Blacktail Deer Plateau cicadas

They waited on him.

Mou looked to Phox with what might be considered timidity, his good eye half-lidded as he glanced quickly at his brother.

We go. it was what they wanted. The children would protest, undoubtedly. But with three adults to contend with there was nothing they could do to substantially change their fate.

Take them home. Mou nods, then turns away, giving little chance for any further conversation. The longer he is there with the woman, trying to contain his sorrows, the less he feels in control.

He stalks off after that, leaving Maegi and Phox to deliberate further if need be.