Moren sighed as Veska hummed a soft tune and had her sip on some water every so often. "You know you can go look around at the treasure," She said, smiling tiredly at Veska. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Patience brings rewards, little sister," Veska said gently, smiling as she ruffled Moren's hair. "Once you're ready, we can go through it together and discover what's in the hoard."
Luna gave a soft hoot of agreement, nuzzling against Moren's shoulder.
Moren chuckled. "Sounds like a plan, Sis," She agreed with a soft giggle. "Looks like I need to get some new armor." She ran a finger over the hole in her simple brown leather chest piece. "Do I have a scar?"
"A small one," Veska replied with a twinkle in her eyes. "I hear that women love it when they see scars of traveling warriors." She gave Moren a playful wink. "When we get back to Kymera, how about I help you find a nice lady for the evening."
"Veska," Moren whined as her face showed a little color of embarrassment. "We probably won't stay in Kymera for more than a day or two." She rolled to her good side to scowl at her sister.
"You don't have to marry her. Just go relax and have some fun." Veska snorted and ruffled Moren's hair. "You have spent the past few months training." Veska playfully tapped Moren on the nose. "You need to have some fun every once in a while, or you will end up a grouch like Lucius."
Luna fluffed up and gave a little chirrup, clearly in agreement.
Moren simply grunted and shut her eyes to relax, paying no attention to Veska's intentions of setting her up on a date once they returned to civilization.
Several hours passed, and after a plain meal of travel rations, they decided to explore the cavern to uncover the treasures concealed within the Wyvern's lair.
Though still sore and moving carefully, Moren felt notably better thanks to Jaycen's divine healing and the potent potions Veska had provided. The venom's burning edge had dulled, and while her limbs ached and fatigue lingered in her bones, the worst had passed. She stood with effort, grateful but cautious, determined not to push herself too hard as they began their search.
Lucius moved towards the Wyvern to start the harvesting process.
Still feeling weak, Moren leaned on Veska for support as they slowly made their way to the wyvern eggs. They found the eggs nestled against a fire crystal, partially covered by gold and silver coins. "What should we do with these?' She asked as Jaycen crouched beside her. These eggs would not last long without someone to tend them after they hatched.
"We can bring them back to Ethos and give them to my Father," Jaycen offered, running a hand over one of the eggs. "They can be cared for and trained to allow a human to ride them." Jaycen glanced at his cousin. "Father has wanted to start a wyvern scout party for a while, but eggs have become hard to find lately."
"That sounds like the best plan for them," Moren agreed, standing up and looking around. "Well, come back and get them before we leave." She moved towards another pile of treasure. "Let's see what else is in here."
Veska stepped cautiously past the fallen creature, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of hidden treasures. The Wyvern's hoard, filled with several small piles of glimmering gold and assorted trinkets, catches her attention. Intrigued, she approached one of the mounds, her fingers itching to uncover its secrets.
"Guys, come look at this!" Veska called out, her voice filled with excitement. Moren, Jaycen, and Lucius exchange glances before making their way over, their curiosity piqued. Her fingers brushed against the cool metal of a silver necklace set with a deep blue gemstone. "This must be worth a fortune!" she exclaims, but her excitement only intensified as she digs deeper. As they gather around the pile, Veska begins to sift through the treasure—coins, gemstones, and strange artifacts glittering in the dim light. With each item she uncovers, her anticipation grows. "This is incredible!" she exclaims, holding up a sword.
Veska studied the handle briefly before pulling another stunning longsword from the pile. A gleaming silver-white blade reflected light brilliantly, adorned with intricate etchings symbolizing purity and hope. The hilt is wrapped in fine golden silk for a luxurious grip. The crossguard resembles stylized sun rays radiating outward, enhancing its elegance. At the pommel, three sparkling citrine gems radiate a warm golden glow. The background is bright and atmospheric, highlighting the sword's beauty and magical qualities, evoking a sense of nobility and strength. "I can feel the magic radiating off these blades."
"That is Dawn's Radiance," Lucius said quietly, his expression darkening as he gazed at the weapon. The fire of battle had faded from his voice, leaving only a heavy, aching weight.
"I know the Veilborn Hunters they sent to investigate this place," he continued, rubbing his face with a weary hand. "Mishka and Jackson... one of the few Veilborn Hunter pairs to get married." There was a rawness in his voice that no amount of time had dulled.
