Broken Boulder It’s not working for me here.

Sighs and smiles, sighs and smiles. It seemed like sighs and smiles were all Lily knew, these days, and she stewed silently beside Khali, though returning his grin when he flashed it her way. Finally--thank God--he began to speak again, asking her a question. Giving the obligatory nod, her ears swiveled, hearing him out. At his last remark, she shook her head--but only slightly, then paused, wondering if that were really the right gesture to give.

The little inkstain blinked apologetically at Khali, remorseful for her lack of speech. She lowered her muzzle in deference to his thoughts and feelings, bidding him to continue. True, there were stories that she'd rather not hear, but for one, she had no choice now but to listen--and she genuinely was interested in his tale, too. What had been troubling him so? Her eyes were molten fire, like a hearth in the night, gently resting on his face as she waited for his story.