Hushed Willows he don’t drink, or steal, or cheat, or lie

Raleska stood besides her grave counterpart, silent and still save for the flick of her gaze in the woodlands. She had yet to articulate it, but she appreciated Kaertok’s company. Time would only tell if he proved himself in the eyes of Raleska’s guardians (Rosalyn chief among them), but for now he had earned the young Eyjolfur’s favor.

They were met by a wolf scarcely more than half a year’s age; Raleska watched him disinterestedly, expecting an adult to soon arrive to collect him. When none came, she peered at the ochre cub and spoke. Are your parents around? She was not a nurturing wolf by nature, and given the urgency of her mission, was not softened by the adorable (author’s impression) cherub that willingly met them.