This time as well, amidst the lush mist of the dripping fountain, Kunku remained astride his mount, Vkan. The rustling of leaves carried softly from a short distance before a figure emerged from the brush.
Kunku did not bother opening his eyes. He already knew who it was.
Kyle.
"I knew I'd still find you here," she said, settling onto a smooth pale stone a short distance from Vkan.
Kunku opened his eyes and sat upright, his gaze resting on the stretch of nature ahead. His voice was calm and low, yet clear. For someone his age, that tone often felt as though it belonged to someone far older.
"And it seems you've been avoiding coming here."
The guilt in her smile was unmistakable.
"I'm sorry. I was just trying to put things together in my head."
"So you're supposed to be the next Great Mother Kal?"
It may have been framed as a question, yet it sounded more like a statement — one that required no answer and yet demanded one.
"Yes," she replied softly.
