Herbalists' Cache every hour has its sound

Soltero expressed his gratitude for her offer, and then he said nothing else. Silence stretched out between the pair, and Rue finally realized that the man was not going to make any requests for assistance. Soltero's mission would remain a mystery, as would almost everything else about him. It was clear to her that getting to know the Swiftcurrent Creek man would be quite a challenge, but for reasons unknown Rue felt compelled to try. 

Was he watching her? Rue's eyes slid toward her companion as they walked, but if he had indeed been watching her Rue had failed to catch it. She pulled her gaze away from Soltero before he could catch her in the very act in which she had been attempting to catch him. As they continued forward, Rue began to scent catnip in the air, but this time she remained quiet instead of pointing it out. As they came upon the spot where the catnip was likely buried, Rue slowed reluctantly. It would be selfish to pass the catnip by and keep Soltero from his business even longer, but the Plateau wolf was sorely tempted to do exactly that.

Soltero then spoke his question, making the decision for Rue. The young lady nodded, casting her gaze aside sheepishly.  "Yeah, it's.. it's here somewhere," she confirmed, doing her very best to keep the disappointment from her voice. She started to dig where they were standing, and it was not long before the catnip was unearthed from the snow. Rue gathered up the herb and then looked to Soltero, taking in a long breath. "Well, um.. I..." Rue cleared her throat. "I won't keep you any longer, Soltero." She smiled, but even so a perceptive wolf would note a touch of sadness in her features. "Thank you. For your help with this." She glanced down at the herb collection at her paws before meeting his verdant gaze once more. "I'll look forward to seeing you at Yule," she added a little shyly, her bashfulness tugging at the corners of her smile.