Otter Creek trickle down the spine

Maegi was glad he was amenable; it was a weight off her shoulders. Jaes only knew how the others would react to such a proposal. . .but now was not the time to be choosy. To be attached. You couldn't be attached to a place when you were dead of starvation.

They could always return—

Thank you, she murmured, for listening. For your words. You. . . She smiled, then, an unexpected curving of lips that transformed her face completely. You remind me of an old mentor—my uncle. He's dead, now, but I think part of his spirit. . .or something like it. . .lives on in you.

Nothing would replace you, Miraak, but if you indeed stand here now: guide my paws. Please.