Hushed Willows sister of pearl

olive's diagnosis is reassuring, though he agrees they need seabreeze--but mali is, well, being mali. he can't fault his children for what they are, given their genetics. really, in retrospect, him and queenie were one of the worst matches he could have conjured.

but he loves his stubborn children. sighing, delight nudges mali, not to move him but to get his attention. "we'll all head back together," he says, agreeing with olive, "mali, you can help me get some food for brillo, and aunt olive will help aunt seabreeze check her over to make sure she isn't hurt, okay?" of course he suspects the answer will be no, or, more likely, N O, but-- but he's got to put his foot down. rising, delight gently scoops brilliance by the scruff (her own display of resistance largely ignored, since she's earned the right in this moment). solomon's absence weighs on him, too, but for now he wants to focus on brilliance -- they'll sort out the rest later.