The beginning after the end

Áskell grinned as the boy perked up at their relation. He supposed he'd grown numb to it as it seemed like he had a bazillion cousins. He trotted along after the smaller boy when suddenly Veigar took off with a cry for a race. "Hey, no fair!" He laughed as he bounded after the smaller pup, taking little true offense to the younger boys head start. Áskell bounded across the plain, weaving through the redbud trees as he debated whether to let Veigar win the race or to go ahead and show what he could do in hopes of impressing his cousin. It felt like ages since he was able to just relax and play. His own brother, Jigsaw, had been keeping to himself, the usually clinging boy all but non-existent.