Porcupine Ridge ouroboros

One by one, Nutu drilled questions into him. He wearily laughed them off and was utterly grateful when Muskrat hushed her. As much as he loved being back, he wasn't ready to talk just yet. He wasn't sure how well the words would flow.

I can walk, Hex replied. To the rendezvous, at least. He allowed himself to be supported by the wiry woman and limped toward their heartland, eyes slightly downcast.

He would sleep like the dead when he hit the ground again—and would not rouse for several days.