She watched him when he spoke, ears forward, eyes bright in spite of the blanket of night which they stood. His question warmed her inside, for it showed compassion. She was only a stranger, but he worried for her. Avangeline could not keep a smile from, yet again, finding her dark lips. “I will, I promise.” She nodded shortly after speaking. Years spent on Crossing Isle taught her where there were areas which were off the beaten-path, far enough from the lagoon which the bachelors inhabited, which would be safe to linger in. Those small clearings and forests were where Avangeline spent most of her time, only coming to the more common gathering areas any time she was particularly hopeful for a glimpse of a known, friendly face.
Though when she thought of finally breaking away from her current company, Avangeline hesitated. “If you’re not planning on leaving Crossing Isle tonight… perhaps you wouldn’t mind staying with me? Just for the night.” It had been too long since her evening had been accompanied by another and she missed the safety and calmness in it. She slept restlessly when she was alone, often waking any time she heard a particularly strange sound in fear of the unknown. A herd animal, especially one such as herself, shouldn’t be as isolated as she was.
She looked at him hopefully, but prepared herself for denial. There was every bit of a chance he wanted to move on, make for one of the distant islands and begin the rest of his life (if that was what he wished to do). There was also a chance he simply preferred his own company and wouldn’t want to be bothered with her that evening. “It’s okay if not.” She added moments after, reassuring him that he needn’t feel trapped by her request.
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