Pitta stared out over the canyon from her perch along one of Gaeron Pass's many natural ledges, her green eyes narrowed against the late afternoon sun. The sky above Issiq was a sharp, cloudless blue, and the golden-red rocks that made up the canyon walls were bathed in a warm, amber light. She could hear the familiar sounds of the colony below—clanking tools, distant voices, and the steady hum of activity as workers moved through the canyon's narrow pathways.

Despite the peaceful backdrop, Pitta couldn't shake her frustration.

Her side still ached, though the pain had dulled since Kanene's treatment. The bandages, wrapped snugly around her midsection, did their job of holding the wound dressing in place, but Pitta hated feeling restricted. The very thought of being stuck on this ledge for another day, while others went about their daily routines gnawed at her. Resting and recovering—two things that were alien to her way of living. She wasn't built for sitting still!

A flicker of movement below caught her attention. A familiar white and brown shape weaved through the lower pathways, making its way steadily up the rock-hewn steps toward her.

Kanene.

Pitta's ears flicked back in acted annoyance. Of course, the belemoid would be back to check on her. She'd said as much the day before, but Pitta had half-hoped Kanene might forget.

No such luck.

As the belemoid reached the ledge, she looked up at Pitta, her fluffy fur shimmering in the sunlight. Kanene's teal eyes were bright, and her calm expression held a hint of amusement as she took in the sight of the black-furred Tsabhua sprawled out but shifting around every other second, doing anything but resting.

"I knew you wouldn't be resting like I told you," Kanene said, shaking her head lightly as she approached. She dropped her satchel of medical supplies onto the ground and sat down next to Pitta without being invited.

Pitta grunted, her tail twitching irritably. "I've rested enough," she muttered, though even she could hear the strain in her own voice.

Kanene's eyes flicked to the bandages around Pitta's side, noting the faint but fresh stain of blood where the wound had reopened slightly. "Not nearly enough," she corrected, her voice soft but firm. "You're still healing, and if you keep pushing yourself, you'll be down for a lot longer."

Pitta rolled her eyes, shifting uncomfortably as she tried to find a position that didn't pull at the wound. "I hate being stuck up here," she growled. "Feels like the whole colony's moving around me while I just... sit."

Kanene gave a small smile, her paws already moving to check the bandages. "Sitting isn't the worst thing in the world, you know," she said lightly, unwrapping the old dressing with practiced care. "You could try enjoying the view."

Pitta snorted, but her eyes did drift back out toward the canyon. From this vantage point, the entire colony of Gaeron Pass spread out beneath them like a web of interconnected paths, caves, and bridges. The structures, carved directly into the rock walls, were both a marvel of ingenuity and a testament to the harshness of the desert they lived in. The sun cast long shadows across the canyon floor, and far beyond, the endless stretches of desert sand shimmered in the distance, blending into the horizon.

"Not much to enjoy," Pitta muttered. "Just dust and rocks."

Kanene's fluffy ears twitched as she continued to work, her touch gentle as she cleaned the wound with a cool, antiseptic wash. "The desert has its beauty," she mused, her teal eyes focused on her task. "You just have to look for it."

Pitta glanced at Kanene from the corner of her eye. "You sound like you do like this place," she said, her voice curious. "You're from Nuryuhr, right? Is it still just as hot out there as it is here in the canyons? Would you rather choose the canyon or the open plains?"

Kanene chuckled softly, her teal eyes reflecting the golden hues of the canyon. "Nuryuhr might be just as hot, but it's a different kind of heat, open skies, flatter lands — not much blocking the sun most of the day. It can be relentless. Here, at least, the canyon walls give some shade, and the pathways are cooler underfoot." She paused, her smile widening slightly. "I've learned to appreciate it! The canyon has its own rhythm. It might be harsh, but there's a calm here too. It's quieter."

Pitta grumbled under her breath, but a part of her couldn't deny the truth in Kanene's words. The desert, for all its cruelty, was quiet. Isolated. It gave you space.

Kanene finished applying fresh bandages and sat back, tilting her head slightly to meet Pitta's gaze. "You're healing well, but you need more time," she said gently. "I know it's hard, but pushing through pain won't make it go away."

Pitta didn't respond right away. She stared at the distant sands, her green eyes narrowed in thought. Her whole life, she'd been used to pushing through—through pain, through challenges, through everything. But sitting still? That was the real challenge.

"It's not just the pain," Pitta muttered after a long pause. "It's... everything. I feel useless up here. Watching everyone work while I just sit around doing nothing. I'm not built for 'rest,' Kanene."

Kanene's expression softened. "Healing isn't doing nothing, Pitta," she said softly. "It's the hardest kind of work—because it's the kind you can't rush. You have to let your body do its part, and that takes patience."

Pitta sighed, her ears flicking back as she mulled over the belemoid's words. "Patience isn't exactly my strong suit."

"I've noticed," Kanene said with a playful smile, standing up and dusting off her fur. "But it doesn't have to be forever. Just give yourself a little more time." She glanced back at the Tsabhua. "I'll come by tomorrow to check again. Try to stay out of trouble until then."

Pitta rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I'll try. No promises."

Kanene chuckled, picking up her satchel and turning to leave. "Fair enough. Just don't make me chase you down the canyon, alright?"

As the belemoid disappeared down the winding path, her figure blending into the shadows cast by the rock, Pitta leaned back against the stone, her gaze drifting once more to the horizon. The sun was beginning its slow descent, turning the sky from blue to hues of orange and pink.

Maybe Kanene was right. Maybe healing was its own kind of work.

For now, though, Pitta would try—just for a little while longer—to be patient.

The canyon below continued to hum with the rhythm of the colony, and for once, Pitta allowed herself to just sit still and listen.