Chapter 349: Path to Healing
Our room was small and cramped, with two small beds and a single large wardrobe. The two widows were shuttered, leaving it lit by only a single light crystal in the ceiling that left it feeling dim and gloomy. The moment the door was shut, I waved my staff, and the shadows recoiled as a shimmering circle flared open. Fable burst through the portal in a dance of starlight, filling the small room with his presence.
My lips parted, a relieved sigh on the edge of my breath, but my lungs hitched as his eyes locked with mine. Before I could protest, he pounced toward me, a joyous whirlwind of silver and starlight. I barely had time to flee to a bed before he pinned me down with a massive paw, the tips of his fur brushing my skin, sending tingles racing through. It felt rough and sudden, yet somehow gentle, and his assault avoided igniting the Sunpurge.
I should have been ready, yet I still squeaked as his rough, wet tongue rasped across my cheek. Korra’s laughter echoed from her bed, where she sat watching the show with an envious expression.
"Aren’t you glad to see me too?" She asked, swallowing another fit of giggles.
Fable paused, raising his head just enough to give her a sideways glance. I used the distraction to squirm free of his smothering weight and wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him tight. He let out a soft, happy whine as I buried my face in his fur, but that was far from my mind. He couldn’t lick me if I did that, right? Also, we had only been gone for a few hours, yet I couldn’t bring myself to let go yet. Fable’s presence and bond were close and comforting, and my eyes grew wet as I rubbed my cheek against his fur.
"I’m glad you’re here," I whispered, then drew back to meet his golden gaze. "But a little warning next time?"
Some of my vulnerability must have leaked because he didn’t lick me again. His head tilted with a low whine, and he nuzzled my cheek with his nose. Once I was satisfied he was finished greeting me, I let him curl onto the bed and leaned against him, looking at Korra.
"Feel better?" she asked, lips curving in a playful smile.
My tail twitched, but I kept my composure and nodded. "Yeah. It’s hard to be unable to understand anything, especially when we’re so far into dangerous territory. And just having him here..." I trailed off, stroking Fable’s neck with an idle hand.