Arran's hand immediately shot to his sword when he saw the giant woman at the center of the makeshift camp. Although it didn't look like there was trouble, appearances could be deceiving, and a stranger showing up so suddenly was cause for concern.
Yet as Arran moved to draw his blade, Stoneheart stopped him.
"No need," the novice said, voice at ease. "That's my cousin. If she's here, it means my uncle must have sent her."
At once, Arran relaxed. Not just because the woman wasn't an enemy, but also because if Stoneheart's uncle had sent her, then Snowcloud would have made it to the castle.
As they approached, Arran got a better look at the woman, and only found himself growing more startled at her appearance.
She looked to be in her late twenties, and although she was thickly muscled, other than her size she was well-proportioned, with long black hair that flowed down her shoulders like a waterfall and a face that was quite beautiful.
