Dragoncrest Cliffs sitting all alone, mouth full of gum

She does not doubt Dio or Eske’s decision to let in any stranger but they tend to fall under a different type of scrutiny. Étoille had come about as a pleasant—and rather useful—surprise as an example for them taking in someone without her official say so. He’d gone under a careful eye but quickly proved himself useful and she used that to help locate the Caldera, and by default, her mate.

It’s hard to say Rose doesn’t fall under certain expectations. She can’t re-find her mate or heal her all the way from Drageda. Being friends with her daughter, though, at least adds some points. She’d grown up with two brothers that quickly bonded to one another and when Furi came along, it seemed to boost her daughter’s mood to have a friend and if the new girl acclimates well, she’ll be just fine. But Rose’s answer is a little shaky and uncertain but she’s hesitant to think it’s anything more than nerves.

“I hope they showed you around, at least,” she says and looks away, across the lake. Blixen is a little in your face sometimes but she hopes she’s at least polite when need be.