Otatso Wetlands Sorry Isn't Enough

Stark went quiet for a while, and Grace hoped that her words stuck-he deserved some shred of happiness. When he did speak, though, he caught her off guard-he turned with intent to leave. Grace almost let him without another word, but then he turned back and told her not to tell her mother about this: it was that moment that she knew Marauders Keep wasn't her home. If all he could see of her was someone connected to Nova, then she couldn't be here. 
The russet girl turned, tears already soaking her face, and limped off a few steps. She paused when the dark mans words echoed behind her, and the only thing she offered him was something she'd said to him long ago.
                "Everyone deserves happiness, Stark, don't lose yours."
Without ever looking back-even when speaking-Grace departed in the direction of the Maplewood. It was abandoned now, she knew, and it was a place she rarely went to, but it always gave her a few nice memories to see it again. 

I'd love to have another thread with them again, maybe before she has puppies-if Stark ever finds his way to the Hinterlands, they should meet up! :D