Deepwood Weald just a drop of water in an endless sea

it didn't fail her all too much; his hearing had gone to pot, and it wasn't until she was almost on his heels that he spun to face the shadow-pelted woman, a smile on his face.

hey, ladki, he greeted warmly. how are you? you look well.

there was a particular warmth in his heart for sulukinak that he couldn't explain. perhaps her age; she was as old as his daughters, give or take, and he had lumped her into the fold.

or his hope that she would be dutch's mate. perhaps it still would happen.

but beyond contingencies, he was fond of her, undoubtedly.