Ouroboros Spine turtle was asleep in the tall grass

Of all the people he might have anticipated finding him there, Rodyn was one of the few he had not expected in the slightest! The sensation of stomping feet shuddered the earth and made Mojag at least vaguely aware that someone was passing by - but he did not look up, even when his name was called, and finally flicked an ear when the stranger was close enough for their shadow to dance across his own face. He blinked, looking up finally to the man, and realized he had been distracted by his many layered thoughts.

Rodyn! Hello. The boy croaked softly, lifting himself to a sitting position that was more amicable than his lazy bundle. The man carried scents of the sea which made Mojag's spirit yearn for the island all over again! It was strong and familiar, and Mojag felt suddenly so heavy with something bordering nostalgia, maybe regret; and then guilt! How could he be yearning for the place where he had been lost? What an insult that was to his own mother! So he stowed the feeling as best he could, and plastered a smile upon his face that looked entirely rehearsed.

You've been away, the boy remarked, lamely. He knew of the man's marriage, and of the dispersal of Rodyn with Samani. It was one of those things the women of the village spoke about often, of late. —do you like it? The seaside, I mean. Wherever it is you've chosen for your village. The image of the isle Mojag had created in his mind's eye had never felt so strong, and so far away.