Dragoncrest Cliffs The heart is something you can't control.

For a long time Rosalyn was his entire world. When he had finally left her side and fallen in with pirates, he did not think of her except in his most desperate moment, and then he had made a life for himself as an adult, and thoughts of her — and the connection they once strongly upheld — had diminished. It felt odd to be here with her now; but she moved closer, showing her intent and asking silently for permission, and Reyes couldn't imagine a life without her in it.

She was old. He could see it in the quality of her coat. The way her haunches sank. The tired expression on her face. When had that happened? How could he have let it happen? But he couldn't speak these worries aloud. Time marched on — it was best to enjoy these moments while he could. Fortunate, too, that his children would know their grandmother.

I'm glad too, he answered. He watched her. Would she ask about Towhee? The name hadn't brought any recognition to her at all. Maybe their last conversation had not meant much to her. Reyes wondered if telling her the full truth would amount to anything, or if it would be forgotten. Detritus at the end of a long life. No, he wouldn't burden her with such things. Better to keep this light, happy.

Caracal can be a handful. He's got an endless well of energy, I reckon. Maybe meeting the rest of the family will help him chill out — that boy at the borders, he's my little brother? He wondered if it'd be worthwhile to get to know him; maybe he should keep his distance and leave the hangouts for Caracal?