I dream of Polar night

The knowledge that the little fellow wasn't of Thistle's and Ragnar's brood was a little surprising, but Osprey didn't delve any further than that. She had spent quite a lot of time in the world to realize that not all people lived according the same model of life. This was different from what she had been used to, but as long as the kid was cared for and looked after, it proved that the system was working.

"My mom..." she began and paused, trying to find a way, how to explain it properly. Telling him that she had died - would it be of any value? "... she is not here in this world anymore either . Except, I don't know, where she went." Would turning into a star be enough for March Owl? She doubted it. Her personality and ego cramped up in one, small and shiny dot?

Having always been surrounded by a large family, Osprey had no idea, what it felt like to be left alone. Yet the kids sad expression had such a powerful effect on her, that she suddenly felt ashamed of all things she had considered as problems in her life. This was small and insignificant compared to this kid, who had lost his mother at early age.

"Hey," she got to her feet, closed the distance between them and leaned down to nuzzle the fur on his nape tenderly. "I am sure that she misses you too," she said for the lack of anything better to say.