Ouroboros Spine shine, shine, shine

As kind as they had been, and as much as Valiant wanted this — he, too, could not help but feel that lancing pain of loss. The peaceful valley felt unnaturally still, terribly quiet achingly empty. But that only made love all the more important.

There should be more than two children at play.

"I will," he said to Arrluk. And to Ajei, "And to you as well."

There seemed to be nothing else to say, after that. He inclined his head to the two young leaders and turned to depart.