Kintla Flatlands Cold bones

"I'm sure you'd make a valuable member."

Rue couldn't help but match the other woman's smile (albeit with a smidge of disbelief) after such a statement of faith. The woman seemed to believe there was something special within Rue, something worthy of Liri and her kin's protection and companionship... this was lucky for Rue, and the last thing Rue wanted to do was say anything to reveal Liri's mistake to her.

Rue shook her head. "There's nothing about the life of a lone wolf that draws me.." Rue regretted the statement as soon as she said it, because it would no doubt prompt Liri's next question of, "Then why are you alone?" That was not something the Rue wished to discuss with the woman, at least not yet. The answer would surely have Liri rethinking the offer she had extended. So Rue continued speaking, hoping to head off any line of questioning involving her past. 

"..This generosity, it's.. more than I ever could have expected." Rue's gaze dropped. It was obvious that she didn't feel herself at all deserving of such generosity. "Would I be allowed to visit the plateau and meet some others before I decide?" It was a lot to ask from someone who was showing her so much generosity already, and requesting to impose even further on Liri was embarassing for Rue.

..But she had to be sure, and therefore she asked. For Rue, pack membership was sacred. It was a commitment, a bond, a family.  She had always felt a bit out of place in her birthpack, but leaving would have never crossed her mind, not in a million years. Now that she had been cast out of Red Fern Glade, she was going to choose her next family with care. She was going to find somewhere not just to live, but to belong.