Two futures meet, and one remains

Azure raised his sizable head from the low branch that had served as his makeshift pillow. He had always had a special affinity for this particular willow, its trunk twisted and distorted so severely that almost seemed capable of enveloping him. The mix of brown and blue fur left on the bark made clear the considerable time he had recently spent here, immersed in contemplation and clinging to this small piece of familiarity that remained.

"Bas." He echoed in the same soft tones, making no move to stand or approach his son. Azure could see the conflict in his son's eyes; he only hoped Bas could not see the disappointment in his. "How is Spider, and Hazel?"

"Speech"