Duck Lake A silence lays upon the valley

Yeesh, he saw right through her. Oh, well. . .she supposed it spared them the delicate, awkward dance of recruitment. His stubbornness reminded her somewhat of Khali, on their first meeting. Perhaps he would warm up to her the same way? Well, hopefully not too much of the same way. She expected Khali would have much to say about that--or he'd probably just answer with teeth. Yeah, the latter.

That's perfectly fine that you want to stay on your own, Lily said mildly, smiling. Just know that there's a place to stay, should you need one. Elysium, in the willows at the base of the mountains, near the sea. That was really all she could say for now. If he wanted to freeze all on his lonesome come the bitter winter months, that was his prerogative.

Have you been in these parts long? she asked, changing the subject.