Grouse Thicket all we know

his gaze was averted as she finished, and she could not see the emotion, if any that flickered there. she could not read the expression the lingered in his guarded optics, yet she was silent, waiting. when he blinked, squared his shoulders, then she allowed herself the ghost of a smile, at his simple, one worded reply saying nothing. 

he composed himself further, shaking out his pelt and she mirrored him, after a moment. when he spoke, her gaze fell open him, small smile slipping on her maw as she beheld his familiar smile and the glint of a spark in his eye. his question was one easily answered, as she beckoned for him to follow and uttered an affirmative, thought nervousness twisted in her gut, she ignored it. "Of course" Burke would have to allow Nico into their ranks; musn't he? He was a proven warrior, an able body for the winter. All points she could make as she vouched for him.

Not quite leading, but remaining close and guiding him, she would offer words should he choose to speak, silent company should he choose not to. They were but a short distance from Arthendal, and when the rush of it's familiar river became louder, and the treline broke to allow view of her Isle home, did she slow, stopping at the river's edge. Beyond them, the trees glew in feiry shades, wind pushing past them and allowing a tumble of leaves to fall in dizying fashing through the air, many being caught on the river and carried away on it's current. Distant peeks were visible beyond the trees, and she turned to Nico, uttering softly, "This is it." With a smile in his direction, eyes reflecting the feiry shades of fall, she tilted back her muzzle and called for @Burke and @Malice, awaiting their arrival with a mixture of eagerness, and still the oddest nervousness that twisted like a serpant in her stomach.