Northstar Vale Pénthos

I am worried they will leave.

Arsenio confessed this to his wife, hoping that she would understand. He didn’t wish to be selfish. He didn’t intend to erect a monument for the sake of keeping them. The man didn’t know what else he might do with himself. There was nothing that might help. The thought of losing their children filled him with sickness. He couldn’t imagine, couldn’t see how Towhee and Maxim could return with peace.

But he and Tamar worked for a short while. He toted furs from his drying place and arranged them until it looked like a place even the Pharaoh might see as comfortable. Arsenio’s eyes found the stones that Tamar had arranged. His features softened on them, pleased that she had thought so thoroughly.

At her suggestion, the Arche brightened.

That is a great idea.

The words were warm and heartfelt. He hoped that Towhee might be open to something like that. He was certain that his children would have stories they could share of young Leona. Arsenio did not need to guess that Towhee and Maxim’s son would have a few things he would like to say. The boy always seemed to be jabbering.

As if conjured by his thoughts, Zulema appeared, and she left a quiet remark on the beauty of the resting place.

Arsenio looked to her with love. He approached the young girl and nudged his nose into her head.

Do you think you could help us make it more beautiful? Your mother has done a fine job, look at this work, he motioned to what Tamar had accomplished with a smile.