Lucius gently took Dawn's Radiance from his apprentice's hands, cradling it almost reverently. The golden blade shimmered faintly as if remembering its rightful owners.
"They found that blade — and another called Night Ripper — about fifteen years ago," he said. "We were close. Closer than most."
He let the silence stretch for a long moment and then moved toward another pile of debris, eyes scanning the rubble with a sharp, desperate edge. "Maybe it's here too," Lucius muttered.
The group joined him, their hands moving quickly, overturning shattered crates and rusted armor pieces. Dust choked the air, and the stench of rot was thick and cloying.
Minutes dragged on. The sound of shifting rubble, the occasional cough, and the soft clatter of discarded scrap filled the gloom. But after a thorough search, they came up empty. Night Ripper was nowhere to be found.
"I'm sorry, Master," Moren whispered fiercely, gripping her mentor's back with urgency. "Do you think their bodies might be close by?" Her eyes darted around, catching sight of fragmented skeletons strewn about like a macabre puzzle. "We could give them a proper burial," she insisted, her voice tinged with determination. Lucius nodded curtly, his expression hardening as he turned away. "I'll handle it," he replied, his voice a low growl. "Stay close to the safe zone."
"What do you want to do with Dawn's Radiance?" Moren asked, crossing her arms. "Do we bury it with their bodies?" While she had been learning as much as possible about the Order, they hadn't really talked about how to honor fallen members of their Order.
"No," Lucius ordered for a moment before turning around, spinning Dawn's Radiance in his hand, and extending its handle towards Moren. "I knew Mishka. She was fiery, fearless, and a terror to face off against." He said, with a sad look in his eyes. "I wish the two of you could have met. She would have loved to help with your training. It will serve you well." He nodded his head towards the blade. "One of you can take it."
"We'll sort it out," Moren said softly and sat down on a nearby rock to rest. She placed the sword on her lap.
Lucius just nodded his head and walked off to look for the bodies of his fallen friends and put them to rest.
"Would you like Dawn's Radiance, Jaycen? Veska asked, gesturing to the blade on Moren's lap. "It sounds very paladin-like to me." She picked the blade up to let the light reflect off the polished blade and gestured to it like a prize at a local carnival.
Jaycen snorted and shook his head. "No, you keep it," He said, resting his hand on the pommel, his own weapon. "This one doesn't have a fancy name, but it means a lot to me." Jaycen had a faraway look on his face for a moment before it disappeared. "Besides, it matches your color scheme better than mine."
Veska hummed, gave the blade a few test swings to judge its balance, and nodded. "I think I will." She dug around for the next twenty minutes and found the scabbard buried under a pile of coins.
Moren, Veska, and Jaycen searched through the treasure, examining what lay concealed beneath the assortment of coins. Though Moren tried to keep up, her movements grew slower as the strain of her injuries caught up with her. Despite her quiet protests, Jaycen or Veska would gently but firmly insist she rest whenever she winced or paused too long. Eventually, Moren relented, sitting on a smooth stone while Luna perched protectively at her side. From there, she sorted more minor trinkets and magical items, trying to stay involved without pushing herself too far.
They made a handful of small piles of what they could carry back since they couldn't take everything in one trip, even with their magically expanded bags.
A few hours later, after they had packed their bags to the brim with treasure, the trio returned to the safety of the Wanderer's Haven spell and started to get comfortable for the night. Lucius returned later and didn't say much aside from taking the first watch.
Moren had laid down on her blanket and scooted over to allow her sister to lay beside her. The two sisters cuddled up to one another, and Veska draped one of her wings over them.
Luna fluttered down from a ledge and nestled herself into the crook of Moren's side, her soft feathers brushing against the girl's arm as she gave a gentle hoot. She fluffed herself up, settling into a quiet vigil, her golden eyes half-lidded but alert.
"Sleep, Moren," Veska whispered, getting as comfortable as possible on the blanket. "Jaycen or I will take the next watch." She started running a hand through Moren's hair at a slow and methodical pace.
Moren let out a tired sigh. "I'm fine," she mumbled back to her sister as her exhaustion started to catch up with her. She shifted slightly, one hand absently resting on Luna's back. "Wake me when it's my turn." She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, the rhythmic rise and fall of Luna's tiny body a soothing presence at her side.
