Firefly Glen missed

Back dated to 8/22. Any welcome.

The rains fell heavily with the warning of a loud boom that echoed off the mountains and shattered through the open glen. Vallkyrie had not returned here since he run in with the Moonspear wolves yet this did not stop her now. Her mission was an important one and she would not be stopped. It was for @Miriam which she pushed through the heavy rains, a beautiful and yet vaguely known female within the ranks who had lost her child. The rains pelted her body, heavy and she howled out for the child should he had gotten turned around in these storms.

The slopes were perilous during the rain, and even more so with the flash and rumble of thunder to distract the senses. Bronco gazed back up toward where the mountain's peak disappeared into the thick and angry clouds, hoping that his sister, Meerkat, had seen fit to find somewhere to take shelter until the storm passed by. When he'd first moved to Moonspear, it had been the day the rains had begun- leading him to believe that the constant rain was a localized incident, and that it rained more on mountains than it did everywhere else because it was so close to the clouds. He'd found out that that theory was wrong, and that it was raining everywhere- but that didn't stop him from developing a second theory. Because the mountain was so high, and close to the clouds, he wondered if it had a higher chance of being struck by lightning. He wasn't sure- but he didn't want to find out. 

He roved away from the pack's borders toward the open grasslands where he hoped to catch something as a meal before going home, only to find himself pausing when a call came from nearby. He listened, and could hear sorrow in the woman's voice, a pleading note that led him to believe she was searching for someone, calling out for them to come back to her. Ever the good samaritan, he temporarily abandoned his hunt and decided to see if there was anything he could do to help out- or at the very least, get a look at who it was that was calling. He was aware that there were wolves in the area with bad intentions, and he had been given a vague description of what to look for...And he was interested to see if this wolf might be one of them. 

But as he got closer and found her tracks, he realized that she wasn't a foe at all; she smelled of pine and cedar, and he thought he'd caught her scent before, when he'd last been to Neverwinter Forest. As far as he was concerned, they were friends of his- and he decided it would be best if he sought out this wanderer to see if there was anything he could do to help. He pushed forward, following her tracks untl he saw a dark figure- tall, and lean, who looked like she could speed off in the blink of an eye- searching through the glen. He continued forward at a trot, though he uttered a bark to catch her attention, as a bid to get her to wait up for him. His tail swayed with every step he took, and he approached her with the easy swagger with which one would approach a friend.

Endless, was her search, and the heavy rains made seeing far hard, made scenting out the pup even harder. The sky was nearly black, the world around her coated in a gray hue. She called out, though her voice was but an eerie echo surely drowned out by the thunder and pounding of water. 

Then... a scent finally touched her muzzle, though it was not the scent of little Asmoses. No, it was Moonspear. Vallkyrie tensed with an obvious uneasiness. The pack was not exactly allies, for all she was aware, but on friendly terms so as long as Neverwinter did got go anywhere near what Moonspear believed to be theres. This included that glade which stretched from Neverwinter, down, and to the mountains all the same. 

The huntress could only assume she would be run off again, though this time although she was in a manner 'hunting' it was not to take from what could be in the Spear wolves caches. So, Vallkyrie held her ground and turned round when she was called out to, to meet the other wolf coming her way. 

No hostility. No judgement. The younger wolf came trotting into her direction with a relaxed gait, a waving back and forth of his tail and air of no ill intention. So of course Kyr relaxed, or so best she could with the downpour and given the circumstances. 

Hello. She said only for the time being, dipping her dark muzzle in greeting as she looked him over. Quite the powerhouse, indeed, even as he was still growing. Thick legged, thick torso, thick.... well everything really! If she were to have anyone tag along with her (especially with bad folks about) he was definitely the one to pick.

Two eyes, the hue of glacial waters, turned to see him approach, and remained brilliant and restless as he approached; sizing him up, no doubt. But Bronco did not flaunt his stature, and willed instead for her to see a peaceful being rather than one who could potentially cause her harm. From all he knew, the relationship between Moonspear and Neverwinter Forest was a peaceful one- aided in part, he hoped, by the fact he'd helped rescue one of their members and return her to her young family. So he gave her a faint smile when he reached her, and bobbed his head in response to her greeting. 

