Before he knew it, he had recorded more and more versions of the Ball-Forming Symbiotic Fur Cultivation Method. Gradually, he could no longer be bothered to call them cultivation methods, since none were complete. Yet he still had to record them. Perhaps one day he would resolve whatever had left them incomplete, find a corresponding material with the right properties, or have a sudden flash of inspiration in his dog brain that built on those foundations and neatly solved every problem.
Ruger also often went out to sea to smash fish, becoming the Sea-Smasher Mahama spoke of. Occasionally, he made time to keep Little Regna company-she was, after all, the daughter of Grand Wizard Ruger.
Tuzel had settled on that name, and it had ultimately won the unanimous approval of Serious Mouse, Aisijin, and Big Silly Hum. This was entirely thanks to Tuzel's explanation. His endlessly chattering rabbit mouth had thoroughly dazzled them; he had even rattled off seven meanings of the name, including things like growing strong and healthy, which Aisijin loved.
The little girl had already figured out Ruger's routine. If he went too long without spending time with her, she would lie on him while he meditated.
She was very well behaved, so Ruger let her lie on his chest. Sometimes he would bring her out before beginning his meditation.
Ruger let out a long breath, finishing another round of meditation.
The past few days had been wonderfully quiet. Aisijin had finally entered her hibernation period and was settling in for a good, long sleep. Little Regna had actually fallen asleep with her. The two slept in each other's arms for days, and neither showed any sign of waking yet.
Ruger rose and went for a walk around the island.
This was a new activity he had