The Heartwood oxbalm

the distance between his father and himself was half a year's worth. never had he gotten to see his father, only the looming aura that remained even in his absence.

the boy hung his head low as he followed his father. his legs ached, how ghelan missed the comfort of his nest. but he chose to go with father, to become what he was meant to be. he will return a stronger man, someone for mother to be proud of. this struggle just means he is weak.

weaving through the foliage with not even half of his father's grace and confidence, ghelan grimaces at the sight. he knocked aside some leaves to cover it before skulking back to his father.
what are we doing? he asks in sharadoii.