Larksong Grotto for the time is near

For a moment, the child was king of the hill. Reek remained perfectly still as the youngster poked and prodded at his face, allowing him to enjoy the moment until he eventually came tumbling down in a heap at Reek's forepaws. Reek couldn't help himself as a chuckle rumbled in his throat, but his happieness was short-lived with the realization that he would never be able to do such things with his own son, Tambourine. How much would he miss out on? He wondered. How painful it was to never see one's child's smiling face. Reek's smile faltered and his eyes became downcast, muddled with sorrow.

This pup was the closest thing he had to a family now. One thing was certain, Reek would hold tightly and never let go. He moved his snout forward, toward the child, and placed a sloppy, wet lick right on his forehead.