Blackfeather Woods And all the lights that lead us there are blinding

Taikon knew that it wasn't what she wanted to hear from him. He wanted to power through the way that she always seemed to, but the realist in him knew that the sickness that ailed him was simply unlikely to be healed with rest and time alone. She probably knew it too, having experienced injuries herself and likely having seen them in others. He didn't like having to ask for help, but he needed to be alive for her and Taktuq and the way he was feeling, he worried he would lose the lucidity he needed to care for himself quickly.
She expressed herself, and he felt guilty for making her feel this way. He frowned, swallowing, his throat harshly clanging. He realized he was dehydrated, but unwilling to get up to get water from the forest stream. It will be fine, Taki, he soothed, knowing well that it might not be fine. I went because you were a better rock for Taktuq, and the visit itself was good. Valette is a very loving woman, and she sends her love to you and to Taktuq, he said, his voice sounding weird and strained from being on his side. He had a very good impression of Valette. Had he known her husband had passed shortly after he left, he would have felt terrible.