Duskfire Glacier lust

Despite wondering, these prior weeks, about his place in the rise, Ashlar tried to continue as usual and without complaint. He should be happy for them all and their happiness, but ever since even Auger had brought a pairing to reside with them, an aching loneliness had captured him. He thought of Ratio. He thought of Chacal. And he thought of Avicus, Prophet tall at her flank. He couldn't resent that she seemed happy. Ashlar did not have that kind of jealousy within him - but that didn't prevent the sting of his own predicament.

Not for the first time, he wondered if ignorance was easier. He'd been happier before he knew.

He didn't want to see the coast, nor did he want to remain in the Rise today. He allowed his restless wandering to carry him north, deciding he could at least track prey movements and see what might lie in the ice fields. Sometimes things perished there and were preserved better, from the hot sun, than anywhere else.

When he arrived, however, he noticed immediately that he was not alone. Ashlar deliberated on joining him, introducing himself and the Rise. Then he deflated and instead simply cast a look about from where he was.

He didn't think a stranger was the right remedy for this ache. Maybe it was better to allow them the fields for today.

can be a cameo unless pulled in!