Wheeling Gull Isle solitude

heda did laugh this time, a rich sound that the wind carted off to sea. "isn't it," she murmured.
and then caracal caught her off-guard and the young huntress, who had until now maintained a certain playful decorum, found her ears splaying and something that was not humour or hurt curving her mouth into a firm expression.
"we aren't," she said softly as she could, hoping her friend didn't think offense had been taken. "he is courting another of us." was. but for the sake of bartholomew's heart, heda would hold out hope for kacia's return. 
heda was so desperate to hear about this vibe that she almost asked. but she told herself that knowing would only make the ache more horrendous. "the way he talks about marriage, though, it feels — important. holy. so maybe don't say it around him," she added, bumping caracal's shoulder with his own.