Ocean's Breath Plateau the cult of venus aversa

Lasher agreed they should find Blue Willow a gift, and so moved toward the coastal waters nearest them. "What shall we bring her?" she asked, excitement bubbling within her at the prospect of finding a gift for her mother. Her mood was dimmed slightly, however, as he answered her previous questions. His explanation for Malachi's scarcity - or rather his disappearance - was one she didn't want to believe, but one that made sense all the same. He had seemed reluctant to journey this far toward the coast, and even on their travels, had held back. Now that they were here, Eilidh could see how that might make him uncomfortable, and force him to withdraw. She only hoped that he'd return one day to their family.

She wondered what might make Malachi afraid of this woman, but her father comfortable with her. Whatever it might be, Eilidh was simply curious. Perhaps she should visit the woman down the beach and learn of her ways, of what might frighten Malachi away from their pack. Had she harmed him in some way in the past, and that was why he was afraid? Eilidh couldn't fathom Malachi being afraid of anything, and so this idea of a single woman frightening him was confusing to her. "I hope he comes back. No one can live their life afraid of something that might be."