Dawnlark Plains trying for years to flee

Grayday shrugged this away. "It's no bother. The herds are just returning, so there's no worry about food at the moment. I'd only ask that you come along, if you're still here on our next pack hunt." That would be repayment enough if she stayed for longer than he thought she would - but Grayday assumed she'd be gone within the next day or so. It was a shame - he wished Sunny would start noticing all the sweet young women around. Especially the ones related to Deirdre, who was (sorry Cat) the most beautiful woman he'd ever encountered. Grayday wondered if Mona was similarly blessed and resolved to ask Pema about it later.

"Thank you, Pema," he said to his fellow leader, glad that she was happy to welcome the girl as well. "I'd come along, but I want to get these borders properly marked. Hopefully I'll see you again before you go."

With a nod in the general direction of the two women, he departed, carefully picking his way through the loamy landscape.