Blackfoot Forest spring swaps snow for leaves

Here? They were to stay here and-- the man would leave them? Mercedes immediately recoiled at the suggestion because she was incapable of seeing the good in this situation. Here was Djinn, weak and old, and herself, who had only survived so far because of the assistance of the adults! How was she supposed to keep the old man alive? How was she suddenly expected to explore this alien environment? Her hackles were up and she stepped - lunged, more like - towards Glaukos as he moved on.

Djinn distracted her long enough with a word, and with their attention, so Glaukos made his escape before Mercy could catch his direction; he went off in to the dark of the woods, and when she looked again, was gone.

Ohh! That man! He is supposed to be helping us, and now he's leaving?! She wanted to shout and scream! But the sensation didn't find purchase in her throat; besides, Djinn didn't need such volatility around them.

I will scout for something, and be back soon. But if you need me, call? I will come running. As she always did, and always would; that's how you show respect for your elders.