Phoenix Maplewood dancing to the beat of a midnight raga

he was relieved, and let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. not that he'd stand idly by as this woman reclaimed her birthplace--no, he'd grown too attached to the maplewood for that. he couldn't even empathize with the idea of doing something like that; he barely remembered the place he'd been born, and held no great fondness for it. why would he want it back?

but he knew it was important to others, and her admission was a small weight off his shoulders.

"ah. well, that's quite all right," adi remarked, giving her a kind look. "is he from the bearclaw valley pack, too? i have to admit; i've not heard of your group. pardon my ignorance. like i said, we've just moved." he really would need to see this valley for himself. he wondered if it was the odd-looking bit of land he'd seen in the distance when he'd visited swiftcurrent creek.