Something seemed...off. It was as if an air of tension had suddenly spread over the Cove like some sort of fog. She tried to pinpoint when the feeling had crept in. Had the run in with the loner done something? Her neck ached still but she figured she was still the only one recovering from that. What about the calls that had been so close together? Neither had seemed ill at the time but now she wasn't so sure.

Her thoughts smothered her mind making it impossible to sleep. Carefully she slipped away from her hidden spot on the borders, her pace was slow and easy as she followed a path to the lake. Perhaps there she'd find something worthwhile. Or at least something to keep her mind busy until the sun came up.

The scent of the others filled her nose. She avoided them all so easily and she could only hope no one was sharing her same fate this evening. Birtie was not up for a social visit.

That was until she saw the familiar form on the edge of the lake. Her face contorted into something more pensive. Should she break the silence that seemed to surrond them? Perhaps she ought to just turn around and go back to the borders.

It was too late for her to turn around. Her paws stayed rooted to the ground as he drew closer, his face falling into something more netural.

“I'm glad you're here,”

She didn't know what to say and so she - in typical Birtie fashion - opted to not say anything. Her lips parted slightly as the dark male spoke he going to come find her. The large female was not particularly fond of the idea of being found. She thought their little spat of caring would have kept him at a length for at least a few days. Seemed he didn't have that kind of sense in his mind, though.

Then his next words reached her ears. Finally she did something. It wasn't much of a something but her ears fell back, grungy yellow eyes still fixed on his face. What about? Her tone was flat and rather devoided of any feelings. What was she to say? Birtie was positive she had already proved she was not the best with conversation or feelings.

And bad news tended to be a mix of both of those things.

She listened intently, never looking away. If he was going to share the bad news Birtie wanted to make sure she got every last word he spoke. Especially if he planned on making her involved in it too.

Her lips stayed tightly sealed allowing him to get out every word. Her silence lingered even when he finished and reclined. What had he expected to find in her? Birtie was an outsider looking in. She knew little to nothing of the woman and while the death obviously hit the dark male hard, the Parlow felt barely anything. Her face shifted into something thoughtful before it slide back to a neutral look. Shouldn't you be somewhat glad though? She made it from wherever she was back to the Cove despite dying. Perhaps it was blunt but Birtie wasn't done just yet. Not many creatures get to pick where they die. You should be honored she picked to come to the Cove in her last moments and spend it with you. Maybe it was the hard truth, maybe he'd find her too sharp but she wasn't one for cushioning falls.

She leaned back into a sitting position, debating if she should speak more or let that settle in. The large female wouldn't be surprised if her words recieved a bad reaction.

Needless to say, she was a little surprise her words weren't met with the feeling of a grief stricken man. Instead he seemed to agree with her words despite their bluntness. A blessing in disguise really.

She would have been content to let the silence settle over them but that would have been too convient, eh? His question was met with a soft grumble from her. None of your business. She said in a whispery but strong tone. But for the sake of things she let down her guard the slightest. But I have. Her home had been run by family for years and Birtie had seen her grandparents who used to rule. She figured they'd be lucky to see next winter. Her parents had been in charge when she left but it'd be no surprise if one of her elder brothers grabbed control. It happened. Weakest links and frail creatures had no place running amongst the strong bodied.

All you have to know is that this is natural and it's much better to let them go than it is to drag them along. She informed with eyes locked onto him. Birtie didn't know the woman but she'd be damn if she had to see her suffer due to selfish wishes of others. Everyone had to draw a line somewhere and that just happened to be where she drew hers.

Her head nodded, understanding his words. That was all almost anyone deserved in their last days. Alas Birtie was growing weary of speaking of the dead and dying. She had not come out here to plague her thoughts, she had come seeking a relief from them. Although she suppose that perhaps this was why there was a tension looming all over.

The large female stood and motioned for Kajika to follow her. Come. She verbally beckoned as she moved away from the lake's edge. Birtie did not know where she was leading them but nor did she really care. If he was willing to follow then she was willing to lead. Her strides were long but slow. There was still plenty of night left and there was no need to rush.