Northstar Vale at night, we name every star

Despite his duty to the Vale, Rannoch knew there were others that could easily step up and fill in for him for the short time that they would be away. He was confident that Cypress and Rian would do all that they could to ensure that all would be all right and felt peace in leaving.  They would understand, too, once Rannoch got the opportunity to explain what he needed to do. 

Her words only confirmed that she wanted him to come and he smiled, happy that she was willing to have him come along. He exhaled then, expelling his momentary stress into the air between them. "When do we leave?" he prompted, his voice softer as he searched her face for any insight of what she was thinking.