The Sunspire everafter

Rannoch failed to soothe Ibis—he wasn't surprised. He had learned recently that the bond between child and mother was a special one, and that when a child needed their mother, there was very little that one could do to calm them without their mother. Rannoch frowned. His mind reeled, and he regarded the pale pup with concern; he wasn't sure what he could do to make her feel better. 

Soon after he began to consider what he should do next, Okeanos and Breccan arrived—attentive to Ibis' fussing. He watched them all interact, giving them a moment before a question was directed at him.

Shit, shit, shit—he thought—where is she? 

"She should be back soon," he lied and then briefly surveyed the shadows around them, "In the meanwhile... should we play a game?" For the love of God, please say yes.