Emberwood hellbender

Phox watched as they seemed to see the world around them in a new light. It was satisfying, in a way, to know that he had helped them see the world anew. It reminded him of all the times he had helped his own children learn something new, and he had always enjoyed that part of parenting. Perhaps he could focus on teaching younger folks, rather than worrying about making more children of his own. Maybe that was a better, more solid path in the long run, especially since he seemed to end up with dead wives left and right. Okay, I know that's dark, but it's true.

Kat, did you really use a phrase (quaking aspens) from this post for one of the new themes?

He watched, then fell into step shoulder-to-shoulder, as Masque led the way toward today's meal.