Stone Circle a middle-aged mess, thinkin' "i feel like i'm gonna explode any moment"

He hears Valette's approach before he sees her, straightening a moment before the leader appears from between the trees. He dips his head as she greets him, tail swishing slowly. Hello Valette, He says, offering a smile as warm as he can manage right now. There's a dull, familiar ache starting up in his head — in the spot he's come to expect it, no less. But he has company, and no time for headaches or heart-aches or any of the other aches trailing him like lost pups. How are you?