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The mouse paused as she wandered up the hill, and grimaced as she took a moment to lean back and stretch. Ugh! Carrying a rodent half again her size all the way to her nest had not been fun, and now her back ached. She'd had no chance to practice that day, and now her muscles were feeling stiff. That would have to wait until tomorrow. She smiled grimly to herself as she continued on her way up the path. While she'd long been well fed and well endowed, she'd never been what you'd call a weakling. No wild creature, no matter how talented at finding a meal, lives a life of leisure, and certainly not an outcast mouse. But this past weeks, she'd been dodging an owl, sparing with a cat , and even playing with a python; she couldn't help but notice her staff felt lighter in her paw. She grinned to herself; no doubt in a couple months she'd be hauling giant boulders to cover her den, and wrestling alligators. Not that she'd ever seen an alligator, but there were stories from her childhood.

As she continued upward, she'd remain alert and attentive, but more and more her attention was fixed on her destination. She was eager to see Jack. As she'd told Tarik, she wanted two arm fuls of fuzzy bunny goodness, after the drama of the last day. Of course after accompanying Tarik to his den, she was much coming home much later in the day than usual, but she expected Jack wouldn't have gone far. He was much better since his traumatic encounter with the fox, but still reluctant venture far from the safety of the den, something Lichthia approved of; she didn't want anything to happen to her friend.

Sitting not too far off, the brown lop would find himself but a few quick hops away from the mouse's burrow. He was always conflicted with being out in the open, especially when he didn't actually 'need' to be. Well. . . he didn't need to gather food. He didn't even need to find fresh water to drink. No, all he really 'needed' was more than accounted for in the nice safe burrow. Then, why leave it at all? While a rabbit only had to have food and water to survive, his body. . . also craved a little more. He wanted to hop! He wanted to smell flowers! Dig new holes. . . see the clouds. . . smell at new and unusual trees. These were all things, that a rabbit also needed, at least on occasion. And so, as Jack began to recover from his past traumas, his encounter from a terrible snarling fox, he'd venture, inch by inch, away from safety. While a few feet certainly wouldn't be considered especially brave, it was quite the accomplishment for the young rabbit buck. He'd take a long, deep breath of fresh air as light breeze came along his fur.

There wasn't much wild-flower near, but there was a single small tulip near by, that he was in partial contemplation of munching. Jack knew though, that Lichthia did prefer he not eat most flowers, and so, would settle for just smelling it: He wasn't that hungry anyway. It was a nice feeling, but, he still wasn't exactly 'contented'. No, not because he needed to get in just a little more exercise and scenery, that was true, but. . . Jack also had another need, a need shared by most rodent creatures: The need to socialize. He was lonely, and wanted to see his friend again. That was part of the reason that helped compel him outside today. . . Lichthia might come home soon. However, given it was already so late in the morning, he. . . was doubting her return would be today. More likely. . . not until tomorrow. The lapine would sigh soft, and sniff once more to the single flower.

As she worked her way upwards, the mouse would spot an ear above the foliage and grin. She briefly considered stalking the bunny, testing him, but quickly discarded it. As much as she wanted him safe, she didn't want to spook him or boss him around either. She took a moment to scan the surroundings. She'd picked this area with care. There was plenty of brush and plant life to hide as a mouse; it was harder for a rabbit or a rat, and would be even harder for a fox or anything larger. Satisfied the coast looked clear she'd give a soft call. "Heya, Jack!" A few moments later and she'd emerge from beneath a small bush, her arms outstretched.

The rabbit's little nose would give a small twitch, not too surprising, given it was submerged part way in the flower's pollen. He'd be caught mid-sniff, as a familiar squeak entered into his ears. "Lich. . ." He'd look to be excited as he pulled away from the flower, but, that nose would twitch again, and before he could answer back would offer a cute, unexpected, *achooo* He'd sniffle, the petals of the flower bursting off, nothing left but a stem. He'd peer down a little sadly, before quickly raising his head and smiling wide as the mouse came into view. "Lichthia. . . !" he'd answer back, his voice just a little hushed. Jack would then get to his feet and hop near. He was less worried at moving away from safety, if he was moving toward the mouse.

When Jack reached Lichthia's embrace, he'd hug her back, soft brown fur to her white. His head would lower and nuzzle gently , "I missed you. . ." he'd whisper soft.

