Planting Life in a Dying City is not a love story in the traditional sense. But there is so much love in this story.
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"I hope the day comes when you can give yourself to me as well. But you have shown me that you accept me as I am. I know if that day never comes, it will be because of your grief and not, as with others, because you reject me." Kolchais smiled and felt the smile to the depths of eir soul. Ey knew Lefeng now. Knew eir spouse-to-be as ey had known few others. Ey would grieve, yes, for a long time. But when ey was ready to move, ey would not be stopped.
Kolchais turned to face the night sky with Lefeng, the stars that guided the farwalkers and boatfolk in their journeys. When the day came, Lefeng would find Kolchais still here, steady as the stars themselves, which never stopped moving, but were always where you needed them to be. "How can I be angry that you grieve them? When it only shows me how great your soul is and how strongly you value those you love."
Slowly, Lefeng leaned over until eir head rested against Kolchais. Together, they watched the night sky.
"Perhaps one day, you can take me to the mountains. Show me how the stars are meant to look."
"I would like that."
"The spinner could come too."
"I think ey loves eir markets, the way I loved the mountains."
"Yes. But ey could still come if ey wants."
"Yes."