Silvertip Mountain funkier than funkadelic wearing pampers

val liked to believe he was worthy - in truth, what boy didn't? he didn't, however, know if he was genuine. not yet, anyway.

he was surprised to learn this was not merrick's daughter. she flew so true. her belief was so earnest. unflinching. that she could be born elsewhere and molded so perfectly into this new mold gave val some hope; maybe a lost boy like him could be saved too.

relief trickled inside of him too, gentle like softly running riverwater. he'd only known arielle a very short time (and would be dismayed but understanding when he learned she was claimed by another), but she'd shown him a basic kindness that immediately endeared her to him. "oh. that's good." he managed, fumbling now that he'd learned the budding feelings in his chest were not for merrick's daughter. looking back at the stream, val realized while he'd been here, he really didn't know the place well. "can you show me around? if you have time, i mean."