Moonsong Glacier or at the altar, standing thin as the air

"You're already feeding me," Valiant pointed out, embarrassed to be thanked. He was grateful to have Raindrop around to take up Ariadne's focus, preventing them from getting too far into any discussions of repayment. Valiant didn't know what more he could have asked for, nor whether Ariadne might take this at face value or insist.

As expected, Ariadne told Raindrop of the recent loss in her family. He was coming to expect it from the moon wolves, and he'd begun trying to be equally forthcoming. Even so, he was pleased to have Raindrop there as a buffer between himself and the young leader.

"I'd be happy to have you along," he replied. "We don't wanna tire ourselves out before the big hunt, anyway. If you're up for it, you oughta come with."

He looked only belatedly to Raindrop to see if she felt the same.