Broken Antler Fen Absolute zero

Funny thing - usually men are those, who are oblivious to subtle questions, gentle probing and testing the waters, but in this case Wraen did not suspect anything. And, when of all of the personal things Tambourine could have asked, he came up with this, she looked at him in disbelief and almost laughed. She had lived nearly five years of life and no one had ever proposed. Now in a matter of couple of months this was the second time someone asked this. Nevertheless, she did not reply right away and took time to think through her reply. 

Arcturus came to her mind and she wondered, whether this "romantically involved" applied to him? If she was very honest with herself - no. And neither it did with Tambourine or with any other man here in the fen. That big romance everyone was supposed to have had not come to her after that one crazy crush she had had as a yearling. There had been a time, when it had bothered her - why did it seem as if love was bypassing her, but now she was at peace with herself and the fate. She did not wish to change it.

"Tambourine, before you venture anywhere further, you have to know that I am at an age, when mateship is no longer interesting," she told him with an honest smile. "Had you asked it years ago - you might have heard a different answer, now, however, my childbearing years are behind me and I do not see point in tying myself down to anyone," she said. "I will gladly be your friend, but if you want romance in your life, I suggest you set your sight elsewhere."