Lone Star Mountain We rise and we fall

She felt his presence just as much as she scented it, and she offered a brief, sideways glance in his direction as he came up beside her. A few minutes passed in silence, though it wasn't uncomfortable, at least not for her. The mention of the storm and her pack's demise made her tense. Of course, Taki knew he would bring it up, but the last thing she wanted to do was talk about it. The final moments of her kingdom and the members of her family missing because of it consumed the majority of her thoughts and dreams, so talking about it was almost too painful to bear. Plus, it was just not how she dealt with things; she'd rather process her grief on her own.

She visibly relaxed when he changed the subject, relieved that he didn't push her to reopen her wounds by speaking of that day. Either he knew her better than she thought he did, or he simply dealt with things similarly; either way, she was grateful, and a little too drained to think too much on the former right now. 

She was surprised to hear that he wouldn't demand her loyalty for sharing his claim, but she was pretty sure she would offer the same if their roles were reversed. It's not like she was some stranger, after all. Still, she couldn't help the whisper of suspicion that followed his words. It was too soon to pay the thought any real attention, so she just tucked it away, promising herself that she would at least be a little cautious for now. She had no intentions of becoming a burden to Stigmata and his followers, though; she would contribute wherever she could. Taki finally turned her head to to look at him, gratitude in her expression. Bonds are not completely out of the question, she started with a small shrug. I just need some time I think, the northerner added. Time to make sure she didn't completely hate the wolves she didn't know yet, but mostly time see that her loyalty, if given, wouldn't be used against her.