Ravensblood Forest the bigger they are, the harder they fall

If she had been more apt to own up to her mistakes, Jinx might have seen the opportunity to atone for Bon Dye. Alas, the black-toed female wrapped even herself in deceit and lies to cover up her insecurities. She would never admit to having any trait that she perceived in her mother, Nanuq Kesuk. The Warchief who had abandoned her children, Jinx despised, and wanted nothing to do with. So the suggestion that she was flaky, like her mum had been, was almost met with protestation, but the mambo managed to hold it back. Something about Pied told her it wasn't meant to be as harmful as it had in the past. Jinx hadn't expected the wish for happiness from Pied's lips; she lowered her head in gratitude, speechless.

But soon the spell of struggling for words to say passed, and she was able to find her voice once more. "I suppose it is farewell. Take care of this pack," she chuffed, trying to sound as aloof as possible but failing. "When... If Akhlut should fail, don't allow Horizon Ridge to fall." If nothing else, Jinx cared for the pack... Though she would have been better to be there to defend it herself, she saw little fault in her actions. This would be no different.

"Take care of yourself, and your kids," she said, and for a moment it seemed like she would say more. She hadn't forgotten the catnip affixed to the talisman she had given Pied for the mateship ceremony... But rather than risking the woman's further ire, she said nothing. "Keep Kisu out of trouble." By now, it was probable that Jinx was beginning to look like she was stalling.. Which indeed was the case. She didn't know the best way to part, nor did she want to do so on the coattails of an awkward goodbye. They weren't friends, she reminded herself.

So she turned then, pressing her flank against a nearby tree and pausing just long enough to allow Pied to say anything she'd like. But before she slipped away, a thought occurred to her, and she turned back, her face eager. "I have heard Atka," Jinx revealed, aware that this was out of the blue but uncaring. "A few days ago. She has high hopes for your daughter. I could not discern what Her plans are, or whether there will be more than a daughter when you have them, but... I believe She would want you and your daughter to remain here. Despite Akhlut, I think... This is your place. Protect this place, and Atka will be with you." Her gaze lingered on the mottled woman for just a moment more, and then she slipped away into the shadows to make her way back home.