Neverwinter Forest kiiksiugun ⊎

She was held.

Her eyes closed and she wondered if she might fall asleep. Safe, embraced, surrounded by the familiar. Only she knew her dreams would be haunted until she had an answer. So she forced her lids open around amber eyes and only looked absent-mindedly at her mother's fur.

Memorizing each tuft, the scents and the feel.

She should have hugged Ariadne tighter that last time, shouldn't she?

Of course, She whispered softly to her mother. Reluctant to leave her hold so that she could walk, but this must be done.

She would lead them all to the lake where her dear nephew had said such things. The boy seemed nearly unbothered by the grim feeling that had slid along the spines of the adults. She loved him deeply for it and wished to shelter him from it all.

Callyope did not speak her relief to have Panuk and her mother remain behind.

That same relief did not exist when her father tried to offer her the same. She shook her head. No. Firm but not intended to be rude. I must be there. She would not be denied the peace in knowing what was there. If nothing was wrong within or around the lake, then perhaps she might sleep finally.

If they found anything troublesome...well, perhaps she could cry herself to sleep instead.

She turned to kiss both her mother's cheek and Panuk's own too before the rest of them walked forward.