Prologue

For how long would they run? The question burned into her mind as she had yet to realize the paths they were taking, but surely he knew where he was going. The moonlight lit the way like a beacon, as if urging her to keep up so as not to lose him. He was the guide, and she the tourist in a land she had refused to step foot in until tonight. Mostly for fear of the memories from when she'd been forced into a war that she wanted no part of. Then she was weak. But as she grew older, she became stronger. Newol it seemed, had grown quite alot too...she could sense it.

He'd not answer her questions. Her words left behind them as they feverishly ran across the Plains, trees unfamiliar to her looming ahead, and as the Plains dwindled behind them, he would at last slow to a stop and she too, would come to a stop several feet behind him. Ears flicked with uncertainty and curiosity all the same. What was he doing? Why were they here? She watched him as he seemed to watch the scenery before him. Perhaps he thought this encounter a mistake? No...he was in deep thought. Something she was well accustomed to as well. She would not press him, she would give him time. As she panted slightly to catch her breath, her gaze fell to her paws. Slowly and quietly, she turned her gaze to meet his, the male having turned to face her now. He would take a few slow steps, drawing the distance between their forms.

Her body jolted slightly as his sudden touch sent a shock through her. Eyes widened as her breath caught in her chest. He was...embracing her...and his warmth seeped into her still body as she forgot how to breathe. How long had she been wanting this? How long had she yearned to feel his warmth again? Years? It was her fault she supposed...for having left after that night. She didn't know that someone as wonderful as this would re-enter her life, but here he was. Her eyes squeezed shut as his face buried into her fur. Likewise, she pressed against him, holding nothing back as she buried her head into the warmth of his neck. Her heart pounded painfully against her chest, the woman feeling like she could cry...but no, she would be stronger at this moment. Perhaps later she could let it out, for now, she wanted to hold onto him.

She'd entirely forgotten about her heat. All she knew now was him. Perhaps it sounded like a pup with a huge crush, but no. It was more then that. Slowly, reluctantly, she would release him as he stepped away from her. Amber gaze searched his intense green gaze, as if searching for answers or anything that could tell her something. But of course, it was all there. She at last remembered how to breathe as he spoke, his voice gravelly as if he hadn't spoken in quite some time. "I'm going home. Will you come with me, Avalon?" She was sure of her decision. And when the time came, if she had to...she would explain to Arian her decision. She would understand..or so she hoped.

To be honest, it had caught her by surprise. Never did she think he would come back to ask her that...but she was glad he had. She remembered the night they'd shared. His safe haven in the east...the singing caverns...so that's why. Without hesitating, the woman nodded to him. She would go anywhere with him, as long as he wanted her to be there. "Yes, Newol. I will go with you, and I will stay for as long as you want me to."