Deepwood Weald a shadowy hand turns the page

He denounced a greater treasure. Her gaze shifted to their surroundings again, noting the lofty spindly trees and how the branches were not within reach for forest creatures to make a home amongst them. The characteristics of forest ground ferns were drab to her and offered little concealment as they grew mid-leg high. It wouldn’t be a region Zsuzsa would personally take to the likes to, but she could be no judge for the sentiments he once felt here. It may have seemed imaginary now, but it once was indeed very real for him. ”What called you back?” Zsuzsa inquired. It took millions of years (or sometimes short stints of natural disasters) to change a complex ecosystem and was intrigued to know if there was anything particularly distinctive about this area he could share from the past. History lessons could be a valuable insight into potentially telling the future.
 
He then spun her philosophical musings back to her court with a flattering remark. A small smile tugged at the corners of her muzzle but couldn’t have been seen for the expression was brief and the canvas of her dark features gave her a constant stoic appearance. ”No." Her conclusion to his ask was flat, direct. ”Attempting to live in my past has always made my future less enjoyable.” For a moment her steel eyes traveled slightly past him, a glinting worry flashing in them. The further she managed to distance herself from her birthplace, the more she realized there was nothing to relate to there anymore.
 
Her eyes refocused on his once again, an amicable smile returning though it stuck and was now noticeable. He may have been cloaked in the natural aromas of the wilderness, but by the immaculate order of his coat and overall wellbeing in how he carried himself, Zsuzsa couldn’t be fooled he was in a category of being a famished, gaunt loner like her. ”So, does it get better the more north you travel?” It was her furtive way of getting an idea where he claimed homage, whether with land or pack. That, and if there was anything worthwhile exploring. The southern lands proved to be uninteresting to her so far.