27th of Starfall, 1804 (1/27)
Moren groaned as she stirred from her night of rest and stretched a little until she realized that she was alone on her blanket and pushed herself up to a seat position. She didn't see her Master, but she spotted Veska and Jaycen sitting across from one another in a deep discussion.
"I'm telling you that Dame Lira Starwind from the Iron Spire is one of the best singers in Aetheria. Veska said, her eyes sparkling with conviction. Her voice is like a siren's call, and her ballads can make even the hardest of hearts weep." Veska gestured to herself. "I learned to sing like her; she is my inspiration for my Spellsongs."
Jaycen shook his head and leaned back slightly on the rock he was sitting on with a confident smirk. "Lira is good, I'll give you that, but she doesn't hold a candle to Bardolph and the Singing Hammers from Dwarvenhaven. Not only does he have a voice that can command a battlefield, but his songs are filled with valor and courage that inspire armies. That, my dear Veska, is true talent."
Moren noted that Veska's eye twitched in annoyance at Jaycen's comment and could see her sister winding up for a rebuttal. She decided to sit quietly and watch the show.
Veska scoffed, crossing her arms. "Valor and courage are all well and good, but music is about emotions. Lira can make you feel the pain of lost love, the joy of reunion, and the sorrow of war, all within the span of a single song. She said with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Lira doesn't just sing. She weaves magic into her voice."
Jaycen crossed his arms, clearly not convinced. "And Bardolph doesn't? His songs are tales of heroism and sacrifice during the Great War. They remind people of what's worth fighting for, what's worth living for. His voice has led men into battle and out of despair. That's not just magic, Veska. That's a gift from the gods themselves."
Veska smirked, leaning forward with a playful gleam in her eye. "So, you think battle hymns make a better singer than someone who can touch the soul with a single note? If we had a duel of voices right now, Lira would leave Bardolph speechless."
Jaycen chuckled, shaking his head. "You underestimate the power of a good battle hymn. But I'll tell you what, next time we're in Dwarvenhaven, let's find Bardolph and see if he'll give us a private performance. Then, we can settle this debate once and for all."
Veska grinned, extending her hand. "You're on, Ravenheart. But don't be surprised when Lira's voice echoes in your dreams, making you question everything you thought you knew about music."
Jaycen took her hand, his grip firm and steady. "And don't be surprised when Bardolph's songs make you want to pick up a sword and join the fight. May the best singer win."
"Maybe we can listen to both of them, and I can experience their music myself," Moren chimed in, standing up to gingerly stretch her body. "I haven't heard either of their music before."
Veska and Jaycen stared at Moren in shock before looking at one another.
"Ok," Veska started. "Next chance we get, we will have you listen to both bards, and you will make that determination about who the better singer is."
"Agreed." Jaycen, nodding his head. "She can make the determination based on an unbiased opinion."
Moren giggled at their antics and found a nearby rock to sit down on. "Sounds like fun," She said, looking between Veska and Jaycen. "How long was I asleep?"
"Eight hours," Veska answered, taking a sip of water from her water skin. "We decided to let you sleep." She gestured in the direction of the Wyvern's corpse. "Lucius has been harvesting more parts from the dragon for the past two hours."
"I could have done my turn on night watch," Moren scowled at her sister and cousin. "I was feeling better before I went to sleep."
"You needed the rest, Momo," Jaycen began softly. "You almost died yesterday and need a good night's sleep to recover." He shrugged his shoulders. "You can be mad all you want, but I promised Mom and Dad that I would look after you and intend to keep that promise."
"Same here, little sister," Veska concurred with a nod. "I swore to Mika that I would keep you alive." She saw Moren about to say something and stopped her. "It is not that we think you are weak or delicate; we let you sleep because it's what your body needs." She stood up and walked over, knelt in front of her sister in all but blood. "You and Mika are all the family I have. Just let me be a good big sister, ok?"
"Ok," Moren sighed and pulled Veska into a sisterly hug. "I'll go along with it for now, but don't expect to always win our arguments."
"We'll see~," Veska said with a musical laugh and ruffled Moren's hair. "Get something to eat, and we'll check to see how Lucius is doing." Veska stood up, returned to her seat, and pulled out her spell book to look through it.
