Stone has no heartbeat. Pressed firm against her, even his clever ears hear nothing but stone against stone against wooly curls. But, hearts are also rather clever. Connected as they are, they need very little to know when they beat in time. The longing in her voice echoes the dreams of his heart, from before this journey ever began.

“It is a good wish.” 

But just a good wish. As she said, repeating after him, declining to mark a star to guide him. As he says, repeating after her, staring up at Poisidon’s skies, and seeing more stars than he can ever count.

It is a good wish. But.

“There’s…a lot of good wishes out there. Isn’t there?”

He pats her back, once, and immediately feels the arms around him loosen. Free, at last. Up, up he stretches, standing as tall as he can, and perched on her lap he is almost as tall as her. Almost. Soft hands cup carved cheeks. Carefully, like the finest glassware. Tenderly, like a favorite mug on a cold, dark night. He holds her, and bonks his fluffy forehead against hers.

“I hope you follow yours well. A good wish on this side of the Rift...is no less of a wish.”