Dragoncrest Cliffs elephants have wrinkles

When Mireille shook her head, Meerkat felt a tiny pang of discomfiture for suggesting it in the first place, though the Obsidian didn’t seem perturbed as she declined. She explained that she would rather seek the company of a peer than someone experienced, which did make a sort of sense. And while she didn’t have any suitors in mind, she did know of a friend who might accompany her.

No worries, I understand, the Laramite said, and I’m glad you have someone like Heda. There is a lot to be said for female companionship, Meerkat said, thinking of the many iterations she’d come across in her time, all of them equally powerful.

Speaking of your sister, I did what you suggested and spoke with her after our own chat, Meerkat shared, smiling faintly and toeing at a broken sand dollar partly buried in the wet sand. I’m glad I had a chance to speak to both of you. Your support means so much, you know.

She caught the Obsidian’s eye, flashing her a quick smile, then cast her eyes out to sea. She was in a slightly better mindset lately. There were still a lot of question marks in the days ahead, though all Meerkat could do—all any of them could do—was hope for the best and prepare for the worst.