Lost Creek Hollow yeh you've had enough

whatever terance was going to say, mona had not expected this, of all things. she was quite silent for a long moment, taking in all the darkfurred leader had said: a trip, an ex-wife, children! goodness! comments of such natures as 'you've led an interesting life' leapt to the firebrand's tongue, but of course she bit them back. they were far too forward, unbecoming of her rearing. 
then there was the matter of terance's invite: could she decline? and on what grounds? she was not a leader; he was hers, after all. indra and laurel had each other, and merrick had them. they would be all right without her, as they had been before she came to bearclaw. scarlet ears swept forward; she was curious, far too curious, and why were they leaving in winter? 
but mona's decision had been made. "of course," she chirped, wanting to smooth some ill-ease from the man's handsome features. "i've been wanting a trip."