Broken Antler Fen When you were here before

arcturus knew of the game in wraen's mind. his early childhood had been built on such a game: jump from rock to rock, point to point -- first one to lose his balance forfeited. such a memory brought him back to his early life -- of revui, his sister hydra, and his parents.

memories that if arcturus had his way, would fade in time and lose their clarity. for as they blurred around the seams, so they would lose their sharp edges -- and arcturus would find grief among his examinations no longer.

he observed wraen as she made her way around a body of ice-capped water. arcturus never cared where they settled, so long as it was with those he loved -- this territory was a shade less gloomy than the sentinels, but he had yet to love it.

enough time had been spent ruminating over their last 'real' discussion. arcturus found he only had the appetite for one or two deep, soul-searching conversations a month; any more, and he found it taxing.

waving his tail in friendly greeting, the mountaineer warily made his way to wraen -- all the while treading with a healthy respect for the water.