Neverwinter Forest for the dreams that have faded

It was cold here, colder than the Vale, and it was dark. Always so dark. Haruki peered up at the dense foliage above him as he made his way through the forest, blue gaze narrowed in disapproval. He missed home. He missed the mountains, and the patch of flowers he used to roll in, and his family den. He missed Sumi's boisterous energy, Reiko's soft, reassuring voice, Takeshi's strong presence...

Frustratedly, he swiped a paw across his face as he felt tears sting the corners of his eyes. No use in crying, anymore. His parents may be dead and gone, but the Empire still lived on in their children. He and Hotaru were duty-bound to rebuild what was lost.

In time, at least. For now, they were stuck here in this woodland. Sure, they were free to roam, but he knew as well as the adults that he would not survive for long outside the borders. With a huff of resentment, Haruki continued on in his march, in search of a place where he could hide away for a few hours and wallow in his dour, homesick mood.