Duck Lake and every day i'd save a quarter of my pay

thorn had finished his inquest, remaining silent long enough to study ruenna's reaction. she seemed affected by --- was it guilt? -- perhaps gratitude, though it was darkened by that troublesome emotion he could only barely perceive. his own brow pulled in brief confusion, but as she flexed in the snow he dismissed his fleeting concern, for her tone was weighted heavily by what he believed was sincerity.

he dipped his muzzle in turn, settling down into business.

"this message is the true reason i am here -- stigmata might have issued it as his errand, but i would not go if i did not wholly believe his merit." he stepped back, feeling almost cruel to put such a proposition in the air -- but it was necessary, and it was right --

"come back to diaspora with me." he growled, his tone imploring as he briefly sought her gaze. "what life is it in the creek, not even restored to your previous appointment in the plateau? those wolves will walk all over you.

there is nothing the creek has that diaspora doesn't, and stigmata thinks highly of you. true to my word, i will give you my rank as tessarius if you return with me."