He was held and it was so right. This embrace made him feel whole again, being here with Ether. He could take deeper breaths, could sink into the shadows that were so a part of them. This was home, with Momma and Ether. Maybe his attachment was too strong, though. Maybe he shouldn't have worried so deeply, or ached so completely. But how could he not?
Curled up tight against his shadow-soul, he peeked his eyes open at the girl. She darted away so quickly, her energy level so bright like lightning. Then she returned with a frosty-coated leaf. He frowned and looked up to Ether for an answer.
Everything got colder though, and his worried gaze turned to her again. Winter found its way to this summer island all around her, covering her and making her whole again. Somehow she seemed to heal herself with this frost and ice, and his faded blue eyes slowly grew more interested. She did have a magic! A good one.
He shifted a little against Ether, unwilling to leave his side but turning so he could see the girl better. Hope, she said. They should hope.
"Momma hopes," he offered in a soft murmur. He glanced up at Ether and back again. "Momma hopes with her light. So much that it leaves her." His voice fell and his eyes darkened with sadness. He hoped, too. He hoped her light would return to her and make her whole again. Make her happy again.
The girl kicked at the coconut again, sending it forward hard enough to bust open on a rock. He jerked with a soft startle, burying in closer to Ether and peering out with one blue eye.
[ Cimmerian ]
try to make a fire burn again