whatever you like with it, I can always get you another. They're relatively common this season, when the cacti are flowering.

[ and he's certainly in the desert often enough to find them easily. cyno lingers for a moment, his thumb rubbing faint, shallow circles around the dip of tighnari's spine, before he finally draws away so he can lean comfortably against tighnari's desk, his arms crossed loosely over his abdomen. ]

As far as I'm aware it's edible, but has no useful medicinal properties, so there's no harm in saving it, for now.

[ one ear flicks, and he tilts his head. ]

Someday, I'll take you to see them with your own eyes.

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