Naia nodded at Inali’s answer. Though they had already gotten permission from Minka to make the journey to Hollowheart Keep’s border, this was a new development and would of course have to be run by the Downs leader for another evaluation. Disappointment was evident on Naia’s features—in her heart she knew that Minka would not spare Inali for a mission such as this. Negotiating for peace was a different thing entirely from a simple scouting mission, and Minka had mentioned being short a warrior with Tokino’s injury.

Naia brightened when Evann spoke up with her agreement. When she spoke next it sounded like a farewell, and Naia rose to her feet to see her friend off. ”I’ll expect you around next moon,” she said with a smile. She knew how easily time could get away from you when you were weighed down by sad thoughts, so she made sure to set a firm meeting time. The sable lady wandered off, seeming a little more chipper, and Naia turned to @Inali with brows raised. ”That was unexpected,” she commented, a relieved laugh escaping her. ”You’re right, Minka will want to hear the news at once. She seemed so worried.” Naia was still trying to wrap her mind around their incredible luck. Evann’s news had been more than she had even dared hope for. At best she imagined returning to Maksim with a tenuous peace agreement, but instead she would bring home the guarantee that they would never have to worry about Hollowheart Keep again.

”Maksim needs to know as soon as possible too..” It would cost her another day or two to backtrack to the Downs with Inali, and that was time that Naia couldn’t spare. She also had to admit that she would travel faster by herself—she relished Inali’s company but the alluring woman was a bit of a distraction.. especially at night.. in the moonlight.. beneath the cherry trees.. Naia shook her head to clear her thoughts. ”I’ll continue on myself, but I’ll meet you back here the moment I return. Listen for my howl.” A mischievous look passed across the Timber lady’s features, and that was the only warning Inali got before Naia pounced on her playfully. She could contain her happiness no more, and how lucky she was that her lover was here to share it. At dawn she would have to get to work and start covering some serious ground, but tonight belonged to Inali alone.