father of mine

Theory submitted to his movement and the two of them fell to the ground. Rhyme had his arms securely around his daughter as she deflated and returned his affections. The agitation dissipated as he nuzzled into her neck and she returned the gesture. They were both breathing hard as Theo began to speak, admitting the difficulty in her tesk. He knew very well the struggle she took up on her shoulders. He would be here to support her though, to help hold the weight of leadership like she needed. In a year or two she would have the experience and age to keep the world lifted on her own, but for now Rhyme wouldn’t hesitate to help.

”Because its home. The land will regrow, and we will be more diligent about the signs.” Had they been paying more attention they might have predicted the fire or the eruption. The fire was more obvious, the land was dry and the lightning storm had come without rain. The volcano had sent out tremors and the animals had shown their displeasure. ”We know our enemy and we can face it better because of the knowledge.” He offered in comforting tones as he groomed the back of her neck absently.

”We go back because it’s where your mother, your brother, and Vail take their endless sleep.” He whispered even more quietly, hesitant to so boldly reminisce the dead.