Moonspear And the chickens how they rattle chicken chains

It didn't occur to Bronco that he might have been overstepping boundaries; in his experience, flattery was always a good way to endear himself to others, regardles of their age or relationship with him. And so, when she thanked him, he didn't pick up on any trace of discomfort and continued to beliefe that he was charming, and that his comments toward a married woman weren't inappropriate. Her gaze fell upon him, and when it lingered, he caught himself glancing in her direction. What he thought he saw was gentle, warm, and friendly, so he gave her a smile in return. Too obtuse and inexperienced to realize anything otherwise, he felt he'd found an amicable connection with the beautiful, fascinating medicine woman. 

"I'd appreciate that," He said, with a gentle bow of his head. "You can come by any time," He said, as they began to enter the ravine. "Just don't go in that cave," He said, gesturing to the first one they passed. "That's bat country," He said, and drew to a halt in front of the den he shared with Meerkat; a welcoming but dark cave entrance, reaching into the walls of the ravine that were soft, covered with verdant mosses. He yawned again, and gave Kukutux an appreciative, albeit tired smile. "Thanks again, Kukutux. I owe you," He said softly.