[A huffing laugh makes it past his fangs. It does not cloud the cold air.]
Stories--the whole tapestry of them that weave our lives together. The company of family, friends, and flock. The beauties of nature, and the beauties men create to emulate and exceed them. Service to the gods, and to those they would have us serve. Knowledge, and its pursuit, and the pursuits that flow from it.
[A pause of a few seconds follows, then more softly,]
Peace, that all of these may blossom.
[It was a shrike's dearest wish; he speaks the words like a prayer.]
i unintentionally wrote a rhyming couplet in here and i'm leaving it
Stories--the whole tapestry of them that weave our lives together. The company of family, friends, and flock. The beauties of nature, and the beauties men create to emulate and exceed them. Service to the gods, and to those they would have us serve. Knowledge, and its pursuit, and the pursuits that flow from it.
[A pause of a few seconds follows, then more softly,]
Peace, that all of these may blossom.
[It was a shrike's dearest wish; he speaks the words like a prayer.]