Noctisardor Bypass and loved by lightning

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mahler had not forgotten laurel's talk of ursus, and of the man called merrick. he had told her that he would make a plan, and this was doubly intended now that rivenwood had grown by four. 
but he had begun to feel it more often in his bones and in his back, in the deepening ache behind his hips. mahler plodded on; he had left sequoia and now approached praimfaya's den, where he found her awakened.
a polite chuff announced his presence, for he did not wish to startle a mother; by and by he drifted closer, settling purpled look upon the pair of growing pups.
he said nothing, only sat with the young leader in a satisfied quiet.