But I have promises to keep

Tonravik was surprised to hear that her words had inspired in him his decision to quicken the pace of their travels. Her head turned and this time she looked to him with no intent to look away. What will you do, she pressed then. She trusted him enough to come this far; but she wanted to know, now, his intent, his thoughts. What if his heart had stopped beating? What if it no longer beat for him, but for something else?

The woman would go and remain by his side, but she knew that this plan with a great reward also had plenty of risk. He was quite a large one, himself; how would he be received? And was he willing to fight tooth and claw if he was not received well for his own place?