Duskfire Glacier one heart going both directions

Veteran's introduction to the world was a cold, wet, sticky one. He wallowed in his little puddle of ick, squirming harder as each second passed, and the chill began to set in. He had not called out, because he had not yet drawn in a breath. 

Blessed warmth swept across his face in the form of a tongue, removing the ick that was blocking his nasal passages. Veteran dragged in his first horrible, painful breath, and then he breathed out a sound that would resemble a wounded sigh. No crying for this soldier. 

The warmth removed itself at that point, and the child swung his head around, throwing the tiniest little tantrum. Why did he have to be born? It was so lonely and so cold! And it had hurt! Breathing hurt. His belly hurt. Where was that sweet, snuggly thing he had been cuddling for the past three months? He wanted that back.

Lane's asleep, and we haven't had any additional posts for a month, so I'm going to let this fade here and archive. Happy birthday, Wayfarer and Veteran! :D