The mouse would grin up at the rabbit, holding him tight with one arm. She lifted the other, opening her mouth as though to reply she missed him too, but instead what would come out was an "Augh!" accompanied by a grimace of pain. She'd quickly disengage herself, pulling herself up straight. "M'alriight. . . " she' d assure him, even as she bent her knees to set her staff down, then drew her paw behind her back and her elbow over her head, stretching the offending limb. "Just sore. . . ." she'd add quickly, wanting to reassure the lapine.

Jack would quickly show signs of concern, first at only feeling one fuzzy mouse arm against him, then. . . the strange word of greeting. Was she hurt? The rabbit wouldn't know at first, but would tilt his head and peer really close. She. . . said she was ok, but Jack didn't look too convinced, sometimes it is hard to know if your hurt yourself. He'dlook at that arm as she stretched it, and blink. "Are you sure? . . ." he'd say in a whisper, and lower his head. If it had been a month ago, he'd consider that the snake might have harmed her. . . but, that was unlikely now. Instead, he'd respond with, "Did. . . " he'd look closer at the arm, "did the owl bite you? . . ."

The mouse would smile and shake her head, still holding her elbow over her in that odd position, stretching it. It occurred to her to answer that if Morathi ever wished to do her harm, he wouldn't wrench her arm, but would be more likely to tear her into a dozen pieces and scatter the pieces across the forest. But that joke really wasn't appropriate for Jack, or for that matter anyone else other than, well, Morathi. So instead, she smiled and shook her head. "Nah," she replied, "A stupid rat tried to pred me." She put particular emphasis on the phrase 'stupid rat'; it felt good to be able to call Tarik that now that he wasn't around and she didn't have to worry about hurting his feelings. "And no, the rat didn't actually hurt me either, least not directly." She'd finally release her arm and stretch again in relief, reaching down a paw for her staff. She'd put a comforting arm (the non-sore arm) around the rabbit. "Less go inside, and I'll tell the whole story,' she'd offer with a grin. "'nd I could use another breakfast. . ."

At the mention of 'pred me', Jack would let out a tiny gasp. "Gosh. . ." Rats, unless in large numbers, weren't a particular threat to a rabbit. To a mouse though, he imagined one could certainly do harm. He wanted to ask more, to make sure she was truly alright. The rabbit didn't see any bite marks though. He'd consider, that she probably just pulled a muscle when running away, that was certainly likely. In the past, when he ran from predators, he knew it was easy to over exert yourself. . . nothing else mattered but getting away. At the least, he was relieved that she had managed to get away from that mean scary rat, before he attacked and overpowered her. Oh my, and to think, it was probably a close call for her. She had only recently gotten over that jackal that tried to eat her. The rabbit knew all to well, that getting nearly eaten again, wasn't any easier to handle the second time around. "O-ok. . ." he'd say quickly, making sure to give a comforting hug to her, just in case she was suffering from any prolonged mental stress at the encounter. She seemed 'happy' still, but that could just be from shock. "Y-you can. . . eat and. . . get water inside. . ." he'd nod slow, and hop ahead to the entrance. The burrow's covering, would be pulled away and to the side of the hole, Jack hopping in neatly inside. . . with some mild haste.

Inside Lichthia would find her home reasonably intact, though Jack would look to be 'straightening' things a little, pushing some of his fur to the side with his muzzle, and too, pushing the small container of water over away from the wall. He didn't think she should have to exert herself at all, in such a fragile condition. It was his turn, to help her.

For someone who'd just had a second near predation experience, the mouse didn't seem at all subdued or shy. She gratefully accepted and returned the hug one armed. Her step was a little slow and stiff, but she was bright eyed and energetic as always, perhaps even a bit moreso. She'd sigh gratefully as she entered the burrow, and give the bunny's neck a scritch as she saw the evidence of his anxiety. She didn't feel the need to be waited on or pampered, but she appreciated the motivation behind it, and so knelt and waited patiently, picking up the water as it was brought. "Thank you, Jack," she'd say softly, raising the container to drink. Evidently she was thirsty, as there was a long silent pause as she took a long pull.

"Y-you're welcome." The lapin would nod quick to the show of thanks but would move away soon after, approaching the sacks of food. As the mouse began to drink at the water, Jack would see to pushing over a sack of berries not stopping until it was at arm's reach. He'd then step to the side, and plop down. The base of his ears would raise a bit, showing his attentiveness and desire to listen.

