Lost Creek Hollow But you know you're gonna be okay

terance smiled sadly as his little sister as she asked him to come with. of course, she knew he couldn't do that. "c'mere," he said gently, ushering from maia to come closer to him, and taking her into a warm embrace, kissing the top of her head. "you know i can't leave," he reminded her softly, then pulled back to look at her, forest gaze cloudy, "but i'm going to miss you-- so much." 

he gave a gentle sigh, lips pursing. "are you sure you want to go? it'll be fun but-- you're leaving right before winter, it won't be an easy journey." he smiled, only slightly, and added, "you can stay until the weather warms up, and then you can go." 

he said this seriously-- but terance knew his words were useless. maia would leave.