Hushed Willows And through the merry flowers of June

She shouldn't push it. She really shouldn't. But her burning desire to be everyone's friend far outweighed the trepidation she felt at engaging Mali in conversation. She stayed close, though far enough away not to be too irksome. Lingering like a pleasant (well, perhaps not to him) shadow nearby, ears perked in curiosity.

What have you been up to? Lily asked, as if it was merely a query on the lunch he'd had that day. Anything interesting?

She assumed he had been out exploring, judging by his flippant remark. She didn't have a problem with it at all; she wished she could do more of that herself. Lily would very much like to hear about his adventures, though she doubted that he would tell her much. Even if he did, would it be honest?