Still drinking, the mouse's eyes would follow the berries and she'd give a silent nod of thanks. Finally, she'd set the container down, nearly half drained, and reach for a berry too. "I was actually on m'way back hom yesterday morning," she began the story. "I started out early, so I was caught by the rain." She'd take a bite out of the berry and reach over kneeling to lean against her staff, continuing when she'd swallowed. . ". . .when I heard somethin out there. . ..seemed to be following me." She'd sigh, taking another small bite of berry. "If I'd known it was just a lone rat, I would have run, wouldn't have had any trouble gettin aay in the rain, but I had no idea what it was." Lichthia sighed. "So I called out to 'em . .. and informed 'em, I was not one of your easier prey, and if whoever I was addressing was thinking of predding me. . . well they'd ikely be happier leavin me alone and waitin for someone else." The mouse sighed. "I was trying to think of what would be most likely to make them leave me alone. I thought if I told them about Jaabir, they'd just think I was lying or insane. But if I appeared to be an unusually unaccountably confident prey carrying a large stick, they might do the sensible thing and decide I wasn't worth the risk or the trouble on such a rainy day."

Jack would nod slow as the mouse began. He remembered there was lots of rain the day before. Like most little critters, the rabbit too, did not like to be out in it. In-fact, he recalled being just a bit sad that he couldn't even poke his out of the burrow that day, without getting soaked. His mind would drift away from the rain, and back to the scarier aspects of Lichthia's story. "g-gosh. . ." he'd repeat, again, evidently not liking the idea of feeling following, not at all. It usually meant a chase was about to happen. His head would sag a bit, "t-they. . . didn't? . . . did they? . .. " he'd question sadly: He imagined, already, that he answer was 'no'.

Her mouth full of berries, Licthia smiled ruefully and shook her head. "Unfortunately. . . . " she answered after swallowing. "Turns out the pred who was stalking me was not exactly overflowin with good sense. . . ' she'd add sarcastically.

"Soon as I realize I was still bein followed, I picked a good spot, where I knew which way he'd have to come for me, and I could be prepared. When I heard him comin, I even let out a little scared mouse squeal to encourage him to come for me without thinkin." She smirked and set down her staff. "He came at me like this." The mouse moved slowly, not wanting to startle to scare the rabbit, lifting up her paws and spreading her paw fingers as though displaying invisible long claws and opening her jaws in an expression of a feral snarl." Then she burst out laughing, a paw on her tummy. "I think he thought that was s'posed t'be scary," she said light heartedly. "Like I was s'posed to curl up and go, 'oh please, Mister Rat, please don't hurt me!'" The last was said in a satirical high pitched scared little squeak.

Jack would continue to listen close, nodding his head at most parts. He reasoned, with Lichthia being such a smart mouse, that she was picking a 'good spot' and being 'prepared' so she could run easily. Running was what mice and bunnies did when something was going to try to catch them. It would be at that thought, that a sharp head tilt would form. Why did she squeak at the rat. . . on purpose? Jack would tilt his head in the other direction. Why did she want to 'encourage' the rat?

Lichthia's imitation of the rat's pose, would be met with a quick *gasp!*, he actually thought that might be a little scary. . . though, he was quick to see Lichthia didn't think so. He'd almost pose the question, 'you didn't?' but, given the laughter, doubted that be the case. "Is that. . . is that when you ran?" Maybe, he figured, she was waiting for him to lunge her, so she could jump away and run behind? Maybe she could get away better that way? It wasn't something he'd be brave enough to do, but could certainly imagine such from Lichthia.

Lichthia would smile up at Jack affectionately, and feel just a twinge of guilt. "Y'such a sweet bunny." She'd sigh softly, and shake her head. "No, s'when I hit him," she replied, her voice a bit subdued. Jack had seen her practicing on one earlier occasion, the staff audibly whistling through the air, or landing with a crack on a branch or a rock, so he might comprehend on some level what that would have been like.

Jack would smile at the compliment. He liked being called a sweet rabbit. Lichthia must be wanting to think him for listening, as she calmed her mind from that terrible encounter, that terrible chase. He'd blink and his eyes would go just a little wider. "Y-you. . . you hit him?!" The rabbit would look more than surprised. He'd turn his head and eye that stick. It was a pretty hard stick.. "G-gosh. . ." Suddenly the rabbit was beginning to feel more concerned for the rat than the mouse.

