River was mid-lunge, grabbing for Simon's arm, when Galadan pulled them out of Milliways. She stumbles, catches her balance, and holds where she is, motionless and coiled tight. A human, heavily armed and breathing hard, covered in grime and sweat and blood of various colors, one hand in Galadan's and the other in her brother's.

(A human unafraid in Pendaran -- but then, she's been here before, and she has reason to be unafraid, in such company. Or perhaps reason to be afraid, but all her attention is turned outward, all her tight-coiled watchfulness directed elsewhere than her two companions.)

The forest is never quiet. Not Pendaran, of its whispering spirits and living trees and ancient, cherished anger. But compared to Milliways a moment ago -- everything is very quiet here.

River's breathing is loud, amidst the rustling of leaves and the hissing of breezes.