"Hey yourself," He said, warmly, though his expression swiftly turned to one of genuine concern. "Sounds like you're lookin' for someone. Anything I can do to help?" He asked. Unspoken was the offer for an escort, to safeguard her journey as she ventured out in search of- whoever it was that was missing- but it went implied nonetheless. He figured it was common knowledge that there was a threatening presence roaming to the East of the meadow, and that the two peaceful packs ought to band together.

Icy eyes took in the man further as he came near. He was a fading of black color which went along the length of his spine, fading to warm maple, golden, and then cream. His eyes were bright, hot and fiery opposite of her ice. 

His offer was met then with a smile, her flat expression as she observed him turning as she was happy for the help, truly, and it shown in her nearly desperate expression. I could really use the help in this weather, to be honest...Mind watching our backs while I search? She doubted, honestly, whilst it rained so badly that she would be able to smell or hear anything not close. But if she could just try and focus without worrying about watching her own hide...

I'm sure you've heard of the newest terrors around here. She commented, more of a conversation bringing them anything. If Vallkyrie knew the Spear wolves at all, especially their queen, @Hydra, they would already be well aware of the newest information around this region. High on their mountain, they seemed to see all.

Bronco's fair expression faded when the female concluded that shed be glad to have his company, but inferring mostly that her relief came from knowing she would have someone to watch over her. He hated knowing that wolves couldn't freely roam, hunt, or explore through the neutral territories in the area for fear that they might get attacked. While Vallkyrie looked healthy, and was quite tall, Bronco took a moment to size her up and figured that even he might be able to best her in a spar, simply due to the blessing of muscle and size he'd received inherently. 

"Not at all," He said, reassuringly, with a shake of his muzzle. It would be left unsaid, of course, but the ebony female had very striking looks- and a sharpness about her features that Bronco found very alluring; so to watch her would be nothing difficult for the young man who could hardly take his eyes off her already. Being a civil creature and in loathe of causing her discomfort, Bronco tempered his gaze and sent it past her, into the misty grasslands, watching for any sign of movements. "I can keep my eye ouy for...Whoever it is we're looking for, too?" He asked. "It's not...Miriam, is it? I helped her find her way home like...A week ago, at least," He said. 

But when she brought up the other dangers in the area, he nodded. "I've heard about a number of them," He said. "Nothing new, but- in the interest of making sure both our packs are up-to-date, mind telling me what you know, an' I'll tell you what I know?" He asked. Realizing she might then start to suspect he was something of a spy, he backtracked a step or two. "I can go first, if you want. An' I'm Bronco," He said, realizing he hadn't yet introduced himself.

It may have been perhaps true Vallkyrie could hold her own, but she wasnt any match for a war torn wolf like many of the recent attackers seemed to be, these Saints or lack there of. The Archer bloodline was a powerful make, respected and feared, much like the leading blood of Bronco's own pack. Though Kyr had been made to know the basics of all skills, it wsd her sister @Valencia who was the true warrior of the twin pair. Kyr would have sought out her sister had her join had time not be of the essence. Thus, the Archer was very happy she had ran into the earthy toned wolf with fire in his eyes. 

In her searching (eyes darting around the fields as they squinted in the rainfall, scenting the earth, ears swiveling upon her head to hear each and every sound over the rain) she hardly noticed Bronco staring at her, though wouldnt have minded at all if she had. After all, Vallkyrie had found herself in a bit of a funk thead days. After Belharra left, then Ying and loosing track of Q, well, maybe some attention is just what the girl needed. But that, at the moment, was the last thing on her mind.

No, its isnt... Her ears flattened at Bronco's words and she stops suddenly in her trotting about to turn and face him, face solemn. I guess, whenever @Miriam wondered off and got lost... I dont know, maybe Asmoses tried looking for her? It's her son. Hes been gone around a week, she said. Which was around how long Miriam had been gone... and with @Mal having been out looking for Cupid not knowing he (she?) returned, and with Yuelong staying with them, and all the rains...Who the hell was watching all these kids Mal had? Not their mother's, it seemed, and there didnt seem to be enough adults sticking around enough to watch all the growing pups, looking to explore the world beyond the territory. And everyone kept running off, just going on vacation like they didnt have any responsibility. 

