#laures

Still, he could instinctually sense where Dubhithe was, even through his blindfold, and that brought him some comfort. He resumed his work, and made no mention of the passing sensation to Laures when he returned to the hive that day.

--

A few evenings later he removed the bandages over his eyes to do some cooking- He had to see to some extent, no matter how keen his sense of smell was, he didn’t want to risk cutting off his own fingers. As he went to put the bandages back on, he paused once more, wondering for what reason he wore them if not out of habit.

It was fear of something. Something nameless, terrible, and inescapable, that would take his mind if he saw too much. But that fear was gone, faded into a hazy memory like a dream.

During a moment where he could let his dinner simmer, he stepped away and trimmed his bangs in the mirror. There was no reason leaving them to hide his eyes, now.

When he went to bring Laures dinner, he was hung limply over the edge of the tank, and he looked exhausted as he raised his head.

“You cut your hair.”

“Aye.” Therus set the tray with Laures’ dinner on the table next to the tank.

“...Do you not fear...” Laures trailed off.

“No. I cannot tell where Dubhithe lies anymore, either.”

Laures lowered his gaze, and slowly, painfully, moved upright.

“It feels different to me, too. My tail aches. That’s not uncommon, but it’s...Different. I don’t know how to describe it.”

Therus hummed, as though to indicate he understood and agreed. “Do you want to lie down?”