Moren finished her travel rations and dusted off her hands before walking over to check on her Master. As she approached him, she saw him kneeling beside the Wyvern's massive body, meticulously harvesting the valuable components from the beast's corpse. His movements with a knife were precise and practiced, focusing on gathering a handful of scales.
"How is it going, Master?" Moren asked, her voice was soft yet carrying a hint of curiosity at her Master's harvesting techniques. Moren could see the meticulous care with which he handled each piece to ensure nothing was damaged in the process.
Lucius glanced up at his apprentice briefly, his eyes meeting hers. His usual stoic expression softened slightly. "Almost done with what we can carry back," he said, gesturing to the large piles on the floor beside him. "I want to get as many parts as possible since the body will be useless by the time we return from Kymera."
Moren nodded, her gaze following Lucius's hands as the man extracted another handful of scales and a few teeth. "What are you going to do with all of this?" She asked, reaching down to get a better look at one of the scales.
Lucius gave his apprentice a shrug. "No idea," He said. "Venom can be used to take down other creatures or potions, the scales for armor, and the bones, well they have their uses as well." He extracted another tooth and handed it to Moren. "Here, keep this as a souvenir."
"Thanks," Moren accepted and ran her thumb over the tooth.
Lucius gestured for Moren to join him and waited for her to kneel. "Time to see if you have been paying attention to my lessons on skinning creatures." He offered Moren the knife handle. "Go on, we don't have all day."
It took Moren several tries to get the hang of it and a few more attempts to successfully get a few scales off. "I did it," Moren beamed and made another pass to collect several more scales.
"A little rough, but good attempt," Lucius said, patting his apprentice on the back. "Adjust your angle slightly and give it another shot." He watched Moren adjust that blade as instructed and made a better pass. "Much better."
"Thank you, Master," Moren replied, focusing on harvesting more scales. She was starting to get the hand of harvesting dragon scales for the first time.
Lucius stood up and stretched his back. "Make a few more passes, and then we need to start packing up the harvested materials and the eggs. Head back to Kymera to let the mayor know what happened here." He said, inspecting a few of the teeth and bones he had extracted.
Moren nodded her head. "Yes, Master." She replied, making her last few passes before handing him back his knife.
27th of Starfall, 1804 (1/27)
When Moren, Lucius, Veska, and Jaycen emerged from the dim, cold cave a few hours later, they were met with the biting chill of winter air. Frost clung to the rocks outside, and the stone path was cover in a fine layer of snow, the silence between them grew heavy. The battle with the Wyvern had been brutal, but their mission wasn't over yet. Lucius led the way, his eyes narrowing as he spotted two small mounds of earth near the edge of the clearing, marked only by hastily assembled stones.
Without a word, the group approached the makeshift graves, their steps slowing as the site's significance sank in. Lucius knelt beside the graves he had dug, his hand resting on one of the stones on the ground. A thin layer of frost coated the surface, and their breath fogged visibly in the frigid morning air. His face, usually stern and unyielding, softened with a rare glimpse of sorrow.
"These two," Lucius intoned, his voice reverberating with deep reverence, "They sacrificed everything for the cause. They laid down their lives for the Order, battling the encroaching darkness so that others could be spared its wrath." He lowered his head solemnly. "Rest now, Mishka, Jackson. Your fight is over."
Luna perched silently on a nearby rock, head bowed slightly as if mourning with the others. Her usual alert gaze softened in the presence of loss.
Moren stepped forward, placing a hand on Lucius' shoulder and offering silent support to her Master while saying prayers to Myzoth and Ceyanne.
Veska and Jaycen stepped back, their heads lowered in respect. Veska's sharp eyes took in the surroundings as though imprinting each detail in her mind before she began a song of loss and mourning, crafting a prayer to Veysha.
At the same time, Jaycen quietly whispered a prayer to the Sylphara, honoring the fallen warriors.
"We shall honor them," Moren said softly, her voice steady despite the sadness in her eyes. "We continue their quest to keep the darkness at bay and keep their memory alive."
Lucius finally stood, his usual composure returning as he took a deep breath. He turned to the group, nodding once. Without another word, they began their journey again, leaving the graves behind but carrying the memory of the fallen Veilborn Hunters with them. Their resolve was stronger, and the weight of their mission was heavier with the sacrifices made before them.
