Ocean's Breath Plateau all we are is dust in the wind

he'd told @Dutch he intended to check on easy, and also waxwing as well. the latter was hale and hearty; the former much the same.

something had disturbed him, though, on the initial steps of his journey;

a dead wolf, verdant eyes staring sightlessly, sprawled upon the seashore. agouti coat much like aditya's own, but a slimmer build—and worn away by hardship and famine. adi could count every rib upon his flank.

asato maa—

his voice broke. this man could be his son. of an age, and likeness—

asato maa sadgamaya,
tamaso maa jyotirgamaya,
mrityormaa'mritam gamaya.

the prayer spoken, he moved on without a backward glance. the soul was free; the body would decay.

—

days and days later, he reached the outer limits of the plateau and howled for his son, an apology in his voice. he knew his journey would take him far and take him long, and perhaps dutch's mate had given birth by now. he was here to help—however needed.