Bearclaw Valley to my mother

contentedness? no, it will not always be so. dreams of childhood bliss resonate long into the future. there is no comfort like a mother's arms, of the ability to erase all of one's problems and fears. the vulnerability of infancy is necessary to leave behind, but it is bittersweet.

children long to grow up, only to find themselves grown-ups and yearn for simpler times.

Avicus will not remember this exact moment, but she will remember the essence of it—an amalgamation of now and all other similar memories. the feeling of utmost warmth and safety. unless things go utterly awry—if Astara chooses to turn from her daughter rather than embrace her—this is the core of their relationship.

this moment is why Avicus, no matter what happens going forward, will always love her mother. she only needs to turn back time and look down upon this moment to know—

i am safe. i am loved.

still snotty-nosed, she falls asleep again, boneless and cradled close to Astara's chest.