28th of Starfall, 1804 (1/28)
After the long journey back to Kymera, trudging through slushy roads and a light flurry of snow, the group found themselves at a familiar inn nestled in the heart of the bustling city. The inn's warm, amber glow spilled out into the streets, offering a welcoming contrast to the fading daylight. They entered, weary but relieved to be among civilization again.
Once they had secured their rooms and settled their belongings, the group took some much-needed time to wash away the grime of the battle. The inn's modest but clean bathing facilities were a blessing after the filth of the cavern and tunnels. Freshly bathed and dressed in more comfortable clothes, they gathered again in the common area downstairs, where a warm fire crackled in the hearth and the smell of roasted meat filled the air.
Veska, ever the mischievous one, was the first to break the comfortable silence. She sidled up to her sister, her footsteps light as a cat's. Moren barely had time to react before Veska leaned in close, a sly grin tugging at her lips.
"So," Veska whispered, her voice low and full of teasing promise, "I've got a little surprise for you." She bumped her shoulder against Moren's playfully.
Luna, perched on the back of Moren's chair, fluffed her feathers and let out a low hoot, earning a chuckle from Veska. "See? Even Luna agrees you took a hit."
Moren raised an eyebrow, already detecting her sister's mischief. "What are you planning, Veska?" she asked, crossing her arms and shifting her weight to one hip.
"Oh, I just figured you might enjoy some dinner company tonight," Veska said, pretending to be innocent. "You know, someone besides us tired old warriors."
Moren narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Veska…what did you do?" She asked as a bad feeling started to form in her stomach.
Veska's grin stretched even wider as he pointed towards a cozy corner of the inn. There, nestled comfortably among the rustic wooden tables and flickering candlelight, sat a well-dressed young woman draped in a flowing blue scholar's robe. The fabric shimmered subtly in the dim light, hinting at its fine quality. Her fingers gracefully turned the pages of a worn book, the cover embossed with intricate designs. Her eyes, a deep shade of hazel, flitted occasionally from the text to the bustling patrons around her, observing them with a serene and poised demeanor. Her presence exuded a gentle aura, underscored by a quiet confidence that seemed to draw others in, even as she remained engrossed in her reading.
"That's Rylan," Veska explained, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "She's a wizard, just returned from a daring expedition in the untamed wilds. Her intelligence is unmatched, her charm irresistible, and most importantly—she finds you utterly fascinating. I might've let slip a detail or two about you."
Moren blinked in surprise, a slight blush creeping into her cheeks. "Veska, you didn't…" she begged, her voice barely above a whisper. She remembered their conversation in the Wyvern's cave—Veska teasing her about finding a lovely lady when they returned to Kymera—but she hadn't thought her sister would act on it so soon. Her stomach fluttered with nerves, the realization dawning that Veska had been serious all along.
"Oh, but I did," Veska said, almost bouncing on her heels. "Now, before you get all flustered, just talk to her. It's just dinner. And besides, it's been a while since you had a chance to relax. You deserve it."
Moren paused briefly, casting a quick look at Rylan, who had just met her eyes with a timid smile. Her heart skipped a beat, and she shifted her focus back to Veska with a reluctant sigh. "Alright," she said softly, attempting to hide a smile. "But you'll owe me for this, and you must promise not to do it again."
"Deal," Veska laughed softly, giving Moren a light shove in Rylan's direction. "Just enjoy yourself, little sister. I'll take care of everything else."
With one last deep breath, Moren made her way over to Rylan, her usual confidence tempered by a touch of nervousness she hadn't felt in a long time. As she approached, Rylan stood, offering her a warm smile and gesturing to the seat across from her.
"Lady Moren, it's an honor," Rylan said, her voice kind and genuine. "Veska's told me a lot about you. I'm hoping I can live up to the introduction."
Moren smiled back, her tension easing as she took her seat. "The honor's mine, Rylan. And trust me, whatever Veska said, I'm sure it was all exaggerated." She said with a slight chuckle.
As they began their dinner, the conversation flowed easily, the weight of their recent trials lifting, if only for a while.
In the background, Veska watched from a distance, a satisfied smile on her lips. She knew Moren needed this—needed a moment to remember there was more to life than battles and bloodshed. And perhaps, just perhaps, this was the beginning of something new for her sister.
"When did you have time to set this up?' Jaycen asked quietly as he smiled at Moren, who was seemingly having a good time. "You went upstairs only ten minutes after Moren did." Jaycen had watched Veska talking to the woman in the corner before heading upstairs a few minutes later.
