Blacktail Deer Plateau assorted fruit flavored candy

The assurance of confidentiality allowed Ying to feel comfortable with sharing her feelings. She hadn't been able to share in a while because there hadn't been anyone to listen. She released a heavy sigh and looked over either shoulder to make sure that they were alone. 

If I find a mate, she asked, I'm supposed to leave the family, right? Aningan wasn't her mate and she wasn't sure that she wanted him to be, either. The thought of mateship and children, living with one another; it was terrifying to Ying, who had only ever known the life of a slave or a vagrant. She liked him, but she was afraid to be hurt again.