Hushed Willows A couple bodies in the garden where the grass grows

Mae stiffened when she heard Boone's approach. She knew it was him by the heaviness of his walk compared to Reverie and Blossom's lighter, almost dancing steps — and this intrusion was entirely unwelcome. He was not family. He was just some strange man whose manner of speech was even stranger to her.

But he was not unkind. Her initial glare softened when he spoke. She shrugged in response to both his question and his gratitude. It's whatever. I just wanna keep it safe here, For her own sake, but for Blossom and Reverie too, both of whom Mae suspected would cry if they so much as stepped on a snail. Their soft demeanors annoyed her sometimes. Mostly she felt protective over them.

She eyed Boone, wondering if he was meant to be their protector. You know anything about fighting?