Blackfeather Woods Walking by your side

And in return, he tried to console her by telling her that she wasn't stupid and putting merit behind her reasons for why she felt she needed to to be the one to make the journey. Of course he was. His kindness had been one of the many things that had drawn her to him. Since joining Sagtannet, he had always been there for her, and it hadn't changed even when she was being unfair and combative towards him. 

I think he will be more concerned about the handsome man I have sent in my place to have a conversation with him that I would normally have myself, she told him, a smirk lifting one corner of her mouth. She could see him now, and she almost rolled her eyes at the thought. She hadn't needed her big brother to protect her in a long time, but he would never give that role up. I'm hoping Valette will be there for the conversation, as well; she will be more level-headed about it, I think. She will be upset, too, but will handle it better than Siarut. She is their aunt as well. Their mother was her sister—she died when they were very young. Her last words were solemn. Taktuq had suffered enough. 

She thought about his decision, her eyes searching his while she did. She didn't want him to go at all. She had gotten used to his calm, confident presence, to his warmth next to her at night, to their long conversations about their pasts. The thought of spending two weeks wondering if she would ever have that again was almost too much to bear. But, there was no other way. I think we should wait a week and make sure Taktuq is settled here and that we are not going to be kicked out, she finally said. Then you should go. I do not want to leave Taktuq even if my headaches are better. She trusted Taikon to care for her, but she didn't want to leave Taktuq here for two weeks without her.