Phoenix Maplewood got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home

"Uh, don't," he answered her question, shaking his head emphatically. It smelled pretty terrible, now that he brought his nose closer, and he was sure that there was some medicinal remedy that did not involve licking it. Unfortunately, said remedy would have to go through Pema, as this girl was clearly an apprentice of some kind, a thought Rae echoed in a breathless, wordy response.

She drew a smile from him for the first time in a few days, his lips lifting as he gave her a nod of approval. "It's good to learn," Shale said warmly. "Especially about healing. We need those skills in our pack." Her warmth against him was a comfort, and he allowed himself to relax, his mind finally off the throbbing pain in his shoulder.

"When did you come to us, Rae?" he asked curiously, casting his eyes over at her. "Where did you live before?"