Raven's Watch got my ticket for the long way round

Something about the teasing note in the man's voice reminded Rue of a story she had been told as a child. At one point during the story, a girl named Alice had sought directions from a character called the Cheshire Cat, but the Cat refused to offer anything but riddles. Rue did not have time to be Alice today, or ever, for that matter. Her tail switched behind her, signaling her mild annoyance as it dawned upon her that Stigmata might be toying with her. 

Perhaps the man picked up on Rue's irritation, because he then switched tactics and provided a more straightforward answer. The girl's tail stilled, and she considered his information thoughtfully. "Blacktail Deer Plateau is near, just over that rise," Rue offered, turning her muzzle to indicate a southward direction. It certainly couldn't hurt for the near-stranger to know that her packmates were just a howl away. "What a shame we aren't closer." Rue let the sentiment hang without further explaination, knowing very well that it could be interpreted for a double-meaning. She could be cryptic too.