Neverwinter Forest the void of a world

stark followed at a measured distance, each step deliberate as though mindful of every shift in the snowy earth. the cold bit at his wounds, but he held himself stiff and upright, unwilling to reveal the extent of his pain. only the faintest hitch in his breath betrayed him when he finally reached the stream’s edge.

he paused, glancing sideways at sólhárr through that single, piercing eye. a curt nod was all he offered—far from grateful warmth, yet an acknowledgment of necessity. lowering his muzzle, he lapped at the water, each swallow soothing the dryness in his throat. the fresh, chilling rush of the stream tasted almost of deliverance.

the faint tremor in his limbs stilled by resolve alone.

“your lands are quiet,” he observed, his voice low, words clipped by lingering pain. he flicked one ear back, a gesture that seemed half humility, half irritation. “they shall remain so, while i am here.”