He laughs -- well, it is still closer to a giggle than not, considering his state -- and turns his attention back to the moon.

The Atlantean sits warm in his belly, sparkling along his meridians. In the dark, the lake rippling gently before them, he may as well be back at Lotus Pier, side by side with his zhiji. No pain behind them. No worries ahead.

"I'm happy," he says, softly wondering. "Truly happy, Lan Zhan. Not just content."