"I couldn't miss," she replied. "He came straight for me, didn't even try to protect himself. But he's fine." The last was added, the mouse naturally anticipating the rabbit would worry for Tarik. "He hit the ground like a sack o'walnuts, but I bandaged him up, and last I saw he was doin fine." The mouse might not have spoken so confidently, if she'd known who Tarik was speaking to in that very moment.

The bunny would stare out part way in disbelief. It could be thought a wonder why he didn't expect something like this, considering all Lichthia had done before. But, no, he was more than surprised. His head would lower a bit. Even though the rat tried to hurt his friend. . . he didn't want it hurt either. Jack certainly didn't blame Lichthia though, she. . . just trying trying to defend herself. . . and. . . she did try to warn him. He didn't even blame the rat. . . considering it was probably just really hungry . The rabbit took of relief at hearing her pursuer was just fine. Then. . . he'd blink. "But. . . how. . . how did you. . . get hurt?" He'd look at that arm, and then at the stick. Did she strike him hard enough to pull something? That. . . didn't seem too likely, not if the rat was still alive. She never hurt her arm when she practiced, after all.

The mouse reached out to pick up her staff and drew it to her again, leaning against it and resting her head against it. "Well. . ." she began, "There I was, out in the rain with an unconscious rat," she began. "I couldn't just leave him there, more'n likely some pred would have come along and taken him, assumin he didn't perish from a head wound lyin in the rain." Plus, her love was hungry, and why shouldn't he get to eat this rat? Tarik had been as been at least as deserving as most of those her love preded, after all. But she wouldn't mention that bit of motivation to the rabbit.

"So, I tied him up so he couldn't hurt me, and I carried him all the way back home." She sighed. "He was heavy," she grumbled, "more'n half again my size, and I carried him all the way home. . . in the rain." She smiled ruefully. "S'why m'shoulder hurts."

Jack would nod slow as she continued the story. That sounded real nice, he felt, that she thought to help that poor rat. Something would have definitely got him. He'd blink though, at the mention of tying him up. . . but the explanation offered made sense enough. If the suddenly woke woke up, he could have tried to bite her again. . . or even eat her. Jack would pause his continued nod. . . and raise his head. "Wow. . ." he'd look to be impressed now. He certainly wouldn't be able to carry a fox, even a small one. So, he definitely thought it an accomplishment for the mouse to carry a rat. He'd look to her shoulder. "No wonder. . ." Jack would pause for a moment and blink. Lichthia took the rat 'home'? He didn't remember seeing any rat last night. His head would tilt again. If. . . if she didn't take the rat here then it would have to be. . . "to. . . Jaabir's nest?" He'd look to mull that over for a bit, not understanding the full weight. Finally he'd add, "Jaabir. . . wasn't hungry?' Of course, the snake must have already made a catch, and Lichthia was leaving to tell him that they would be coming back. . . just before meeting the rat. That made sense. He wasn't sure how angry Jaabir would be. . . but. . . Lichthia must have reasoned there was no where else she could take the rat that was safe. The python tended to be very nice though, at least to Jack, he probably wasn't too mad.

The mouse shook her head. "No, Jaabir's still hungry," she'd answer, "and he wasn't at all happy to discover a rat tried to pred his beloved mouse. For a while, it didn't look good for Tarik. . ..that was his name by the way, and after explainin himself to a huge angry python, I think it's fair to say that he will never ever try to do that to me again. .. " Lichthia sighed. "Or likely any other mouse for that matter."

She'd look down. "But. . .all in all. . . .he seemed like a decent enough fellow. .. " The mouse would frown, and after a bit of thought would amend that with, ". . .for a rat." She'd lean back, pushing herself up with her staff. "And so after his apologies, Jaabir agreed to let him go, after he agreed to do some services for him and me."

