The Heartwood between the rays

Going to wrap and archive, since Apisi is inactive. When he's reactivated, you're welcome to bring him to the Caldera on Rue's invitation.

Rue responded to Meerkat's silent question with a confident dip of her muzzle and a flicker of a knowing smile. Meerkat had seen who she was with, and that was good enough for Ruenna. If anything did happen to her, she imagined that Meerkat would burn this forest down-- again-- to find the stranger. 

After watching Meerkat depart, Ruenna turned to the helpful stranger. "Shall we?" She would look forward to getting to know a new soul, and if he seemed like a good apple, she would invite him to visit at the Caldera-- on his own time, when he was ready-- as a potential recruit.