"I'm just that good," Veska preened as their drinks were brought to the table and sipped her wine. "I just hope she has fun."
"She earned it," Lucius muttered into his cup of hard liquor. He watched his apprentice for a few more minutes before focusing on his drink and running his thumb over the silver locket in his hand.
"Agreed," Veska replied as she produced a deck of cards. "How about a game of Arcane Ante?" she suggested, giving the cards a whimsical shuffle.
As Moren sat across from Rylan during their dinner, she found herself drawn to the subtle yet captivating blend of features that marked Rylan as part Halfling and part Elf—a unique heritage that gave her an otherworldly charm.
Rylan's Halfling lineage was evident in her stature. Though she was petite, standing no taller than four and a half feet, her compactness suggested a quiet strength. Despite her smaller size, her limbs were proportionate and delicately shaped, giving her a graceful, almost ethereal presence. Her hands, though small, were deft and quick, a reflection of the dexterity common among Halflings. Yet, they bore the elegant, tapered fingers of her Elven heritage, each movement fluid and precise, as though she had inherited the best traits of both her parents.
Her face was a harmonious blend of both lineages. The soft, rounded contours of her cheeks and the slight upturn of her nose hinted at her Halfling ancestry, giving her an approachable, almost mischievous charm. But her eyes caught Moren's attention—large, almond-shaped, and a deep, forest green that seemed to shimmer in the candlelight. They carried the wisdom and depth typical of Elves, yet there was a warmth in them, a friendliness that made them incredibly expressive.
Rylan's ears were another telltale sign of her mixed heritage. Though they were slightly pointed like an Elf's, they were not as long or as sharp, sitting somewhere between the delicate points of Elven's ears and the rounded, more human-like ears of Halflings. The effect was subtle but added an intriguing dimension to her appearance, making her seem both familiar and exotic at the same time.
Her hair, a thick chestnut brown, was silky and delicate, the kind of texture that often belonged to Elves, and it caught the light with a natural sheen. Yet, it was cut and styled in a practical, slightly tousled manner that spoke to her Halfling practicality and love for comfort. The braid she wore over one shoulder was neat, but a few rebellious strands had escaped, framing her face and giving her a touch of whimsy.
As they talked, Moren noticed the slight lilt in Rylan's voice—a soft, melodic cadence that could have only come from her Elven side, though her speech was peppered with the relaxed, easy-going nature of Halfling conversation. It made for a soothing and pleasant rhythm to their exchange, one that Moren found herself relaxing into more and more as the evening progressed.
There was a story in every gesture Rylan made. She leaned forward with keen interest when Moren spoke, showing the innate curiosity and attentiveness typical of Halflings, combined with an Elf's poised and graceful manner. When Rylan laughed, it was a light, musical sound that hinted at both her cultures—a joyous, unguarded sound that felt natural yet refined. After completing her 18-year apprenticeship, Rylan told Moren that she had been a researcher for various wizard towers for the past 20 years.
As the night wore on, Moren couldn't help but be enchanted by the effortless way Rylan embodied the best of both worlds. She was as much a scholar as she was an adventurer, as much a thinker as she was a feeler. And in that, Moren realized, Rylan wasn't just someone who straddled two worlds—she had created her own unique place in the world, one where she could be exactly who she was without compromise. It was a quality that resonated deeply with Moren, who knew all too well the challenges of balancing multiple identities.
By the time their dinner drew to a close, Moren found herself not just intrigued by Rylan's heritage but by the person she was—someone who had clearly taken the best of her lineage and made it her own. As they shared one last smile across the table, Moren knew this was the beginning of something unique that might help her discover more about herself in the process.
"Would you care to go for a walk before we call it a night?" Moren asked her date with a gentle smile.
Rylan smiled and nodded her head. "I would like that," She said, hopping to her feet and showing off her bare feet with Halfling hair atop them. "I know just the path."
"Lead the way," Moren said with a laugh as she followed her shorter companion toward the door.
As Moren rose, Luna gave a soft, questioning hoot from her perch on the mantel. "Stay here and keep watch," Moren said gently. "I'll be back soon."
As she stepped out into the cold night air, Moren couldn't help but wonder if this was the beginning of something new — or just the first time she'd allowed herself to hope again.