Swiftcurrent Creek If they're here to smoke, know I'll go with you

Damn straight she was a killer! Mae preened a bit under the praise, smoothing out her chest fur in the manner of a smug cat. Then she remembered how tired she was. She would never admit it aloud, but she didn't think she needed to, at least not to Akavir. Her father was observant enough to see what she'd insisted on learning the hard way: hunting alone, for her, was now impractical at best.

No problem, She moved to flop down at his side, settling in to chew at a stinging cut on her foreleg. Ever wonder why the cone of shame was invented? Behold: Mae. She paused in her chewing to add, casual in a way that could only mean this was truly significant to her, You still gonna take me to the coast?

She made no mention of Arric. He wouldn't be coming, she assumed. He had a wife to look after now, and soon kids. Whatever.

Her dad would still take her. Right? She wished she could watch for his expression.