Over the following year, the Watcher integrated into community life.
Not as a member—too ancient, too different for that. But as a presence. An observer who occasionally... participated.
It offered knowledge of lost history, forgotten magic, ancient dangers. It warned of threats before they materialized. It helped, in its way, to protect what Glad had built.
"Why?" creatures asked. "Why help us?"
Because I have nothing else. Because watching you has changed me. Because— A long pause. Because I no longer wish to be alone.
"Then you're not," Maya assured it. "You have us. In whatever way works for you."
The Watcher had no face, but everyone felt its equivalent of a smile.
Connection.
After eternity.
Finally.