Falls of the Hinterlands anima

the 'no' settles her, even if only temporarily. she grows more pleased with his follow-up statement, and there's a tangible relaxing of her stance, her shoulders easing, her chin dropping an inch or two.

goodh, Avicus replies, her voice soft. we go home 'hhoon.

but that doesn't address the matter at hand.

she's undoubtedly relieved that Ashlar will not look for Chacal this season, though it doesn't exclude the possibility of him seeking other dalliances this spring.

but he's come to her. . .groveling, or so it seems. waiting for her to ask. and frankly, she hasn't looked beyond Prophet for the next batch of future fighters.

but. . .he's come to her.

d'you wanh' me? she asks, and her stare is now gimlet, searching for the answer in anything she can find: his face, his body, his breath.