Northstar Vale I wrote in blood

Arsenio nodded his head in agreement with Tamar, standing firmly with her words. He admired her ability to speak. He admired so much about his wife, though. She was radiant in everything she did. She had opened his heart to love and he was filled by it – heart, blood, bones.

Meadow did not look relieved. She might have been overcome with her worry, if he did not know better. The trouble that glinted in her eyes was enough to pinch at his heart. She said that she would do whatever she could to make it right. She spoke of the Pharaoh. Arsenio was prepared for the hatred that flooded him. He knew it well. He had become close to it, since their time in Akashingo.

You can start by forgiving yourself, he said softly, voice rumbling as it fell from his lips.

Tamar’s paws were on the healer, comforting her. The Arche took a step back to sit. His back felt stiff, tired from the work he had done around the vale. The man had started to feel older. He did not know how many years he would have to fight.

We should discuss our plans. If anything is to be done, we shall do it together.

Blue eyes shifted away from them and fixed on the trees.