Neverwinter Forest But while I watch her grow

Midday Eydis returned from a hunt. Muzzle bloody, the leg of an ungulate in her jaws, her mood was significantly better than usual.

She settled down near her den to begin her meal. Tearing away at the meat her tail waved gently, and she found that for the first time in a long time she was feeling like her old self. The way she was before her children, before Chevy, before the fae.

Still she was not whole for she lacked what she most desired, but at the very least she found herself to be happy. Although, she was alone. That was what Eydis preferred, usually, but Solharr's harsh words had stuck with her.

She frowned, her brow furrowing.

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Luhtar hesitated at the edge of the clearing, drawn by the scent of fresh kill and the quiet rustle of movement. He recognized the silhouette easily: Eydis, muzzle stained red, intent on her meal. He took a moment to compose himself, thick fur shifting as he breathed in slowly.

He never did quite know how to approach her; he wanted to show her kindness without intruding on her solitude.

Paws pressing gently over the damp earth, he stepped into view, his posture careful and unthreatening. “Eydis,” he called softly, a low rumble of greeting that might not startle her from her meal.

“You... hunt well today. Meal looks good.” He took a seat a respectful distance away, trying to read her face without being too bold about it. “You not happy?” he ventured, voice gentle.

“If you want quiet, I leave. Just—” He hesitated, searching for the right words.

A familiar face broke her solitude, and she eyed him with an expression far softer than usual. Stay. Her words remained blunt and short. There was no want for him to leave.

And yet, she was unsure what to say. She was not one to speak of her issues, but she found it difficult to make conversation too. Luhtar seemed to be a good man, she did not wish to be cruel to him.

For a moment she looked to her paws, fiddling with the dirt beneath them. You have ate today? An easy question, one that gave her easy segways no matter the answer.

Luhtar dipped his head in a slow nod at her blunt command—stay. He settled himself onto his haunches, letting his frame relax. Her question came quietly, and he flicked an ear as he mulled it over.

“I… no,” he admitted, “Was out scouting. Not think much about food.” A small, apologetic huff escaped him, as though he suddenly realized how unprepared he was for genuine conversation.

He tried for a slight smile, gaze lingering on her muzzle before quickly shifting downward. “You, though—you eat well?” he asked carefully, returning her question in the simplest way he knew.

She remained quiet as he spoke, eyes roaming over the bloody leg. Yes. I ate my fill. She responded, pushing the leg to Luhtar's paws.

Eat. He needed it far more if he was going hungry; Eydis was only indulging herself. It was her attempt at a gesture of goodwill.

He had mentioned scouting, and she clicked her tongue. Scouting? She repeated, as though urging him to continue.

“Mm,” he huffed quietly, dipping his head in gratitude. “Thank you.” He leaned down, taking a careful bite. Blood coated his tongue, still warm enough to taste fresh. Each chew was slow, measured, a wave of relief settling in his chest. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was.

When she prompted him with that single word, he lifted his muzzle, licking stray blood from his lips. “Scouting,” he echoed, wiping the back of his paw across his muzzle. His gaze flicked to her face, then quickly away, a faint flush warming his cheeks beneath thick fur. “I walk. Look for changes. Smell if new wolves come. Any trouble.”

He swallowed the last chunk he’d torn loose, amber eyes drifting back to Eydis. “Didn’t notice anything bad today, no strangers. All quiet.”

Once he accepted her offering, she began the careful cleaning of her own muzzle as best she could. He spoke of his scouting, and she was quick to understand. She had not known there was a name for such things.

At the mention that were no strangers, some disappoint snuck into her carefully crafted expression. It was good for the pack, but not so good for her. No strangers at all? She asked, searching his eyes. Surely they would come soon, right?

But she did not wish to ponder on her troubles, and shook her head. That's good. Forneskja has strong borders.

He cleared his throat quietly, brushing a paw over the ground. “None I smell,” he confirmed, voice low with a tinge of apology. “Only old trails. Some fox. No rogues.”

He forced a small smile, letting the tension ease from his shoulders. “I look again tomorrow?” he offered simply. “Might find someone.” He reached out a paw, nudging the discarded bone with mild interest. “Borders strong, yes, but Forneskja welcoming. Anyone come—if mean peace.”

His tail gave a modest wag, as if trying to lighten the mood. “If ever want scout with me… well,” he shrugged one broad shoulder. “Company nice.”

Her expression solemn, she gave a nod. If you ask for me, I will come. He was a good man, she would not ignore him so long as his offer was not simple pity. You're a good man. Treats me well.

She appreciated his kindness. Many of the wolves of Forneskja were kind, but condescending too. Luhtar did not speak as though he viewed her as less. Eydis liked that.

Now her eyes settled on him, carefully searching his face - but for what she did not know.

Luhtar dipped his muzzle, a quiet hum of acknowledgment. He wasn’t sure how to handle the praise—it wasn’t something he heard often. A good man. He took that in like a breath of fresh air, letting it fill the small hollow in his chest.

“Thank you,” he answered softly as he could. “Try my best.” His gaze rose to meet hers. For a moment he held it, letting her see that he meant what he said.

He wouldn’t treat her like a fragile thing.

“Same for me. If you need—call. I come.”

His words were not met with a response, but she appeared content nonetheless.

Standing, she nudged his muzzle with her own. I am going to rest now. Turning tail, she began the short walk back to her.

She felt that some of her worries had been relieved, her heart a bit lighter now.

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Luhtar blinked when her muzzle touched his, caught off guard in all ways possible. But eyes softened as he watched her leave, unable to stop the small frown.

Their meeting had been brief.

“Rest well,” he spoke quietly, trailing off. He stood eventually and turned to leave himself, leaves and brush rustling as he did so.