Arrow Lake Goodbye is the hardest part

the exchange between siblings happened so quickly, that if it weren't for the intensity of their interaction, stigmata wouldn't have been sure it had happened at all. he could see how hurt takiyok was, but there was no stretch of his imagination that could save her from this moment. there were no words or actions he could make to heal her, and a distraction would only keep her from the inevitable weight for a short time. and that was not nearly long enough.

though the general wanted very much to chase her sorrows away, he knew he didn't have that kind of power - so he let her go to grieve on her own, knowing the company of their children would settle her best. he stayed behind to make sure all traces of siarut within several miles of diaspora were erased, and returned to provide takiyok with some company and half a fresh muskrat only when he was done.