Shadewood After all this time.

She laughed, with the tuck of her head. “Oh, it’s alright. I thought I felt recognized,” a warm smile touched her lips, “I had many family further North of these lands, and was told I have my mother’s looks, and my auntie’s eyes. Who was it that you know? Perhaps you once knew one of them.”

Had he known her mother? Her heart fluttered at the thought.

It had been uncountable moons since she had met someone who had.

She relaxed more when she knew she hadn’t just barged in on this man’s home. “We are well matched in being pilgrims here. I am Taktuq. This one is pleased to meet you, Adlartok,” and she wondered aloud, “it is a pretty name. Are you from the North? Or simply another like me?” she grinned at that too, and almost more enjoyed that thought.