Emberflame Ridge Aftershock

He paused as she did, nodding quietly as she mulled over his words aloud, and then verbalized her appreciation for the offer. For this, he had nothing to stay. His offer stood, and he would like to think that it always would, but he would've been just as happy to see her off to the Dragons, as he had earlier encouraged. Something about the (clumsy) girl made him feel faintly protective, and highly aware of vulnerable she was without a pack at her back. Though for some reason, he did not doubt that young Wildfire had a legion of friends ready and willing to come to her aid from all across the countryside if she needed it— a pack was basically the same thing, if not a more centralized set of companions.

"Come," he rumbled gently, turning north and setting a carefully slow pace for the willow forest.