Dragoncrest Cliffs of soldiers' dreams

Emerging from the redwoods and pines that embraced the cliffs, Sobo paused to watch his sister twirling in the field below. He felt a pang of regret that he did not feel so joyful, but refused to let it show as he dropped from the gentle ledge and headed toward her.

What you be doin'? he called in a loud, almost accusatory voice, as though Mireille had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar five minutes before dinner. The crooked grin he wore would dispel any worry that he was serious. He couldn't help feeling a little put out — it must be easy to feel so free, so settled, like Mireille — but that, too, he hid from view behind smiling eyes.