Lion Head Mesa prolixus

"no place suits me, slate."

You and me both.

But that begged the question: "So what are you doing in Akashingo?" She looked at him curiously, not accusation in her tone. She could see multiple reasons why he stayed where he didn't want to, maybe all for protection (like herself), maybe just for Crowfeather or something entirely else. She didn't know, she would likely never know. Not for sure.

"go where you think you will be most settled."

She looked at him with a feeling of emptiness. This all meant she had to leave something behind again, one way or another. She either had to leave behind Crowfeather, Germanicus and everyone else who had been so kind to her, so warm and welcoming. Or she had to leave the safety of Ursus. She didn't feel appreciated there like she here, but neither really suited her too well. She felt so horrid for some reason.

"as long as i know you, wherever you go, i will be grateful." The look of surprise was not hidden and she looked embarrassed away. She had never been addressed like this before and she wasn't sure how she felt about it. Initially she hated it, but the more seconds ticked by the more she came to feel warm inside. What an unusual way to feel she thought.

"And I will be forever grateful for you." She didn't smile or look all that happy, but she expected he could see through that by now. Her stoic behavior wasn't there because she felt disinterested in him, but to protect herself. She never really thought about the way she came across toward others, but she hoped he understood she meant it. She then stood up and stretched her limbs. She needed a walk.

"I need to leave for a short while." She looked at Crowfeather and then at Germanicus. "Call for me if you need me. I won't be far." And with those words she swiftly left the den to stretch her legs.

Exit of Slate!