Whitefish River Are we the last living souls?

He sensed her stiffen but took no offense. She was neither the first nor the last female to be uncomfortable around him. Unfortunately, there were males out there who treated women unkindly, and it seemed he often paid the price. If given the chance, she would see he was different like they all did. Ruenna responded similarly when first coming to the plateau, but now he had started to feel a bond forming between them. 

He shrugged a little at her comment about the plateau. Considering all the misfortune we've suffered recently, I'm thankful for the quiet, he replied, emerald gaze still held by the river. Quiet was all he had wished for lately; he'd prefer it not be partly due to their low numbers, but still, he'd take it over a bear attack any day. How are you settling in? he asked next. He wouldn't ask why she had been somewhat scarce, assuming she had her reasons and not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable or pressured.