Blackfoot Forest I will not leave alone everything that I own

Hope this is okay! @Morwenna <3

Pale dawnlight filtered through the trees, but Sunspot hardly noticed it. His nose remained low to the ground, all of his focus spent on parsing the scents. The Hound of The Gilded Sea; a laughable epithet now, after everything, but seminal to all that he had become. Dogged as any loyal domestic, he supposed, always on his sister's heels.

But if Casco Bay had taught him anything, it was that war was the only place for men like him — and didn't he owe her this much, at least? His life, worth at least half of all the suffering he'd inflicted on her. So he didn't notice the sunrise; their beauty wasn't for him anymore. It was only the endless hunt now.

Morwenna had been circling the outskirts of Swiftcurrent Creek, her senses attuned to the faint shifts in the forest—subtle cracks of branches, the rustle of leaves underpaw, the scent of early morning dew. She had no expectation of finding anything more than fleeting prey or the odd trace of neighboring wolves. But then, she caught it: the faint trace of another wolf, unfamiliar but deliberate.

Her eyes narrowed as she moved toward the scent, her body low and cautious. It wasn’t long before the figure emerged—a man, compact and sturdy, his fur a blend of russet and flaxen, catching the pale dawnlight like fire through the trees. He moved with purpose, his nose to the ground, his golden eyes sharp and intent, oblivious to the soft beauty of the morning that unfolded around him.

Morwenna’s head tilted slightly as she regarded him, curiosity tempered by her role as a scout. This was not a wolf she knew, and she didn’t take kindly to strangers so close to the Creek. Stepping forward, she made her presence known with a sharp bark.

What business do you have here? she asked, her voice low and steady, though her silver gaze was anything but warm. This isn’t a place to wander without reason.

She stood firm, watching him closely, noting the tension in his posture and the way his focus seemed to linger far beyond her. There was a story here, she thought, though it wasn’t her nature to pry. Yet, the way he carried himself—like a soldier on a battlefield long abandoned—left her wondering.

Silver eyes and a voice like a filigreed blade; elegant, cutting, exigent. Sunspot lifted his head, regarding her with weary fortitude written in his face and his stance. He'd come too far to be stopped by the likes of her. Whoever she was.

But she carried a familiar scent.

Not wandering. Just passing through, He called to her. Swiftcurrent Creek, right? Have you seen my sister by any chance? Reverie? Always a question worth asking, he'd learned. His sister had a way of making friends even with the trees wherever she went.

Morwenna’s silver eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of recognition passing over her sharp features as she studied the blonde man. At his question, her posture eased—just slightly—but her tone remained steady, thoughtful.

Yes, I know Reverie, she replied, her voice measured, though not unkind. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Now that you mention it, I can see the resemblance.

She took a step closer, her head tilting as she recalled the details of their last encounter. She was traveling with a band of guards the last time I saw her. They seemed loyal to her, protective. Morwenna’s expression softened slightly, though her guarded nature still lingered. She’s well, as far as I know, though her path seemed a winding one.

Her gaze returned to the man before her, assessing him with quiet curiosity. And you? What’s brought you this far, searching for her? There was no accusation in her tone, only calm interest, her diplomat’s nature shining through as she waited for his reply.

In all the time he'd spent searching for Reverie, always trailing after her with questions on his lips for anyone who would listen, no wolf had ever offered the information he sought so readily. Sunspot had already prepared himself to question her further, to pry if he had to — but no. The woman was suspiciously honest.

I can see the resemblance.

Awfully forward of you, he thought, but kept that comment to himself.

If you've met her, then you know her path is more than winding, Sunspot snorted. And what kind of brother leaves his sister to fight a war alone? Her guards seemed loyal, yeah. As long as they stand to gain something.

They might kill for her, but they won't die for her. That's what brought me.

She paused, recalling her last encounter with Reverie and her band of guards. I didn’t know exactly where they were heading, she admitted, her voice quieter now. Except west. Toward the mountains, I think. She didn’t say much, and I didn’t press her. Perhaps I should have.

Morwenna’s gaze returned to Sunspot, her expression carefully neutral but thoughtful. I can see why you’re here. She’s lucky to have a brother who would follow her, even when she’s running headlong into danger. A small pause, then a slight tilt of her head. Do you think you’ll catch her in time?

Sunspot had never claimed to be the most practiced at reading others; he simply didn't like most of them on a good day. But he knew well enough how to recognize when something was expected of him, when it was being prompted from him. She expected the same openness. He couldn't give it.

Doesn't matter. I'm going to her as a courtesy. After that, she can do what she wants - and she won't stop me from doing the same.

Name's Sunspot, by the way. Thanks for this - getting anyone to talk in this damn valley is hell. Anything I can do for you on my way out?

He didn't plan to linger — but she'd done him a favor. If he couldn't offer her the information she wanted, surely he could offer something else.

Morwenna regarded him for a moment longer, her silver eyes searching his face, though her expression remained calm and composed. She gave a slight nod, acknowledging his words and his resolve to follow his own path after finding Reverie. His independence was something she could respect, though she wondered if it might lead him to isolation more than freedom.

You are always welcome to come back, she said finally, her voice steady but carrying a faint warmth. To see you again would be my favor.

A brief pause followed as she straightened slightly, her posture poised but not rigid. I’m Morwenna, she introduced herself, a faint smile touching her lips. And you owe me nothing, Sunspot. Finding Reverie—making sure she’s safe—that is more than enough.

Her gaze softened for a moment, though her diplomatic demeanor remained. But should you find yourself in need of allies, or simply a place to rest, Swiftcurrent Creek is not far. You’ll have a place here, should you choose to return.

She stepped back slightly, signaling the end of their exchange, though her eyes lingered, silently offering him space to reply or take his leave.

If she questioned his intentions at all, it didn't show in her eyes. Intent as he was on his goals, Sunspot nearly overlooked the quiet significance of the moment entirely. When was the last time a stranger had looked at him with anything but suspicion?

Ironic, then, that he would find this exception while walking a path to his own death. If he'd been a superstitious man he might have thought it a sign. But he wasn't; all he could see here was another small tragedy, too shallow and fleeting to be worth more than a mournful thought or two. A false start; a what-if; a could-have, might-have, would-have. Nothing more.

Morwenna, Sunspot repeated her name thoughtfully, continuing against his better judgment: I'll be back before all this is over. I can promise that much.

When I come back, I'll find you.

After that? Who knew.

Morwenna's smile softened as she took in his words, a warmth flickering in her chest. Moments like this were rare—when hope lingered just on the edge of uncertainty, fragile but present. Sunspot's confidence, though quiet and measured, gave her a sliver of reassurance she hadn’t realized she needed.

I hope that’s true, she replied gently, her tone steady but carrying the faintest trace of yearning. Her silver eyes lingered on his face for a moment longer, searching for the resolve he carried.

Safe travels, Sunspot, she murmured, inclining her head slightly before turning her attention back to her task. But even as she moved, the warmth of his promise lingered, a small ember she couldn’t quite extinguish.

exit mo