Lost Creek Hollow Joining

The situation morphed itself quickly and he felt the better halves of either decision pull him in opposite directions. He had pity, sure, but there was the every present strain of what they needed. And what exactly they needed in his eyes were those more than capable and willing to do what needed to be done. With winter bearing down on their doorstep in what would be a matter of weeks, he found himself unwilling to relent. It narrowed his focus as he honed in on the dark form of the other, and in turn he did not anticipate or entirely hear Harlyn's approach. His ear turned absent as her steps drew near; his head only followed when her voice rose out of the leafy depths around them.

When his gaze came to rest on her, he found that her interest laid solely with him. The inevitable tide of mixed emotions boiled close to his stoic surface, but they simmered just as quickly. He brought his gaze back to the pleading expression of the traveller. "Then let's start this over," he said as he exhaled. "What's your name?" For all his intent to send the wolf away, he imagined that Harlyn would want to appeal to a second chance. If anything, he decided it would give her the opportunity to decide for herself.