Felltree Marsh i was in darkness

Banner's soft smile inspired Ghost to regard her with a child-like curiosity. His brows furrowed trying to place why she was possibly smiling but the mahogany beast could not come up with any conclusions. It had been some time since he'd seen another smile, at least a smile that was not malicious. He watched her approach with the same wariness of a wounded animal with equal parts caution and curiosity. He'd given her the crane, of course, and he knew that was what drew her nearer to him, as she balanced elegantly upon a fallen log and made her way nearer. Instinctively, he took another small step back. It wasn't fear that guided him — he did not fear her, nor even truly death. Had he ever feared anything but The Officer? He didn't remember.

His actions to move back were for his safety and her own. The only wolf he'd gotten close to outside of missions was The Officer. He did not know what to expect of himself if he allowed it. Ghost couldn't promise that he wouldn't attack simply because he didn't know any other way to handle strangers. Missions were different. The Officer had been specific in training Ghost to attack his target and only those that got in his way. Despite the steps back he'd taken as she drew nearer to the kill it was not distance adequate enough. They stood apart but they were closer than they'd been previous and it caused a tension in his shoulders.

Ghost recognized her non-verbal apology and struggled for a moment, swallowing thickly, his own ears perking forth and then slowly slicking back to rest at half mast atop the curve of his skull. She asked a question and then looked … almost sad about it as she frowned. This perplexed Ghost, greatly. Mahogany brown brows furrowed once more and his lips parted and then closed for a moment, his silver gaze settling on the nearest puddle of muck nearby before he looked back to her. “No,” He replied simply but honestly.