Hushed Willows east of the sun

"Oh — you too," said Valiant, a little alarmed by his friend's sudden departure. He wanted to call him back, but instead he just watched him leave, something in his chest seeming to tighten and release all at once.

Although he felt a bit guilty for the sentiment, Valiant was glad when Alejandro left. It allowed him to relax a little, and to take a deep breath of air that didn't smell so intriguing. He left the remnants of their meal for the birds and headed back toward the rose grove to lie down for a while.

Imagine Valiant meaning the same thing in French as it is in the common tongue, he thought, a little ruefully. And then he wondered what sort of creatures made up French in the first place, and this led to some quiet rumination on the origin of speech in the first place.

Eventually, he shut his eyes and dreamed sweet, soft dreams. He hoped he would see the male again soon.