Northfall. Back to Northfall.

He did make a point to cut through the lush expanse of Fate’s Respite on his way back from visiting his friend Elisabet in Camhanaich, stopping just long enough to say hello to his mothers Valeska and Amaranth and update them on the current (and surprisingly joyful) state of affairs in his life.

It was a necessary sacrifice, for he knew if Valeska found out that one of her children had been nearby without seeing her, she would have razed Mythris to the ground. Even worse, if she’d found out later that he had finally acquired a significant other, she would have lit an indignant fire under Sølvi’s tender ass simply by proxy.

His duties as a son accomplished, he resumed the journey back.

Alder had departed Elysium from the northwest, passing by the tall mountains encircling his origin pack’s home. It drew him close to Rimefeather edge, a place he’d never particularly thought to visit before but thought he’d glimpse anyway as he took the long way back.

Elation carried the wolf with a pep in his step even now, delighted beyond words that Solvi had reciprocated his feelings. But what would he do now? Her home was in Dawnbreak, and he was a Sentry of Northfall - how would he even begin to broach this conversation with Northfall’s Queen Wardruna? Should he wait? Perhaps he could approach her as one seeking advice rather than an immediate solution - she was understanding, after all, and perhaps her experiences would give her better insight.

Alder tried not to let the thought take away his joy. He trotted through the snow, stark red against the pale trees, and enjoyed feeling happy for once.