Dragoncrest Cliffs all that my heart longs for,

val's bright gaze roved over his maman lovingly -- a shadow darkened her cinnamon-dusted countenance. val studied that strange pallor, recognizing the subtle lines of grief.

steadfast, val tried to chase those demons away. they did not belong on his maman's face -- they did not belong cluttered in her heart like a murder of crows huddled around carrion. "i'm not a sea king!" val quipped, rising with a wag of his tail. she of all people knew his wariness of the depths. "maybe a sea baby..." val mused, tilting his head. "maman.. would you like to hear a story about snow?"