Grouse Thicket put on your war face

An expression of surprised flickered across his face as she rejected his offer of friendship. Who didn't want more friends? Apparently Laurel. But, considering her next words, Dag wondered if maybe she just hadn't experienced true friendship yet. Not everyone was born with a best friend built right into their litter, after all. (But Laurel had been, unbeknownst to the dark youth.)

"Okay," he said firmly, accepting her offer to 'hang out'. "Is there anything you like to do for fun?" he hedged, hoping to do something that she would like. "My sister and I like to race when we see each other, or tell each other stories."