Hushed Willows like a rolling stone

Cortez' departure was so unlike Ariel's. While there was some level of sorrow that hung over the family, Sundance felt an odd sense of... calm? Acceptance? Hope, perhaps. This loss would affect him in his own private way, of course, but he did not whimper or cry - he simply carried on, and offered a sad little smile when the adults turned their gaze on him.

He loved his uncle, and it occured to him as he blinked up at him with wide powder blue eyes that this could very well be the last time he would look upon him. Sundance took his time, appreciating the moment, before he stepped forward to deliver a fond nudge to Cortez' chin. "I'll miss you," he whispered for his ears alone, and stepped back to watch his relatives' final exchange.

Soon, the willowy Shakti took his leave and Sundance, eager to lift his mother's spirits, moved to fit himself snugly betwhen her slim forelimbs with an affectionate coo.