He would blink twice. Did he hear that right? "H-he. . is? . . . He. . . was?" The rabbit would shake his head. "Gosh. . ." Jack remembered when he once mistook Jaabir for being mad at him. That scary expression, and that deep long hiss. Ooooh, it was terrifying and. . . the snake wasn't really even mad at him, just frustrated at missing a catch. With that alone, Jack hid out in his own burrow for weeks, terrified to come out in fear the snake was out looking for him. He didn't even know why the snake was 'mad'. Jack would a bit, not out of fear for Lichthia or even himself, but for that rat! A truly angry Jaabir. . . would be terrible to face, he reasoned. "I. . . I g-guess so . ." he'd agree, at the rat 'learning his lesson', and not encountering a repeat offense. The lapin would take a breath, and calm himself, it was at least good to hear that Jaabir freed him. His head would tilt again, "s-services?"

Lichthia nodded. "First thing was, he had put Jaabir in a bind. Remember I'd left that mornin, cause Jaabir weren't certain it was safe for me to spend the night with him anymore. And now cause Tarik tried to pred me, I was in the nest, and it was too late for me come back here." The mouse folded her arms about her staff, leaning forward. "I mean it probably would have been ok, it would have only been my first night away, and Jaabir and are very cautious, but it wasn't a risk we should have to take, specially considerin the circumstances." She'd lower her head, eyes focusing on the bunny. "So, Tarik agreed to stay the night with us." She'd give a half shrug. "He had to anyway, it was dark and not safe for him to go home. But he agreed to sleep in Jaabir's coils, so if Jaabir did wake up hungry and forget himself, with Tarik there, I'd be safe.."

The bunny would listen close now. He was curious, part way, what Jaabir would make a rat do for him, in exchange for not eating. Lichthia's words. . . they would take a little time to reach him fully. He'd soon gasp, though with slightly lower intensity than before. "G-gosh. . . I. . . wouldn't want. . ." he'd shake his head, "to do that. . ."Jack's head would lower, looking to consider how the rat must have felt. He understood though, and would still, find fault in no ones actions. His head would lift again, and he'd lean in. "He's. . . ok now? Jaabir. . . let him go?"

Lichthia would nod. "I was impressed," she'd admit. "He spent the whole night in Jaabir's coils. Don't think he slept much" She'd give a small shrug. "I did m'best to help him, but he came through in the end." She'd look up. "Jaabir did ask him to do one more thing for he let him go. It was my suggestion. . . " She'd push herself upwards a bit, leaning back. "See Tarik is an outcast. He lives alone on account of he lost a fight with someone important." The mouse furrowed her brow. She wasn't sure if that was exactly fair, she didn't claim to understand the ways of rats. "So Jaabir and I agreed to help him get back home. . .t'give him a bunch of food as a way of apologizing for his mistake." Lichthia smiled. "And in return for our generosity in helpin him get home, Jaabir's generoisity in givin him back his life, he agreed when he got home, he'd spread stories amongs his kin, make it clear to 'em that you and I are friends of Jaabir's." She'd smirk. "And that no rats should do us any harm, if they know what's good for 'em."

The simple nod would bring some peace to Jack. He. . . didn't like anyone hurt, even if it sometimes had to happen: Predators had to eat too, after all. The lapine let out a little sigh, and raise his eyes as as Lichthia explained. He would appear to react positively to the idea of Lichthia helping the rat. "That's good. . ." he would whisper soft, considering that he would have tried to help too.

The news of an 'out-casted' rat, Jack would feel a little sad for him. . . but, in some ways he. . . liked that. "He's. . . like us then. . ." he'd comment quietly, before looking back to listen at what this other thing the rat had to do. The first was pretty scary, and the bunny hoped the second wasn't as bad. And, he was thankful, that. . . it didn't sound so bad at all. Jack would look to smile a little, the thought of the rat getting lots of food. . . and even getting to return home! To Jack, he was hearing a happy ending, he liked those. And. . . the rats wouldn't both his friend, or even him? Jack's smile would widen. "That's. . . really good. " But, he didn't seem to understand completely, and would look down a bit. "Stories? . . ." he'd blink, "about. . . us?" The rabbit himself, liked stories, especially when Lichthia told them. It was strange to him, to think he would be in one. Jack wondered, what sorts of stories the rat would tell. He'd then pause for a moment and add "is the rat. . . already home?"

Lichthia would nod at the first comment. She didn't really like thinking of a rat being like her or Jack, but she had to asmit there was something to it. Despite a rocky start, Tarik was going beyond what was normal for a rat, reaching out to other species. She'd nod at the remark about stories, but shake her head firmly at the end. "Oh, no," she replied. "This is gonna be a project!" She'd lift her staff and lean it against herself. "You and I are gonna help Tarik gather food. . .and we can't do that, til Jaabir makes a catch. And we all need to think about what sort of stories Tarik should tell, to convince rats and maybe even other preds to leave you and me alone."

