Sun Mote Copse slow dancer, no answer

jarilo turned to leave, but not before delivering arcturus a lingering glace. the younger of the pair did his best to receive it gracefully -- his eyes soft with sorrow -- as he watched his brother finally turn to leave.

when jarilo's sloping form rounded off around the bend he released a breath that had been held tight to his chest; "goodbye," the mountaineer mumbled, wondering if his father had hated that word as much as he did -- had his father or mother ever said it at all?

thinking of both of his parents brought a sting to arcturus' still wounded heart. he closed his eyes and stood a long time, thinking of his past, his present, and his future --

and the way they had uniquely braided together and left him no choice but to make his own tough choices in the face of impossibility.