Noctisardor Bypass change on the rise

ketzia. she had worried for him? of course she had. "life takes its toll," the graf said gently. it was ironic then, that the long-lasting cough should tighten his flanks at this very moment. a sigh of resignation floated from mahler to follow. "age takes its pound of flesh."
but he refused to be dismal, not when argent had returned. not when some aspect of disapora had come back into his settled life. 
beneath the careful young gaze, mahler felt as if he was spun apart, dissected. it was not well to be so vulnerable in the eyes of more youthful men, though he suspected that was only pride muttering to itself. he must lay it to rest. "vhat of trench and river?" he inquired, for it had been several years since he had seen any of them.