Arrow Lake shine on

”i vas taught, ‘a man is only as good as his counsel,’” mahler rejoined, scenting the air for prey in his rote manner. ”but vhen i grew older, i realized how unfair that vas. many leaders are given good counsel, but choose to ignore it. therefore, it is better to say, ‘a man is only as good as the counsel to vich he listens.’”
with a small start, he realized how easily his words had been coming to him. it was not often that mahler spoke at length, for he found meaning in silence and annoyance in rambling. and despite that, here he was, letting his words travel without end.
his musiker’s heart found her laughter like the trill in an aria’s beginning, though this was too lofty an idea for him to dwell upon for long. instead, the charcoal ears swept forward to hear ruenna’s commentary upon the juxtaposition between the two roles, and again a smile glowed to momentary embers upon the hard planes of his face.
”that is vhat i have alvays believed. but boys are not allowed in vhelping dens. i asked the grandmothers, ‘vhat are you looking for? vhat does that pup’s cry mean? vhy are you giving their mothers green herbs?’ alvays underfoot,” mahler chuckled, rolling his shoulders.
”for vhat it is vorth, ruenna, i vould be honored to have you as an advisor in diaspora.”