Come back home to me

Cicero listened to Burke's explanations; he wondered what happened to Meldresi and where she was. Cicero hoped she would return soon, so he could see her and speak with her himself. He did not notice Damien's attention for him, focussed on Burke's story.

Burke ended by suggesting making mud pies and having a mud flinging contest, an idea that did not appeal to Cicero at all. Were they three months old? As Burke and Potema came into motion -- their sister seemed the only one eager for Burke's suggestion -- Cicero was about to excuse himself and skulk off alone, when Damien went another way and shot him a suggestive look.

Cicero did not hesitate to follow Damien instead, leaving Burke and Potema on their own. It would be nice to spend some more time with Damien alone, although Cicero would not confide in him about the topics that bothered him. Well, other than Burke thinking they were still three month old puppies eager for mud fights, and things like that. Light-hearted things.

It felt good to be back in Blackfeather Woods, despite -- or perhaps because -- of its darkness.

It felt like home.