Rise and rise again.

Viinturuth set about then grooming his sodden fur with long sweeps of his tongue. He arched his proud neck to lick water from his chest and forelimbs, angled himself awkwardly to clean his flank, rose a lion-like paw to swipe his tufted ears. He lowered himself further, sinking to a sphinx-like position and rubbed his soaked muzzle against his upper leg before he reclined to gaze out from beneath the trees at the downpour.

It didn't surprise him that another drenched wolf sought the shelter of the woods, and the dark male barely acknowledged his latest companion. Viinturuth continued to gaze out at the miserable scene before him, wishing silently for the storm to hurry and pass so he could slip away and continue with his exploration in piece. But as though Mother Nature read his frustrated thoughts, a rumble of thunder and the promise of further rainfall rolled across the vale.

He exhaled softly and turned his pale eyes toward the sodden wanderer, curious to see if he shared his desire for solitude. What did surprise him, however, was to settle his champagne eyes on the face of a wolf he remembered so vividly. Gathering himself to his paws, the frosted male gazed across the empty space between them and into eyes the colour of sea glass, and exhaled a heavy breath of relief. There was still hope for Neverwinter Forest.

"Where have you been hiding?" Viinturuth mustered, warmth appearing in the smile that tugged the edges of his lips.