Little Goat Mountain So close, no matter how far.

He looked at her again, and she struggled to read him. She simply gazed right back, yellowgold eyes shining with regret upon her dark features. Ciri had enjoyed how easily Chakliux had made her smile before, how his own could wash away the sorrow and darkness that'd often plagued her. It'd been easy to be with him and she'd girlishly hoped to experience that warmth again in the time she'd spent away, trying to better find herself.

He was right. The swallow would've grown bitter with resentment for Chakliux' ways, for the connections he might prefer with others. She would always be wondering if she was pretty enough, if she was good enough. Leaving Moonglow had been a difficult decision, but a wise one now that she had learned more of the seal-hunter's lifestyle and how it could never live up to her own expectations.

For a moment, just a fleeting moment, she wondered if she could change him. It wasn't something that would be fair to him, she realised swiftly, and shame bloomed in her breast as a sad smile graced her narrow muzzle. How do they do it? Ciri asked, her curiosity more innocent now that her own sliver of hope had been dashed. Your wives. When they want only for you, but you are with another?