he had brought flowers to the little one's grave each day, and spent any amount of time required of him in peregrine's presence, his embrace. though he would not judge the panther for his unwillingness to make known their relationship, some small part of him longed to kiss his lover in the open air of the plateau, to take their pleasurable moments without apprehension that they might be caught.

for now, he was in search of beautiful things with which to gift peregrine and the willow, and the surely lingering spirit of osprey junior. having an affinity for the array of flowers to be found in the summertime heat, the delta had roused himself from the coolness of his den to gather a bouquet, and presently trotted through the woodland with various blossoms dangling from his jaws, their sweet scent rising in his nostrils.

he was approached in time by the willow, who seemed pleased with his fragrant burden. smiling past their stems, he extended his muzzle toward her, for a gentle touch of the black velvet in which she was cloaked. yes, he said, setting down the flowers gently between his paws. i wanted to help in some way, and tending the gravesite seemed agreeable to me.

picking up the bouquet once more, the earthen man moved toward the loamy crypts, and spread the full flush of colours across them, arranging the blooms with care. but these are for you, blue willow, he murmured at length, turning to gesture at a spray of goldenrod. you deserve beautiful things as well.

there was no malice, no hatred in blue willow; she reminded him of deirdre, as gentle and kind as a creature ever was. delight sparkled in his murky eyes as she spoke, as she accepted his gift. without a doubt he knew that had she been privy to the details of his relationship with peregrine, she would have accepted it in stride. atticus — atticus' response was not one of which taltos was sure.

but his attentions were for blue willow, and he settled himself with a curious expression. peregrine deserves happiness, as do you. the wolves of this place would not fare half so well without the two of you at the plateau's helm.

he motioned with a forepaw toward the goldenrod. what will you do with that? taltos inquired, wondering at her skill with plants and their separate parts.

i believe peregrine thrives with you beside him, lasher opined quietly. your strength and love has helped him through each difficult day. he felt that he himself had aided peregrine in some ways, though not in those that blue willow was able to provide his beloved devil.

ears swung forward as she began his education, marvelling at her extensive knowledge. to him it had been a simple matter of beauty, the golden blossoms; he was happy to know that they were useful as well as lovely to the willow. will you train another in your craft? he asked softly. surely knowledge so great as hers could not be harnessed solely in her heart; a young mind must be trained to carry it on and pass it down his or her own genealogy. she was young, yet; perhaps she would have a child whom she would entrust this wisdom.

come now; it is not too late, he lilted. she was lovely and kind, and would make any creature a fine companion. he wondered if atticus thought the same, though he did not know why he thought of that particular wolf; perhaps taltos had heard or seen something in passing. at any rate, she was too young and hale to be without a mate for long.

what of the children here? perhaps they would like your teachings? he suggested softly. they were a motley bunch; saēna was withdrawn, pura was silent, and tytonidae was not like any child he had encountered before. but young they were, and youth benefited from positive lessons.