Jack would blink. "Project? . . ." He wasn't sure, but the way Lichthia spoke, it sounded fun. He'd smile. The prospect of going out to find food, did make him fidget a little, he had been further out from the nest lately, more-so with Lichthia, but going far out into the woods, where food would be, he hadn't done then since. . . meeting that fox, and nearly getting eaten. And yet. . . he. . . really wanted to explore again. "If. . . Jaabir's close. . . I. . . I guess . . . that would be ok." he'd nod slow, with a brief smile. The rabbit was certainly looking forward to it, but his caution still made him worry.

Hearing about the stories again, Jack would tilt his head. He'd already look to be concentrating. Then, he'd frown. "I. . . can't think of any yet. . ." he'd admitt sadly. "but I'll try. . ." The rabbit would lean in, and his eyes would widen just a bit, "Others. . . too?" He'd blink. "They. . . might leave us alone?" Jack would smile, and give the mouse a nuzzle. This wasn't the first time he got to share Lichthia's protection. Thanks to her, he was safe from a snake, a cat (kind of), an owl. . . now rats, and possibly even others. "Thank you. . ." he'd whisper.

The mouse would stretch out a paw to pull the bunny close as he leaned in. "Haven't accomplished anything yet,but y'welcome!" she'd reply She'd hold him a little longer, before finally letting go. "I was actually thinking we could go visit him today," she'd propose. "He's got a burrow bout half way between here and the nest. We could all get to know each other, talk about ideas, maybe even stay with him for the night. " She'd smile. "I noticed he's gotta number of shinies."

Jack would close his eyes, still smiling at the embrace, he missed having his friend. When she released he'd open his soft brown eyes and look to be a little unsure. He did feel bad for this creature, and. . . wouldn't mind seeing him; he was an outcast too, after all. Maybe they could all be friends? Another friend would be good, Then, he'd consider that the rat might be scary looking, if Lichthia's reenactment was any indication. . . and it did try to eat her too. The rabbit would still be conflicted up to until she mentioned. . . "s-shinies?" Back in his old burrow, the rabbit used to have a small collection of treasures of all sorts, sparkly bottle caps and small pieces of foil: He had almost forgotten about those, they were nice to look at. Jack would finally nod. "T-that. . . that sounds good." He would turn his head and look out toward the their burrow's exit, "He's not a mean rat. . . is he?"

The questions would take Lichthia aback. Tarik was nowhere near the top of her list of favorite people after all. For one thing she despised rats, and he had tried to pred for another. But after a moment, she'd shake her head. "I wouldn't ask y'to go over there with me if he was," she'd answer. And in truth, while she had a number of less-than-flattering-adjectives for Tarik, 'mean' was not among them. "He can be foolish sometimes," she'd amend, "but he's alright."

Thinking back, the rabbit would consider that the last few times he was uncertain about what Lichthia asked of him. . . it really had been for the best that he went along. If he let his concerns stop him, he might not have ever spoke to Lichthia enough to call her a friend, might not have been alive, and certainly, would not have met Jaabir (at least, on friendly grounds). Considering her track record, Jack felt unable to doubt Lichthia's judgement. . . at least when it concerned him. If the mouse thought things would be alright, then they would be. Jack's head would turn back to face her, with a bared smile. "Ok. . . I trust you Lichthia. We can go. . . when you want to."

He'd pause for a moment, and blink, "foolish? . . ."

The mouse chuckled, leaning forward against her staff and nod. "He's impulsive. . . " doesn't always make the wisest or most considered of decisions. . . " she explained.

"Oh. . ." The bunny would reply, and think on that for a moment. "I don't think I do either. . ." He'd scratch his head a bit, "not all the time. . .' He'd tilt his head and blink, "Am I foolish? . .. "

Lichtha laughed and shook her head. "Everyone is foolish from time to time, but Tarik has a special talent for it," she answered. She smiled up warmly at the rabbit. She'd been right; she had needed the bunny's company after the drama of the last day. "Mmm, just gonna rest a bit, n'then we can go. S'no hurry." If she'd known who Tarik was talking with in that moment, she might not have said that.