We made camp the first time the night of the Happening. After the three of us had been killed. After they'd been put back together at the monument and I had not. After that awful darkness.

It took some wrangling to get them to stay. Been a bit of adjustment for us all. That Kairiel is like fire, all right. Waiting for someone to get careless. Waiting for a bit of attention to wander. Then she strikes hard and fast like a sharp toothed spark. Got to keep an eye on that woman. Got to keep her from getting bored.

Solde likes her. Brightens up around her. Laughs out loud at and with her. Like having the two of them around. Makes the camp feel like home. That's what I told Kairiel. Said it felt like home and family.

Been a while since I had that. Didn't work out so good for me last time.

Solde left to take some time. Left me a note. Didn't have to do that. Told me that she was gonna take time to heal, and I can't fault her none for wanting that. Told me if I found someone else to walk out with, she'd understand. I didn't even look. I can wait for her to come back, and wait longer still for her to give me the nod. I reckon it will come eventually. I hope it will.

So it's been Kairiel and me at the camp and we've been getting on real good. She told me a little about where she was from and a little about what happened to her. She's been carrying a lot of baggage. Ain't ready to put it down yet, neither. But I hope I took away some of the sadness and the hate, even if it was just a little. Told her she tends the hearth. And the hearth is what makes the home. Told her we need her.

All true.

It's a newborn family. Still opening its eyes and gaining its feet. But it's a good family. A strong family. And I'm gonna do everything I can to help it grow stronger.

Miss you, Solde.