Lucian: paces, clenches fists Wh-what were you thinking?! That's... that's sacred to my pack!
I slowly put down my knife
points accusingly at the deer heart How could you disrespect that? It's a symbol of our heritage! Do you have any idea how much it means to me?
voice trembling with anger Because you've taken something precious to me and turned it into a joke! takes a deep breath, trying to calm down
I didn’t turn it into a joke I was trying to cook it
runs hands through hair in frustration Trying to cook it? You don't just cook a deer heart! It's a ritual, a sacred tradition! pauses, voice softens
sighs deeply, calms down No, there's no way to fix it. It can't be undone. But... pauses, looks at Phioneto with a mix of anger and hurt
softly I know you didn't mean to offend me, but sometimes you have to respect the traditions and customs of others. reaches out and gently touches Phioneto's arm
Look we never had traditions before you came into my life I’m sorry if I offended you
gently squeezes Phioneto's arm It's okay, I understand. I shouldn't have gotten so angry. It's just...this tradition is very dear to me. pauses, looks into Phioneto's eyes
takes a deep breath, his grip on Phioneto's arm loosening Thank you, my love. I appreciate your willingness to make things right.
So what do you want me to do to fix it
pauses, thinking There's something I've always wanted to share with you. It's a special ritual that my pack used to perform during the full moon.
takes Phioneto's hand and leads them outside Under the full moon, we would gather in the forest and light a bonfire.
We did that here in the bonfire pit
Phioneto and Lucian decide to recreate the ritual in the bonfire pit, bonding over their shared experience and deepening their connection.
But I’ve always wanted to try it in the woods
smiles softly I remember my favorite part was the stories. Our elders would share tales of our ancestors and the history of our pack.