Porcupine Ridge Seasong saints

Diane had been stunned into silence. Bewilderment was her most prevalent expression, until a slow understanding crept upon her face and she was forced to swallow a large, dry lump in her throat. As if realizing she had been gaping, staring at him, Diane snatched her muzzle away, tucking her ears and tail shame. She was embarrassed mostly, but there was also a stinging sensation in her chest, and she recognized it immediately as the feeling of rejection. She hadn't been explicitly aware of her attraction to Taggarik until that very moment, and she was unexpectedly hurt by the verbal confirmation of something she'd already been aware of.

She took in a sharp breath, and stepped back, turning as she searched for an escape route. "I cannot be around you," she confessed breathlessly, starting a quick trot for the icy creek, eager to moisten her drying mouth and stave off the tears pricking inexplicably in the corners of her eyes.