In life we all take things for granted. I had taken for granted the way things had been before, growing lax in the way that Carnifex had cared for me. Even before him I had a string of suitors who would protect me. I had been negligent then, not caring how they felt in the end, but I think time has taught me that I wasn't as cold and calloused as I liked to think I was. Not to mention we all craved companionship. It was our species and I had fallen in quick with my beast only to be left ravaged in the end. Now I had nothing but a cold cavern, empty belly, and a hungry child to live for. How strange the wolrd turns when things we once wanted have no more appeal and things we thought to never have or want are the things we most desire. I am being selifsh, not even asking him anything about his own woes because I suspect he knows more about how I feel than he is telling me. But he lets me have this time and that warms my chest in a way that makes it difficult to breath. Is it a betrayal to feel this stinging desire to want to get closer to him? As if I will suffocate if he leaves and I am bereft once more? I don't know. I don't think I even have the energy to care.

There is a handsome sort of confidence about him in that smirk. I like it because it is grounded and real. It makes me feel strong once more because here he is offering to help me out. For no reason, on top of that! "Well, in that case, I'm not going to turn down a free meal." I grin at him then, my sorrow slowly disappearing as if cobwebs were being swept away. This was a moment of grace and I felt connected to this male. No, he tells me, and I feel relief in my bones. I probably don't hide it well either. I am tired and just want to eat and to make sure Myrria is okay. "I am staying in the grotto, at the southern end. I'll look for you after I make sure Myrria is okay. That's my daughter," I say, feeling odd introducing my child to him in such a manner. Well, it was weird having a daughter, and I probably looked like a new mother, a bit lost and confused and over anxious. I wasn't in a pack though and I had a right to be scared.

I stand then, pausing again to look at him in an almost fond manner. "Thank you Exodus," I say softly, taking half a step closer to him but then stopping. "This means a lot to me. Be safe," I say and then I lean forward and lick his cheek. I don't know WHY I do it, I just do it, and then I turn and take off into the brush with my heart pounding hard in my ears and my body energized.