Ouroboros Spine xxiii. in each others wounds

the telling of this left kukutux with a great tiredness. lótë filled the moments between with her interest, the shifting of her expressions, the openness with which she accepted moonwoman's words — the softness she used to speak now, healing some deep hurts in kukutux with a sister's love and adoration, and praise for who the duck had become.

it spilled crystalline fields to the woman's cheekbone; she closed her eyes tightly, if only to stop the brinebit current from flooding her again. no words to be said; no words came to her mind, only a sob and a nod and a clutching of control that was no longer hers to command.

"you are all my clan now," kukutux ventured when she was able. upon her lips, the faintest stirrings of a smile wavered. "if i had not gone through such a hard path, i would not have made our first meeting, lótë. i would not have happiness in a place where we did not meet."

grateful, after a fashion; grateful for it all.

she thought now, strangely, of raimo; she thought of where he might be; of how he might have found his own path and own joy. of the grey brother. of arcturus, for whom she wished the same.

"adrastus is blessed to have your favour."