Hushed Willows this common blood ii

At Lumiya's question, Valiant gave a stiff nod, seeming more and more in control of himself by the moment. It was a facade, of course; he had only just found his father dying, then dead. He was a mess, and such pain did not fade so easily. But the boy had taken Orlaith's words to heart. He believed that moving on was what was expected from him, immediately and entirely.

Thank you, he said stiffly, and nodded to Lumiya and Orlaith in turn. He turned and threaded deeper into the willows, intent on reaching the rose grove where the mothers had been laid to rest.