The Heartwood things lost to the flames

She hoped he didn't get the wrong impression from her mentioning it was a dude she was going to visit. After all, it was Mouse. The same Mouse who had been cloaked with the scent of several females, the same Mouse whose quips and smiles were trademark ladies' man. Cute enough, sure, but not anyone she thought would stick to one girl for long.

"No, I'm not looking to get rid of you," she laughed, the happy sound covering up any disappointment that could have leaked out into her tone. "It's too bad you won't come. I hear it's beautiful in the valley."

Miyako rose to her feet, pushing away the discarded fish bones with a small mouw of distaste. She looked at Varick with a half smile. The sun was beginning its slow descent beneath the horizon, and she wanted to be out of here before it got dark. It truly was a creepy place, made better only by the companionship she had found.

"I don't want to keep you any longer," she continued. "If you wish to follow, follow. If not, perhaps I'll see you again." Miyako walked past him, the only touch of farewell a small brush of her tail-tip against his broad shoulder. She looked back after a moment, taking in his appearance should she not see it for a long while. "If you change your mind, the Vale is this way."

With a stiff upper lip, she departed, wondering if the burly male could let go his pride enough to at least take a chance on her.