Blackfeather Woods Earth to Heaven

Xan had captured the look of surprise that crossed her face, but did not comment on it. It was rare, perhaps, for him to offer things to anyone, but he didn't think it was really a shocking experience. Besides, he was growing fond of the girl, whether he even realized it or not, and would gladly show her every inch of the earth if it meant he could keep other males away from her. "I do know where the mountains are," he'd returned then, the statement coming somewhat quickly. "Between here and the valley there's these huge mountains, and I'll find more for you to see if you don't like those ones." Honestly speaking, he couldn't remember too much about the mountain range, for he'd never paid too much attention to it when traveling. He'd only ever been passing through, and never really saw the need to examine them entirely.

Following that, though, came a question that made him fall silent. For awhile, he did not speak, a frown having etched itself deep into his features. When he'd found his voice, though, he'd answered with a quick, "No." It'd seemed like a good enough answer at first, but soon after he'd decided to elaborate on it. "She's gone. One of my sisters... she came to visit and told my dad and me that my mother died." Thereafter, he fell silent again, his frown deepening as he'd looked away. It was still a shock to him, really, but he didn't want to admit to that. So, he'd focused back on her words, shrugging when she'd asked another question. "I guess you can see him," the boy had muttered, but his tone lacked any real emotion. He was neither annoyed nor frustrated at that point, just... lost, after having had to remind himself again of Scarlett's passing.