Swiftcurrent Creek Out in the garden

more than the girl perhaps realized, mahler appreciated her silence. a small but genuine smile tugged at the gargoyle's somber mouth in return as he watched her find delight in their task. hard work had always been the foremost source of satisfaction in his life; perhaps she would come to find the same. he set off along the treeline again, lifting a hindleg to mark here and there, and scoring the trunks as he moved.