King Elk Forest bittersweet

Archer was not in the least amused or accepting of her words, insisting she was not messed up, but scarred. He dissaproved greatly, and though his face went hard, she did not shy away. It might've been towards her, but he was also defending her... From herself. His confidence - and his kindness - drew her forward another step, smile firmly etched into her face. His joke brought a peal of bright laughter from her lips, and she shook her head when he claimed to be kidding. 
 
                "Hey, if I'm 'just a bit scarred' you're definatley one hot guy."

Unlike she usually did, Grace missed the lack of stutter - she trusted Archer more than she would usually a stranger. It brought her more joy to know that even if he was dissapointed in her news, he still was interested in coming. Not without questions of course, but that was as expected as the looks she got. 

                                     "You can still be a Scout - you just have to be able to hunt and fight for the pack should the need arise. I joined because I was in need of a home that I felt comfortable in - one that I could grow my own condfidence in. Hideaway Strath has given me that so far, everyone is very kind."

His apology brought her face from a smile to a frown, the russet yearlings brow furrowing. Shaking her head, Grace grumbled playfully at him - but her words were very serious, and she took a step forward to make sure he understood that. They brought her to thoughts of Nova: every day the younger girl became more like her mother and mentor. 

                                                                 "Don't apologize for enthusiasm - without it, the world would be a pretty boring place."