Stone Circle Every story has its scars

Leaves that were once varying shades of vibrant green were gradually changing into the bold, warm colours of fall. There were not many just yet, only a few here and there, but for as minimal as the shift was he had taken notice; it was time for the temperatures to drop, another change in the seasons that he was to live through. Heaving a heavy sigh, he settled back on his haunches and gazed upwards, wondering how long it would be now until the snow returned. Would this year be just as unusually cold—for him—this year, as it had the last? This thought he pondered whilst simultaneously cursing his aging body, up until the sound of approaching footfalls drew his attention off of the matter.

Valette’s form became apparent as she neared and he smiled in response to her approach. It felt like ages since they had last been able to sit and truly speak without any interruptions, so he was particularly glad that she’d sought him out. “Hello,” he returned before glancing at the rabbit and adding, “You should keep this for the children to help them grow. I can already feel that winter’s just around the corner.” His grandchildren were his priority now, which meant ensuring that they received more food than what was truly necessary—the more fat they had on their bodies, the warmer they would be throughout the winter, after all.

“Âha, of course that is okay.” As he spoke, he adjusted his position so that he was sitting up and facing her, weary eyes holding a glimmer of attentiveness yet. “PiKutenngai? Suguset?” he asked, then followed it up with, “How are you? How are the children?” He hoped they were all well, especially little Leta—at such a young age, she had already experienced so much. He hoped, for her sake, that the rest of her life would lack such extreme situations.