Sunbeam Lair Skylines

He closed the remaining distance between them at her invitation, eager to feel the warmth of another. He had been climbing the mountain through the cold wind and snow, and the cave and her company was suddenly very inviting. He took a seat in front of her, smiling as she began to speak. But the conversation quickly took a turn into the territory of things he really didn't want to talk about. He didn't want to be rude to her, which meant he couldn't just ignore her question, unfortunately. The smile immediately fell from his face, replaced by shadows of deep, persistent pain. He sighed and looked away. They were not as lucky, he started. Although, it was hard for him lately not to consider them the lucky ones. I lost them all to a landslide in the mountains—all but two of my children. And was immensely grateful for that. His shoulders sagged under the weight of his grief and he was quiet for a few moments, unable to think of anything else to say while his mind reeled with the awful memories of that day. 

What about you? he asked quietly. How has the famine treated you? His gaze still held unfathomable pain as he finally rested on her once more. He was desperate to change the subject, and he hoped she would understand.