Ouroboros Spine Twinkle twinkle, little star

Valiant had no children left to kiss goodnight, and hadn't for some time. He'd abandoned the ulaq where his wife had laid sick for so long, but no longer. The bad memories there outweighed the good, and he was trying to look on the brighter side of things, lately.

So he was out afield, having woken from the day's slumber but not yet left the shallow bowl he'd made for a bed. He preferred to sleep in the open, with just a tree for shade during the heat of the day. In the evening, when the shadows lengthened, the sun would reach him again and warm him for a night of activity —

But he was feeling contemplative, today. He gazed up at the stars instead of out at the more immediate world. And, for a moment after Raindrop spoke, only the steady thump of his wagging tail answered her. But, by and by, he answered.

Hey, Rain, he greeted, tearing his eyes from the sky to offer her a smile. How's that boy doin'?