Greatwater Lake do you love her?

He was being overly modest again. A thought driven into him as she lightly shoved on his shoulder and complimented him. He understood her words and reasoning as they resonated with what he had learned. Even if he wasn't as physically able as maybe some of the younger men, he had the experience to back up his authority and duties. And once he got to a point where his physicality was a hindrance rather than an additional help, teaching others would be a way to help others. Still giving him a place within a pack.

To her next comment, he couldn't help but jest in reply. "Well of course I'm more mature. That's just how men are" he paused. "aging like a root vegetable [potato], scaring and bruising till something starts growing off them." he said playfully hunching his back. "Women age like saved berries [wine], fermenting into a sweetened flavor that makes them and others feel more youthful" he smiled. "But you shouldn't have too much at one" he said as a joke but his past experience would only further give this point meaning.