His laughter was quiet and true as it tumbled from his lips, his eyes lightened by the shadows of mirth and amusement as their banter continued, parrying. Raelan gave her a curt nod. Of course, Lady of Shadows and Pawsteps, I am certain the council will be overjoyed to hear of your critiques and ways that they could improve. He added with an amused smirk, And to them, I will give a detailed schedule of where I will be and when, so that it may be easier for you to track

His snort followed her own, and he shook his head in silent entertainment. When was the last time he had laughed like that? Before he had come here, surely.

Me? Stalking you? He feigned a moment of shock as his eyes widened atop his features. Can’t a humble stalking victim be interested in their stalker’s credentials? He huffed as his eyes appeared to roll once after his words: The world nowadays, the pursued can’t even catch a break!

Still, his eyes twinkled with silent amusement as he dipped his chin into a quiet moment of acknowledgment. Despite the playful words that the two continued to exchange, Raelan was genuinely interested in these titles and honors she seemed to hold. What was the Wind Haven? Certainly, it could no longer be a place in this world, as he had never heard of it. But before? In her world? What had it been?

But he wouldn’t pry, wouldn’t push too hard, and would leave those questions unanswered until a better time and date. Instead, he fell back into their playful banter (far better than the melancholy he felt during their first interaction) and chuckled. You know, I’ve never had a stalker before. First time and all that, he joked, even if the words were actually the truth. So, it's hard to guess the lengths a stalker is determined to go to. He shrugged. But now I know better.

As their conversation moved swiftly towards the wedding at his back, or rather, the very large procession of meandering wolves heading to the wedding, Raelan offered Kiva a genuine smile. It might be, He admitted. It was true; he had only ever met her twice, and now he was inviting her to stand beside his and Vidalia’s Banner in a foreign man’s kingdom, nonetheless. You say all the right things, he added with a half-hearted chuckle, And yet, I am often a good judge of character, and yours I have deemed true.

He began to head in the direction of the tropical forest, certain that Kiva would inevitably follow. No biting, poisoning, or stalking, he echoed her solemnly, although there was a twinge of something humorous within the notes of his voice. I trust you will be able to find something to do with yourself, he tacked on at the end.

Raelan thought of Vidalia; he would have to inform her of their new recruit. Of a lady, he had decided it would be best to invite her into their fold. He didn’t think Vidalia would mind, believing she would ultimately trust his judgment, as he often trusted hers; still, he vowed to have the conversation the minute they reconnected on their travels. That way, there would be no surprises for any of them.

An ear turned toward Kiva’s words, and then, slowly, his gaze came next. Oh, absolutely, he agreed with a nod. You have not stalked me across an entire continent either. Instead, you are…an Eastrenhold Envoy, accompanying the Queen and her Lord Commander to the Emperor’s wedding.

That seemed like a good enough cover, he thought.

And if all things go well, perhaps we could make you an official member as well, he offered with a smile. If you’d like, that is.

His gaze turned toward the growing tree-line as their steps carried them forward.

The pack we are going to is named Tianlong. The Emperor, Shenlei, is a foreign-born man, and it is his wedding that we are attending. Raelan explained, They are wolves of a certain faith, though I do not know much beyond rumors of a dragon they adhere to…and a crane, if my memory serves me well.

His tail swayed in idle chatter as his nose twitched along the incoming scents of others. Soon, they’d be upon the rest of the caravan of traveling wolves; many of those, even Raelan did not know.

It appears that the guest list is nearly half the continent, or that is what it feels like. There are many packs and dignitaries attending, some of whom I believe are only here for the networking that they can accomplish at this man’s behest.

He rolled his shoulders into a nonchalant shrug. Others are simply here to enjoy the festivities. Raelan had spotted wolves he had never met but who had been chattering endlessly on the journey about how excited they were about the potential indulgence of fermented berries. I intend to do both.