the boy was all fire and fidget, all growing limbs and eager mouth— and yet, when she spoke, he stilled. listened. that was rare. her ears twitched softly at his final words, and for the first time since the sea stripped her of all but memory, something in her face eased.
you are kind boy, she murmured, low and sure. not sweet— never sweet —but honest. trust is a long walk, she added, turning her head to glance where the trees thinned into sunlit meadow. but i will walk beside you.
a pause. her gaze returned to him.
tell me of this place?