Little Goat Mountain So close, no matter how far.

He had drifted between the groups, it seemed, though ultimately had selected Moontide to be his base. She nodded in acknowledgement before dipping her muzzle to lick at another bloodied strip of fatty meat, her mind clouded by disappointment and frustration. Ciri had not obsessed herself with the thought of Chakliux during her time away, though regularly she had entertained the idea of his interest in her. He was strong and handsome and charming; of course he would not have waited for her while she took herself off into the world.

She was angry at herself for what she felt, because he'd never been hers. His words distracted her from that, however, and her yellow eyes rose to seek the bold hue of his own to hold them. Ciri knew the answer: yes, and fiercely so! But she could not give voice to it, and averted her stare once more. Chakliux would know the answer without her speaking the word. I often wondered, she said softly, if you might have chosen me, had I stayed.