Swiftcurrent Creek One night, a few moons ago

The gleaming curiosity that had been in her eyes had seemingly been stolen when he had expanded—maybe he should have been more upfront about what he had meant before.

Maybe he should have spoken nothing.

She returned to her work—the moment drifting past, now. “This is why you will make a fine diplomat, Morwenna. You will consider more than one side of what you hear or know.” That she was able to think outside a narrative for her alone.

With a final nod, the man strode back to the moss he had gathered, gathering what he would be able to carry. “Is this going to Arlette’s stores, or are you starting some of your own?”