Following behind Lakshmi until she’s required to move ahead to indicate which way they must walk, Magni leads her wife to the gardens in silence. Not looking at her, unable to, and it is as though a visor has fallen forward and blocks the world out. She does not appear to react to anything about her - not the warmth of the sun as they step outside, or the trill of birdsong that normally draws her curiosity to what birds are visiting, and a smile to her lips.

The gardens of Talonhold are well kept and beautiful. Of all the places in the keep, Magni loves the gardens best. Winter still lingers, but slowly spring is beginning to reclaim the mountains, and soon flowers will begin to bloom. She had taken care that beautiful bulbs would be planted so that when spring came Lakshmi could see how beautiful Talonhold could be, but— that seemed very foolish, now.

As they advance into the garden, she hears the excited whine of the puppy, and then sees the stable master holding the little pup on a lead. A red ribbon, comically large, is tied about her neck, and the current minder holds papers of breeding to present to Lakshmi.

“She’s yours to name and to keep. “ She says, finally. “A companion and guard who can accompany you through Talonhold wherever you wish, loyal to you above all others.” Her voice sounds a little flat, and she turns to start moving away.