It was obvious, by now, Vallkyrie was quite frustrated with all of it. Swiping a paw at the muddy earth that would send it flying out to the side, Kyr seemed to grumble something under her lips about 'respect' and then sighed, her pale eyes falling back to Bronco, as she now officially knew him by. No, it's okay...I just feel like a mess, ya know? She admitted and forced a weak smile. I'm Vallkyrie Archer. No use in saying where she was already from, as he had scented that much. 

I honestly couldnt say if I know more or not comparatively. She offered a shrug of narrow shoulders and continued. The attacks we were having in spring, I guess they have moved on because this group is new. Called 'The Saints' and they had been settled not far from us until a group of our allies ran them off. They might have moved their territory but the attacks have continued. Some of Yuelong's members are missing too and I cant decide if it's because their getting turned around in the storms or far worse... She admitted, a grim expression taking her features as she tied up the information she had for him. She didnt mind giving it, so long as the favor was returned.

He was relieved to hear that Miriam hadn't gotten lost again, but he breathed in a sharp sigh when Vallkyrie informed him that one of her two beloved children had gone missing. When he thought back...Asmoses hadn't been there when he'd returned Miriam to her home, only Liliana. He'd been told what her fair, pale child looked like, though- complete with the mismatched gaze that he got from his father. He felt sure he'd recognize the child immediately if he saw him, but he also had to keep his eyes sharp for strangers that could pose a threat to the two of them. "Poor li'l guy...But we'll give a good look for him, though," He said, wanting to put a bit of optimism to spur on their search. He couldn't promise they'd find Asmoses, but he was definitely prepared to try. 

She showed her frustration with a flick of her paw, and he felt himself melting- especially when she turned a somewhat vulnerable, blue gaze to him. He balked for a moment, empathizing with her frustration- so he reached out, and found himself drawn to touch her shoulder with his muzzle, where he lingered for a moment. "It's Ok to feel that way. Things are a mess," He said gently, and smiled when she introduced herself. Such a strong name- and he was left wondering if she often showed that moment of softness she'd just shown to him. Nevertheless, he cherished it. 

Vallkyrie mentioned the Saints, which was by now what he figured common knowledge. New to his ears was the name of the pack which had sought sanctuary amongst the Neverwinter wolves, but he was glad to hear that at least their numbers were boulstered by allies. "My alpha seems to think there's another group of wolves out there...I'm not sure what their group or pack is called, but she's worried that they might band together." He said. "I think...Hydra said there's a black wolf, but we don't know her name....And she has a companion named Merrick, and they're pretty dangerous together," He said, shaking his head. "But that's all we know of the other group." He said. It was all he'd come to know about the disturbance to the East that threatened their peace. But he remained near Vallkyrie's side, wanting to reach out again to reassure her- but wasn't sure how she might feel about it. "But if we band together, we'll have a better chance of being protected," He said.

The Archer huntress knew that finding a child in such a large place was slim to none, especially if he had already been gone a week and tracking him would make it even more difficult in these storms. Without a trail, Kyr didnt even know if she was going in the right direction or not. He, likely, wondering for so long had either been picked up by another wolf to wither care for him or harm him, or another type or predator or the storms killed him. End of story, it was just obvious for someone so young on their own like that. Vallkyrie didnt want the worst to happen, but she would expect the worst if only to prepare herself and what's more, prepare the mother back home waiting for him. 

And then he reached out to her, pressing his nose to her shoulder in a comforting nudge. For the first time during this little venture, she smiles-weak, but it is there, and she feels the knotted up tension in her body teasing if only a little bit. Vallkyrie had thought @Mal foolish for mounting every woman who would let him, had even voiced it to him and the problems it may cause. For quite some time, other then herself and Simmik, every other female in the ranks was pregnant with Mal's pups (or unknowing to her multiple men). Now, it had happened. If it wasnt so horrible that it had happened, Kyr might have said 'I told you so' but she figured her leader would end up realizing that himself. 

Thank you... She breathes easy to his touch and words. Vallkyrie was not by far a cold woman. Back when Belharra was around, she was actually quite silly and playful, that roguish pirate bringing out the spirit in her. But as of late and with those losses, Kyr couldnt help the sadness and bitterness which came there after. 

