Redhawk Caldera I'll just mix 'em in my drink

Maia seemed to get more at ease when they reached the den. After she went inside, Eljay entered the den, too. He lay down right in the entrance of the den, effectively blocking it off from anyone else entering. He seemed to hesitate a moment as he looked around -- what if Maia wanted to leave and he was in the way? -- but considering how freaked out she was Eljay decided that he would stay here for now, so that at least no one could enter. He did move towards Maia a bit though, because he didn't want her to get too cold.

Is it okay if I..? Eljay asked hesitantly as he shuffled closer.

Before he'd fully well said it, Maia seemed to grow upset suddenly and Eljay frowned while he tried to piece together what was going on. Maia said that it was okay if he had to go (?? why would he go??) but asked if he could at least stay until she was asleep. Don't be silly, I'm not going anywhere, he said resolutely, surprising even himself by that. I mean -- I'll sleep here with you tonight, so you don't get cold and so that nobody can hurt you. With the last words he gave her a soft but confident smile, because he really did want her to believe that his presence would mean that nobody entered the den. She looked absolutely destroyed and tired, and he wanted to erase all worry from her mind, at least when it came to dangerous wolves attacking them at night. He couldn't help but tentatively add, though: Is that okay with you? Can I come closer? She didn't sound like she wanted him to leave, since she was crying, but he wanted to explicitly hear her say it, anyway; that she wanted him to stay there.