Among The Lilacs and Lilies

There was a moment where she feared he wouldn't open up to her, but that was within his rights. She had to continue to remind herself that Branch was a stranger up until today, so perhaps diving into each other's pasts wasn't appropriate. Before she could retract her offer however, the dark male began to spin his tale. Knowing it would be a long one, Serene set down her bundles and turned to give him her full attention; watching the way his body language changed as the story advanced. It was strange, that he had grown up in such a different environment to herself, yet they both came out fairly similar.

The way his proposal was turned down by his elders, made her feel sorry for him. To believe in something so big an ambitious was dangerous but it was pure. His family should've had his back, but instead they told him no. Her ears folded down, and she offered an apologetic smile. Serene wouldn't know what that would feel like, but she knew it wouldn't have felt good. "That's very upsetting to hear, Branch. You're family should've supported you, not only because that's what family does, but because I think your dreams of a pack are valid." She searched for his gaze, trying to reassure him that she truly believed what she was saying. "I don't know much about pack life, or the politics that it might consist of, but I can't imagine they won't want to trade with you."

He then turned and asked his question in return, which she could've guessed was coming. She drew in a deep breath, and let out a long sigh, preparing her answer. "You picked up on that did you? Yes, I was born and raised in the Weeping Wood with my mother. We hunted in the Tall Grass, and made frequent visits to the Shrine for rituals." Her gaze dropped for a moment as she pawed at the beautiful flowers nearby, reminiscing in those days. "I buried my mother a few seasons back." Her voice was bare of emotion, saying it more as a fact than a sad memory. Finally she turned back to Branch, with a small smile on her lips. "I still think you should origin your pack there, those woods deserve to have life in them."