“The stew will take a while to cook,” he said softly. “Oh,” she said, smiling despite the tears. “Perhaps, while we wait, I can tell you a story. I know a great one, about a crow and a mermaid.” “How does it end?” “However we want,” she said, voice careful. “Pirates?” he asked, hopeful. Xiala laughed. “You want there to be pirates?” “I have always wanted to capture a ship.” “Then there will be pirates. Anything else?” “Stars?” “So many stars, Serapio. A night’s sky full of stars, and the darkness between them, too.” He took her in his arms and pressed his lips against her hair. “I very much
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