Though he could not deny that Noe was small, Hadama did not think the young engineer was insignificant. He enjoyed her company and the different perspective she brought to their conversations. and he found her an easy travel companion. Their shared first experience of the desert in bloom was a good example of that as they each looked out over the flowers that grew in profusion around the great skeletons that scattered the landscape. The floral explosion softened the remains of the ancient leviathans, wreathed them in pale blues and bright pinks and cheerful yellows that would last a few fleeting, glorious days before the scorching sun burned the water from their flesh and consigned them back into the dust once more.
Life and death in its endless cycle, and the shrine to Ludo and Mort watched over it all in this place where death predominated for most of the year.
Hadama inclined his head at Noe's courtesy, his serene expression softening momentarily. He turned to the shrine and lifted a small box from the mesh bag at his hip. He set it on the altar and bowed solemnly, deeply, giving due reverence to the gods it represented. The thick, fudgy scent of the fresh-baked brownies within wafted out, made for just this purpose. "Thank you, Mort. Thank you, Ludo," he rumbled quietly. "For watching over my brother. My grandfather. And all of the ancestors." A pause, a moment of silence that stretched before he swallowed hard. Found the strength to continue. "And for the peace you have given Ray. Harper. ...Maea." His chest tightened as he held the bow a little longer before straightening, dry-eyed, and stepping back to allow Noe her time in prayer.
Life and death in its endless cycle, and the shrine to Ludo and Mort watched over it all in this place where death predominated for most of the year.
Hadama inclined his head at Noe's courtesy, his serene expression softening momentarily. He turned to the shrine and lifted a small box from the mesh bag at his hip. He set it on the altar and bowed solemnly, deeply, giving due reverence to the gods it represented. The thick, fudgy scent of the fresh-baked brownies within wafted out, made for just this purpose. "Thank you, Mort. Thank you, Ludo," he rumbled quietly. "For watching over my brother. My grandfather. And all of the ancestors." A pause, a moment of silence that stretched before he swallowed hard. Found the strength to continue. "And for the peace you have given Ray. Harper. ...Maea." His chest tightened as he held the bow a little longer before straightening, dry-eyed, and stepping back to allow Noe her time in prayer.
