the storm is coming

NOE

So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames

The ursur moved, a sudden, surprising dart that had Noe taking a step back, as though frightened that the creature was coming for her. But it only moved to the side of the path, where it was seemingly protecting something small and red -

A rose. A little thrill coursed through Noe at the sight. This was what she'd been searching for! This was something she could contribute to the cause, something tangible that she could bring back and say she'd done for Stormbreak, even if she wasn't sure she wanted to live there anymore.

But then Alys was dropping to her knees beside the rose, looking up at Noe with tears in her eyes, and the girl knew that she could never take this from the other woman. She'd been infected, and she knew the cost to her loved ones. If this rose could be used to cure someone... that had to be just as important as freeing Stormbreak.

So Noe stayed where she was, nodding dumbly. "I hope it works out for you," she said softly, her own voice thick with emotion because of what she was walking away from.

And then she was gone. She didn't look back.

You can tell me when it's over
If the high was worth the pain