I guess the attackers in the spring and now these Saints...together? Bronco spurred a new thought into her which she spoke allowed. She hadn't thought at all that they might band together, that they even knew eachother but Hydra's idea sparked a bigger concern in Vallkyrie. There may be many of them but there is much more of us. Between Moonspear, Neverwinter and Yuelong... plus Yuelong has more allies, allies which went with them to run the Saints off that first time. They visited our lands too, one of their members but I cannot remember their pack's name. We just need to stick together and really need to keep track of one another's whereabouts or stay in pairs, or things like this happens... She spoke with a jut of her muzzle forward, referring to their search for the missing child. 

And there she pauses, her head lifting to the heavens, still pelting heavy rain down upon them. And she calls out to @Asmoses, praying to the Gods that the pup is still alive.

The progress he'd made, in making Vallkyrie smile, made him feel better- and become all the more enamoured with the beautiful woman. He wouldn't push his luck, though- and now wasn't the time to devote his energy and focus to charming her, anyway- they had a child to find. That, he figured, would be the best way to gain her favour, something he now found himself hoping he could do. He allowed himself to imagine returning to Neverwinter with the young lad at his side, safe and sound- how happy Miriam would be, and perhaps...He might continue to improve his reputation in Vallkyrie's eyes as well. The child'sa safety and wellbeing were the top priorities- but he would not shirk the small, personal gain of getting Vallkyrie to smile at him again. 

He remained quiet while she called out, perking his ears and watching for any sign of movement in the distance. Calling out like this was the only method to try and reach the child from afar- but it would also serve to draw attention to them, and could potentially lead danger in their direction. It'd be worth it, he figured, on the off chance that Asmoses heard them and came running back in their direction. "We've also got allies with the Firebirds," He added, as they continued forward, having received no answer to Vallkyrie's call. "That's where I'm originally from, but I moved to Moonspear with my kid sister, Meerkat, right when the rains started." He said.

Feeling some serious old Elettra/Angier vibes here and it makes me happy. :)

Nothing, silence, though Kyr could not be certain if she would have even be able to hear his little puppy howl over the pounding and thundering of the rains. The pair, one large and bulky and the other tall and slim, were even too covered in mud and muck which made her wonder exactly what kind of condition Asmoses might have been in. The rains clung to them, slicking back their thick furs- Vallkyrie of rawboned, slender curves by sharp angles and Bronco, his heavy build and pact muscle more so revealed, giving more meaning to the name 'bronco' he held. 

When silence was met back by Vallkyrie's call, her icy eyes turned back to his of fire. Oh? She peeped, listening in on the alliance between Moonspear and the Firebirds, as they were. I've had a few of their members visit us, quite some time ago however in the spring. Havent seen any since, I'd imagine because of the distance, perhaps. She hadn't ever run into them or their territory. Which in a sense was good because two packs being onto of one another was never really good. Already Vallkyrie limited to hunting north of her home other then south, given the Spear wolves hunting grounds they now walked on. 

My original home... She began as she found herself shifting her path eastward, Is quite far from here. A peninsula called Torbine. However, my sister did find me here a few moons back. She lives in the forest with me. Its what kept her from missing home, in ways, because she had a home in here where she had yet to build a family her own. But she had no means to rush that, really, especially when it was so hard to just try and keep Mal's children together.

She'd heard of them before? He felt guilty, then, knowing that he hadn't paid much attention to packs beyond the borders of the Copse, and having grown up not knowing the name of the Neverwinter Forest wolves. Vallkyrie'd met a few Firebirds, and Bronco had to wonder who she might have crossed paths with- likely Towhee, he thought, and perhaps some of the Frosthawks as well. Her assumption was correct- and left Bronco marvelling privately at the intelligence of his companion. "Yeah, it is pretty far. I...I don't even know if my family's even aware of the Saints," He said. He hadn't been to visit them since the rains had begun, and it seemed like the turmoil had been growing as though watered by the deluge. "I'll be heading that way later on this month...So I'll check in with them, then, about how things've been down South." He said. "I can pass by Neverwinter on my way back, and deliver whatever news the Firebirds have on to you," He said. There- now at least he'd have an excuse to pass by again, and potentially track down the tall beauty. 

She fed his interest with some details of her own homeland, which was also, apparently, fairly distant- though not so far that she hadn't been tracked down, later on, by her sister. "It's nice, having a sibling around, though, hey?" He asked, willing to assume that Vallkyrie got on with her sister the same way he got along with his.

