Dusk was falling, the steady decline in light signaling the rapid approach of night. Valentine was hoping he wasn't too late. The day had been long and he was tired, and he just wanted to say goodnight to the boy before he began his night vigil. A noticeable gray haze began to descend as the final pink tendrils of sunset faded away. The brute picked up the pace. He had a feeling he was already too late. Ash had a tendency to treat the day as if there wasn't enough hours in it. He had energy aplenty and if he'd spent the day rushing from thing to thing Valentine was willing to bet he'd crashed already.
As he reached the densite Valentine's ears tipped forward as he listened intently for signs that Ash was still awake. Ears straining, he stood still in silence for several seconds. Finally, his voice low in the hopes that if Ashmedai was already asleep, he wouldn't wake him, he queried, "Esti?"
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NOTE: Valentine has a female striped skunk companion named Lefty. Unless stated otherwise assume she's present.