Redhawk Caldera eighty-fourth

Maia still didn't fully understand, but Senmut's tone chafed her. There was no disrespect there, but something about it... perhaps it was the sick feeling she still struggled with. Perhaps it was lack of sleep. Perhaps it was prior dealings, and Akashingo always flaunting their strange customs. The mention of gifts reminded Maia of Moonglow, and that set her even further on edge. Brecheliant was fine, strong enough to provide for their own. Why did everyone seem to think they needed gifts from strangers?

We appreciate the offer. But we don't need it. Maia stepped forward, sensing Kivaluk's reluctance to speak for them. She stepped up beside him and touched his shoulder appreciatively, silently, while still watching Senmut.

Our pack has what we need, and we aren't interested in riches or gifts. We'll continue to be friends to your pack, and you are welcome to visit our borders if you need anything. We can't promise anything more than that. Her voice sounded more confident than Maia felt. Turning him down felt less stressful than agreeing to some kind of partnership that felt undefined. She knew the type of pack Akashingo seemed to be; she had no interest in fighting their battles for them.

We only want peace with all of our neighbors. And that's all we've had so far. She didn't entirely mean to imply that they didn't want peace, or that they potentially deserved the trouble they'd had. But Maia's thoughts definitely rested there, and some of that couldn't help escaping into the words. She didn't have the patience to prevent it.