"She already loves him," Rymar realized.
So I pointed at Xav again. "And he just made the point that she's armed now. Those dogs of hers? They're better than even a Mole's gun. So we have a woman who now has something worth risking her life for, a way to fight back, and a thing to fight for - her friend still down there."
"Fuck," Xav groaned. "Okay, that's a good point."
I nodded. "She just defeated her biggest fear and came out the other side as a happy woman. I mean, I'm guessing at that, but it's Kanik."
"Oh, pretty sure she was happy," Rymar agreed. "Can't see him accepting anything less. Not with her. Shit, he probably made that perfect."
"So what else is she that scared of?" I pressed.
"Death?" Xav guessed. "I mean, that's what most people are scared of."
"Not Ayla," Rymar said. "She's scared of failure. She's terrified of not being enough for..." And he groaned, ducking his head. "... her friends. Put another way, those she cares about."
"Yeah," I said, looking over at Xav. "You willing to help us out here?"
"I am not fucking your partner," he said. "None of them."
Which made all of us laugh, because that was not what I'd been about to ask. "No, I mean you have a dog. If we can't keep up with that woman, maybe Demon can?"
"He can try," Xav agreed. "Look, Ayla's my friend. It's been nice having someone around with dogs. Lansin too, but he's still a Reaper. But I think you're asking the wrong man. See, Lansin's taken an interest in your girl - and do not go getting all jealous, because not that sort. He thinks she's good with the dogs. He also has much better dogs than mine."
"Aww, Demon," I said, pitching my voice for the dog watching me across the fire. "Xav doesn't think you're the best doggy in the world."
"He's not," Xav admitted. "There's a reason he lost his balls. Now, I wouldn't trade him for the world, but he's not as fast and I'm not nearly the trainer Lansin is."
"Or Ayla," Rymar bragged. "No offense."
"I'm as good as Ayla," Xav taunted. "But no, seriously. I don't think you have much to worry about. She's not stupid. She's not going to run off unprepared without at least a plan. Ayla has different experiences from the rest of us, but her experiences are just as valid. So stop thinking this is going to be some big defining moment for her, okay? The moment came days ago, I bet."
Which made Rymar lift a brow at me. "So, still jealous, Zasen? I mean, a few days ago, you were what... hunting with her?"
"Is that what we're calling it now?" I asked.
"She killed some deer, so yeah, that's what I'm calling it," Rymar said. "Oh, and make sure Kanik knows everything is good tomorrow?"
"You too," I told him.
"And me?" Xav asked. "Am I supposed to pretend like I don't have a damned clue why your tent was rustling?"
"That," Rymar said, "or you handle it gently, but I don't have a clue how embarrassed she'll be."
"I'm not sure she knows embarrassment is an option," I reminded him.
"Then I'll step in and be the dog pal, hm?" And he flashed me a devious smile. "Remember that when you're changing the shifts, okay? I do not want to wake up before dawn. I'll gladly stay up all night, though."
"Be careful what you wish for," I told him. "This is when the Moles are most likely to attack."
"Yep," he said. "And I'd rather be awake for it than trying to not only wake up but figure out where the attack is coming from. Oh, I also have marshmallows. Celebration sweets, anyone?"
"I'll get sticks," Rymar said, pushing to his feet.
I waited until he was gone, then told Xav, "Thanks. Mostly for talking a walk earlier."
"Like I said," he assured me, "that woman's my friend. I promise I did it for her, not you."
I nodded. "Which is why I appreciate it."