I could only hope that if they dont it's because they havent needed to deal with them. Being far off from the region may have been for the better. It seemed that though she loved the forest she lived in and had no qualms with its members, it was never more then a few weeks she felt before something else happened, some new drama went down-someone was attacked, someone went missing, someone left... She couldnt decide it it was just bad luck, being in a well traveled area or Mal's very laid back way of leading things. Either way, it was waring on Vallkyrie and that much showed now. 

I think I'd like that. She holds back the smirk, happy for both the offer of intel as well as knowing Bronco had every intention of visiting again in the future. Hell, it wasnt as though the pine forest and the mountain were too far off, either.  

Of course. Another small smile then, at the thought of Valencia, could be seen creeping up from the side of her features as she looked onwards. She is basically like my other half. The warrior to my hunter. My twin, actually. She allowed, the corner of her gaze then shifting to Bronco, awaiting his expression. She was a bit larger then herself, yet an inch or so shorter. A stark patch of white to her chest then a river of white from throat to belly. Subtle differences, even in their gaze, but side by side jt was easy to tell them as sisters, always had been that way with many Archers who bore the dark pelts and pale eyes. If this young warrior near her took a liking to her, perhaps he would have sights for Lenny more...

Part of Bronco wondered what might happen should the Saints venture toward the Copse. He worried, of course, for the safety of his three siblings, but also had a healthy dose of faith invested in his mother's ability to frighten visitors away. He figured that if absolutely necessary, then relocation was always an option. He doubted the Saints would pursue harassing a pack if it was a week's worth of travel days away from their home base. 

His cheeks flushed warm when he was given a tidbit of hope- privately, he assumed she actually meant that she would want to see him again, so he began to look forward to his next Copse visit already. He and Meerkat had skipped their visit in August- so perhaps, once the rains ceased, they could make an early September visit...So he might get to pass by Neverwinter again. 

And he was relieved to hear that Vallkyrie had a good relationship with her sister- who, it turned out, was her twin. "Woah!" He said, with a laugh. How could it be possible that fate would see fit to make two of her? "That's cool! I got younger sisters who're twins. But they're definitely very different wolves at heart," He chuckled. While he was training to be a guardian, he had to wonder if perhaps Vallkyrie's warrior sister might be more intense in nature- something Bronco tended to shy away from. He felt thankful, then, that he'd potentially met the more tempered twin first.

His sudden 'Woah' caused her to pause and a one front paw still lifted to her chest in mid-step. As he explained, silken black ears perked up with an obvious interest. There were twins in his family too and in the Archer family Lenny and Kyr were not by far the first or last of them. 

Really?? What a coincidence hu?? She spoke, her black tail behind her wagging. Now that was pretty cool! I'd have to say my sister and I have quite alot in common, but different... She 'hrrmmmsss' as she tries to think how to explain. I'd say, if we were both water, Lenny would be the waterfall to my river. She shrugged, hoping that this made some bit of sense.

And as it was, actually, Vallkyrie was the more calm and level of the twins. Not always, but Valencia's very playful personality and heart on a sleeve type made her easily trusting of others where Kyr, who could be just as friendly, still kept attentive and questioning. It was something that had caused Kyr to be protective over her twin. They were both bold, hardworking, head strong, yet Kyr was the more dominant one to lead, whilst her sister happily tagged along. And whilst Vallkyrie was quicker to anger and get frustrated, Lenny usually could keep her calm yet once angered, went off the hinges. Their ying and yang so closely together then some other twins, with differences that sometimes only those who truly knew the pair could pick up on.

Bronco chuckled. "It's gotta be, yeah," he responded. And he found himself nodding along with what she said in reference to her sister and herself, having found the same in Quetzal and Alyx. It turned out, that at least according to Vallkyrie, that he had found the more tempered one of the twins, which pleased him. While he was a relatively confident and comfortable guy, intimidating women tended to make him feel insecure. "My sisters are kind of the same way. Alyx is a total princess, and be kinda bossy- but in a good way- an' then there's Quetzal, who just runs around, screaming and jumping in mud puddles," He said with a laugh. His fond expression turned a bit wistful; he missed them. 

"I'm glad you guys're close...And that she found you, out here, sorta meant-to-be, like," He said, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Must be a twin thing," He joked with a soft laugh.

Her eyes, of glacier pale blue side glanced to Bronco, listening as quietly as Bronco went on to talk about his little sisters and it seemed his chest swelled at just the thought of them. Vallkyrie wondered maybe one day she might see her own little siblings assuming that there was some to be seen.

