Qeya River But often it happens, you know

Uncle.

An honour, to be considered family, especially when it was something he sought, drawn toward the notion like a ship following a star on the horizon. It seemed, though, that he had missed a lesson or two in orienteering- and each star he followed eventually roved out of sight, and did not return the following night. He was left adrift, on the same waters, but without a guiding light. 

Now the opportunity came again, but it felt bittersweet; too often he had lost those he had chosen to cherish, and now he was left wondering if the stars were aligning again- preparing to dart out of reach simply because it was what happened. Some small part of him wanted to pull back, knowing it would hurt less when she and her children disappeared if he cut ties now. 

And yet, he leaned into her touch momentarily, his shoulder against hers, a burning in his chest of fire and ice, worry and affection. His eyes slipped shut as she reminded him that he was gentle, and instilled in him the same sense of duty that he felt for all the children he had tried to raise so far- even though he had failed. 

He had tried, and he would try again. Maybe this time, he would get it right. 

He opened his eyes to see how she looked at him, and for a moment it felt right to gaze back at her. For a moment, he thought he should reach out to hold her so she might know that such care had been earned. He would march alongside her children, alongside her- and he knew in his heart that a weakness had begun to grow. 

With a voice as soft as a rabbit's ear, he spoke. I'll watch over them, He said, making a secret promise that he would indeed watch over her children- no matter where they walked. And you. He added. 

It felt as though time was spinning; and his heart raced to think he might be betraying his Chieftan by saying such things. It was out of fear that he pulled himself from her side, dogged by guilt, too; after all, he had made a promise first and foremost to his wife. He couldn't stretch their moment any longer- each second they came closer to a reckoning that he did not wish to face. 

I'll, uh, let you get some rest, He said, though his cheeks burned at the unbidden thought of keeping her awake for hours yet.