Noctisardor Bypass glistening shards

morwenna watched the bearman go, his broad back disappearing into fog and stone. there was a flicker of something like disappointment—quick, unindulged—before it settled into neutrality. luhtar, then. noted, and released.

only then did she turn fully to the white wraith.

her posture softened by a degree, not in weakness, but in acknowledgment. the tension in the bypass ebbed with the norseman’s departure, leaving behind quiet and the thin echo of almost-conflict.

you are a well-mannered guardian, she said, voice low, even. not flattery—assessment. respect given where it was due.

her gaze held astier’s, pale and steady.

i am morwenna.

a brief pause, eyes lifting to the enclosing stone and snow, the way sound seemed to linger too long between the walls.

and drama, she added coolly, appears to be whittling its way into this place.