Meadowlark Prairie Vita brevis

If Maegi knew what the boy was thinking, she would be bowled over. As it was, she recognized the warmth and trust in his eyes and it gave her strength—enough to get him safely home. She stood firmly by, ready to jump in and steady him should he stumble.

It was nice to help a child. . .as if Jaes had recognized the yawning void in her heart left by her dead sons. It was a blessing. Just as he saw Maegi as a guardian angel, Maegi saw him as some sort of cherub—and her mind wouldn't be easily changed on the topic.

She pressed her slight weight against his even smaller frame,

and step by step, the two of them made their way back to the forest, ice and flame.