Its that mental super sonic connection us twins have. A laugh and she nudges into the large wolf's shoulder playfully. Surely he had heard the theories about siblings being mentally connected and all. 

Turning her attention away from the man at her side, she shakes out her coat of the rains and stops. By now, the pair had rounded up from the middle of the Glen and back north not far from the forest of her home who's tall pines could be seen standing side by side in the distance. Want to escort a girl home... she pauses, a smirk, Or should I lead you?

Bronco gazed at the fine-featured woman fondly as she reached out to touch his shoulder, and felt some of the fur along the nape of his neck prickle and lift, though he hoped it might not show. Like her, he shook his pelt out, to disguise the lifting of his hackles to much success; his wet fur stuck out at all ends, making him look somewhat like a wolf/hedgehog cross. "Ah, that must be it," He conceded warmly, welcome to the idea that twins might share some sort of super-power that allowed them to stay connected, even when they were apart. He liked to think Alyx and Quetzal would be the same- though he hoped they'd never have to be separated to find that out. 

He flicked his tail, eyeing her with a somewhat ravenous look as she smirked at him. He tilted his chin up and strode toward her, brushing his shoulder against hers. "You can lead me," He said, "But only if you catch me!" He said. Hastily, he swooped toward her, aiming to plant a kiss on her cheek before he bounded off on a diagonal, watching with a cheshire grin for her reaction.

The Archer did not catch the rising of his hairs, either, though did chuckle a little after he finished shaking out his own coat- spikey bronze, brown and and creamy furs everywhere. He stares back at her, focused, fully keen on her and she wonders then finally (as she seemingly missed the majority of his subtle signs) if he fancied her a bit?

 A thought which would have made the black maiden now blushing show had it not been for her coating, of course. Though whatever shying expression at the very thought of someone taking interest in her was washed away by a sudden game. 

A game, and sudden lick to the cheek! She stilled, caught off guard by this which gave Bronco enough time to dash away from her. Eyes now narrowing directly on what was her now 'target', a playful bark and growl exited her jaws as she gave quick pursuit.

With a hopeful gaze he watched for her reaction- only to be pleased (albeit slightly confused) when he seemed to have stunned her a bit. Was it because she was offended by the gesture, or was it because perhaps she'd been genuinely surprised, but in a pleasing way? The former would have wrecked Bronco to know that he'd done something inappropriate- but he had yet to learn how to properly establish and respect those boundaries, though he wasn't by any means ready to push them yet. When she charged after him, he realized with relief that in the very least, she wasn't angry with him, or offended- and she tore toward him mercilessly, bounding on those long, slim legs toward him as he finally focused on the task of being chased- and thrust himself into a gallop. 

Every few paces, he'd turn his head to catch a glimpse of her in his peripheral vision, an inky shadow which- with every glance- drew several lengths closer to him despite the fact that he maintained his pace. There was no questioning it- Vallkyrie could outpace him on a flat-out stretch with little effort, and he had no hope of possibly maintaining a lead. That wasn't much of a problem, however- as he maintained his pace, hoping for her to catch up- simply so that she could pass him and come within the window of his vision.

And fast she was, the huntress gaining on the large man. Whilst there was a good chance both he and she had the endurance to go the long mile when it came to traveling far, in an outright sprint there was little Kyr knew (if any she knew) that could match up. 

Coming in close, Vallkyrie dashes by him, jaws reaching out to pinch with her small front teeth at his cheekbone, a growl edging out from throat. She'd pass him, slowly to a quick trot and her laugh echoing out over the rolling thunder in the skies.

We should have an updated thread <3

Like an unexpected breeze singing through the close woodlands, Vallkyrie zipped past him, causing his fur to ruffle even as he himself continued to dash onwards. Like a ribbon of ebony silk she streaked through the grasslands, but for some reason saw fit to slow her pace enough for him to catch up with her, and meet her speed, even while adding a bit of a prance to his step. There was something so mesmerizing about this game of cat and mouse that revived something playful inside of him. He was charmed, as he traded nip for nip, occasionally threatening to bolt and outpace her again, though with the full knowledge that she could easily overtake him. Regardless of who made it back to Neverwinter first, she would stay on his mind, having won the chase toward his heart.