Blacktail Deer Plateau i can't fit the feelings in

was waiting for someone else to jump in but since no one has, Maegi out!

Her heart swelled, and briefly, she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt that Scarab would be returning home with her. His choice, obviously. But wouldn't he want to stay here with his family? Wouldn't they want him to remain with them? Why had he chosen her and the woods—?

Ah. Impostor syndrome strikes again.

I'll leave you to it, Maegi told Scarab gently, giving him a nod. I'll be just outside the borders; call for me whenever you're ready. Mama had not yet appeared, and so she stepped back, letting the girl—Nieve—take the reins. She seemed far more qualified for a tour, anyway.

When the two were absorbed enough in each other to not notice her departure, she turned, mouth twisted in a troubled smile that could have just as easily been a grimace.