The Floodlands With a melody from the mourning band

She did not accept or return his appreciation for the fight— which he had half-expected with her having been the one to relent— but as she began to move away, she turned to him again in a pointed expression that beckoned. Darcia was torn between his curiosity and his unwillingness to be guided. If anything, he wanted to lead her back to his forest, because he felt he had earned the right to do so; the right to claim her under his stead and see her flourish under his direction. But she had other intentions, intentions he wanted to know more of, but was too stubborn to accept at the time.

He gave one quick shake of his head, and lifted his tail in an amicable wave to her. Darcia remained, waiting to see if she would change her mind, but he'd been aware ever since taking in her scent that her loyalty lie elsewhere, so he prepared to watch her go.