Neverwinter Forest tiny dots on an endless timeline

Hope was a thing that Melisande always seemed to have an abundance of. Hope for the future. Hope for the prosperity of those in her life. Hope that the gods would always shine brightly upon her and Sólhárr. Her hope was rarely misplaced, a blessing from the very gods she prayed to. 

All the hope in the world couldn't replace the almost motherly worry she often felt for her brother. He was strong and smart, but she also knew he would work himself to the bone for those that relied on him. Callyope was good for him in that regard. Always there would be another heart looking out for her fierce brother. Still, it had been a while since she had the chance to check in with the man. Melisande was ecstatic when he agreed to escort her to the Whispering Pools. 


Ég skulda þér, Melisande started, a soft smile pulling at her scarred lips. Their shared steps were relaxed, leisurely. You've worked so hard for this. Everyone has, She amended thinking warmly on all the wolves who helped them in the final leg of their journey. Smile turning melancholy, she gave the man an all-too-familiar look. 

I worry about you. That you work too much. That you don't pray enough. Her words held no accusation, only concern.

sólhárr huffed softly, a sound somewhere between acknowledgment and amusement, as melisande’s words reached him. her concern was not unfamiliar; it warmed him in its way, a steady thread in the tapestry of their bond. he glanced sidelong at her, catching the flicker of worry in her eyes, the way her scar twisted slightly as her lips curved into that familiar look.

ég veit, he replied, his tone low and even, like the rumble of distant thunder. but you forget, systir, that my work is my prayer. his coral eyes softened as he spoke, the weight of his responsibilities woven into his voice. every tree we mark, every stone we move, every breath we take in forneskja—it is all a hymn to the gods. a hymn to what we’re building.

his pace slowed, and he turned his gaze fully to her now, searching her face, the scars that spoke of her own battles and sacrifices. but... you’re right to worry. lyelska reminds me of it often, and now you. perhaps it’s the gods’ way of telling me to listen. he smirked faintly, a brief glimmer of humor breaking through his seriousness.

melisande, he said after a moment, his voice quieter now, almost reverent, without you, without callyope, without the others... there is no strength in me to keep building. i’ll rest. i’ll pray. but you must do the same. he paused, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. ég skulda þér líka.

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Listing his responsibilities, Melisande felt her heart break for her brother. He was so strong, but she knew that even the strongest trees snap when enough pressure is applied. Pressure was surely what building and running a pack felt like. Again, she was reminded that her worries for Sólhárr were no longer a burden she had to carry alone. Even with her brother's humor, she knew he listened to the both of them seriously. It was a way he showed his love, listening to those he cared for with open ears. 

His praise brought a modest flush to her ears. A slow wag of her tail bumped occasionally into his thigh. I'll take care of myself. I promise. She responded, her eyes tracing the path she walked everyday. The rut in the path told her they were close, the soft sound of water soothing her nerves.

Callyope, she is good for you. I'm glad she's finally gotten through to you, Melisande teased in an attempt to steer the conversation away from herself. It was truth though. Callyope had only brought good to their lives. Never had she felt so connected with the earth and gods. Her own shyness kept her from growing closer to the woman, but she knew that would need to end soon. Wanted it to end. While her brother was good company, she had spent too much time lost in prayer or hiding in his shadow to meet anyone else. 

Looking back to Sólhárr, she gave a soft exhale. Readying herself, though she knew he wouldn't judge her, Melisande asked, Do you think Callyope would like to pray with me sometime? Maybe share prey? 

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sólhárr’s golden eyes softened as he listened to melisande, her quiet vulnerability not lost on him. his little sister had always been one to carry her thoughts close to her chest, her heart tied deeply to the earth and gods she so fervently believed in. he gave her a nudge with his muzzle, a gentle reassurance in the motion.

callyope is going to love you, he said firmly, his voice low but steady, the certainty in his tone leaving no room for doubt. his lips twitched into a faint grin at the thought, warmth filling his chest.

he glanced ahead, the soft babble of water reaching his ears as they approached the familiar stream. ask her to pray with you, he added, his gaze flicking back to melisande. she’d be honored, i think. and sharing prey? she’d never turn that down.

he bumped her shoulder lightly as they walked, his steps unhurried. you’ll see, melisande. she’s just as eager to know you as you are to know her. give it time. his grin returned, this time more teasing. and if she doesn’t fall for your charm right away, i’ll make sure she does.

Sólhárr's reassurances were like a balm to her tender heart. She believed him, always, and now was no different. Even as her own paranoia pulled at the dark corners of her mind, she believed him. It's one of the reason's she had followed after him when he left home. Melisande had always known that she would follow him and provide whatever guidance and support she could. She was just lucky that it had come quickly and with no shed blood. 

The longer he spoke, the more her tail wagged in response. Of course she was being silly. How daft of her to let herself get lost in her thoughts as she had. Callyope seemed kind, most of their interests were shared, and Sólhárr had obviously deemed her worthy of being in his life. You're right. I will ask her when I see her next! Melisande's smile heard in her excitable voice. 

His teasing brought a laugh bubbling to her lips, light and airy. She nudged him back, her movements fluid like the stream bubbling along beside them. If she falls for my charm, it will be because she needs a break from your hovering, she teased in return playfully, tongue poking past her lips. “But thank you, Sólhárr. I’ll try. For her, and for you.”


Her steps matched his, her movements steady now, carried by a fragile but growing confidence. The Whispering Pools revealed themselves then. Energy thrummed through her, the prospect of a new friend filling her with new ideas. She knew now that  Sólhárr's wellbeing wouldn't be her own prayer whispered to the vivid blue waters.

sólhárr’s steps slowed as the whispering pools came into view, the vivid blue mirroring the winter sky above. he glanced down at melisande, a rare warmth in his golden eyes, touched by her playful teasing. she was his anchor in the tumult of their shared history, her unwavering belief in him something he would never take for granted.

callyope will see your heart, he said, his voice low but firm. she is strong. kind. but she’s also clever, melisande. she will know your intent is true. a pause, his head tilting slightly as he studied her. and if she does take to your charm, you’ll only prove what i’ve always known—you’re better than most.

a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, a rare echo of humor breaking his usual stoicism. he moved closer, brushing his shoulder against hers in a gesture of solidarity.

you are not just here for me, he reminded her gently, his gaze flicking to the pools ahead. you are here for yourself, too. do not forget that.

he stepped forward toward the waters, leaving her space to breathe in the moment, though his attention lingered on her, protective and steadfast. this place, and her growing confidence, were worthy of reverence.