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

a more emotionally proud man might have been hurt to see such relief flood ruenna’s features — but for thorn, the notion she was relieved to not have just been propositioned in such an amorous manner scarcely stung. thorn understood not all women would find him attractive — and he could not fault ruenna for shying away from more tender conquests.

he might have caught the trail end of something darker under her relaxed posture — but its presence was fleeting, and he thought of it no longer. 

what was painfully evident was the way his mention of stigmata’s praise had bolstered her. they were of like minds then, for thorn too blossomed under the careful praise of his leader. 

i would give it to you. the man answered, proud to lose his station should it mean securing an intelligent, pragmatic wolf to their reserves. and likely resume the rank a joiner would be given — but it troubles me not.