Blackfeather Woods In the valley of the shadows.

Etienne listened to the way she spoke. The halting in her words as if she wasn't entirely sure what to say. He himself knew this well. He could not speak as his mother and his sister did. He was not elegant or a good communicator. He felt more than spoke. Was heartfelt and different.

He was a little saddened that she had no place to go and yet could he offer her a place. He wasn't sure if Anselm would allow. And for a moment a piercing flash of red hot jealousy that he would have to share Anselm came to mind and he was disgusted with himself. There was no reason for such a thought. Anselm wasn't even his friend.  No matter how Eti wished for it at the very least.

Etienne frowned thinking through what he could say. I can offer you two alternatives.A soft nibble to his lip.

You can be comin' back wit' me. But I can't be promisin' dat Anselm be welcomin' no. He shook his head to show how truthful it was.

But 'e may let you be dere wit' us. Or you can go to de coast, my manman is dere and my sister Suzu. De take very good care of you.