"Look, I'm only speaking from experience when I talk off human society. I remember having to spend five years hidden among them," she said, listening to Moonlight, "Let her be who she is. That's the best coarse of action. If she wishes to change herself, let that be her choice. How she acts now has defined who she is Ito everyone here. All I ask is that she open up a little emotionally. I will ask the same from myself."

I look up "it's just that I coulden't help her, coulden't get to her... I was so worried, I made a promise to protect her and I coulden't..." I say and look back to the ground.

"And that is all I will ask from you," she said, "There's no need to change everything about yourself anyways. Now, what say we finish eating and put the rest away?"

"You didn't fail to protect her, she wasn't in any danger. Seeing as she searched the maority of the forest looking for you, she must have ade a similar promise to  you," Tieral said, watching as Alekai started stacking rocks, "You made a promise to protect her, let that promise never be broken. With Goldenscale leaving in a few days for a needed journy, Ece will still eed someone to look after her. I will till be there for that, I'll just haveother duties that require my attention as well."

"I'll be more than happy to look after her for you then"

"Why don't you sticka round for a little while? I'm sure she'll be relieved and overjoyed to see you again," Tieral said, "She could always use a friend, especially if it's someone she trusts already."

"Alright." Goldenscale said as she picked up her unfinished piece of meat and began to eat it again.

"I would love that" I grin, teaming with excitement to be with new people.

"You know, you and Tieral didn't have to bring me anything to eat. I never got the chance to move my food stores over to Frost's cave in the first place," Mayumi said, picking up her unfinished piece of meat, "I suppose you need to get home so you can get Ece something to eat soon."

"Let's head back inside and get something to eat. Goldenscale and I brought enough meat for several people," Tieral said, stepping back towards the shop door with Alekai in hand.

"Thanks! My stomach is making a fuss already." I say and trot after them.

"Well, it seems Tieral and Storm are rejpoining us. I'll leave some meat out for them," Mayumi said, separating out two servings for Tieral and Storm before picking up the rest and taking it into the back room to store.

When Storm stepped back into the shop, Ece gave a slight jlt before yawning as she woke. Shifting around for a moment to stand, she flew up only to stop and hover when she saw Storm."Storm," she chirped before darting over to her and clinging to Storm's neck, "I thought you were gone."

"I made a promise didnt I?" I say happily and hug her.

"Where did you go? I looked all over th forest and found no sign of you being there," Ece said, letting go of Storms neck to hover in front of Storm's face at eye level, "At first, I though you went out to get some breakfast, but when i couldn't find you, i though you had run off."