Elias wasn't at all familiar with any of the locations she described, but the same couldn't be said for that expression on her face. He knew it all too well. And honestly, it was painful reminder, like a blade pushed inbetween his ribs. It seemed as though home was an unpleasant topic for many, not just him and his fellow clan mates.

He wanted to say something, to ask if she was okay but he couldn't help but feel as though it wasn't his place to pry. He wanted her to like him just as much as he liked her, the last thing he wanted to do was give her the impression that he was a nosy bugger who didn't know his place. With that in mind there was only one thing left for him to do, as casually as he could manage-which wasn't at all- he offered her a sympathetic smile. A sort of 'there there, I know how you feel', without the condescending baggage that usually went along with it.

Honestly though,  up upon the mountain heights the world below had seemed so small and inconsequential. Now Elias realised that he'd been wrong, that his uncle-as wise as he was- had underestimated those who lived outside his borders. It was true that Selwyns were made of sterner stuff,that they were descendants of angels, but really were they so different from the rest?

Sometimes Elias couldn't help but wonder...

Shaking his head, the Selwyn-or so he liked to think-closed his eyes. It was a difficult question, one he'd been avoiding.

"I never thought that far ahead, really."He shrugged, his shoulders as heavy as lead." I just want...to bring him home. No one left behind, that sort of thing, you know?"

Elias was supposed to be mature, dignified, but when hear offer reached his ears he couldn't help but toddled to a stop and grin like a goof as his tail-and by extension, his butt-wiggled in earnest. She didn't have to offer him anything, especially after she'd led him away from the muck and dirt of the marsh. But here she was, being kind just because she could. What a wonderful lady! And he didn't even know her name! How rude of him not to ask, and offer his own in return.

"I'd-"he belatedly realised he'd come to a stop and bumbled along to catch up."Really like that, ma'm! I'll make sure to remember!"

Which wasn't to say it was a certainty, but was anything these days?

It was easier to walk, without the squishy ground underpaw. He felt more stable, grounded, like his head was screwed on a little better. Was this all he'd needed? A helping hand, a few words of wisdom to chase away his debilitating, heart aching, sense of worry? Maybe so.

Raina had done her best to help Elias along, to get him back onto his feet and renew his resolve but...She wasn't the same as Terrel. Nor would she ever be. His death...the world had lost one of it's best and brightest. Never would such a man of legendary status walk this earth again. The remaining Selwyns respected Raina, yes there was no denying that, but her words didn't carry as much weight. Nor did Elias see her as the Queen of the mountain. She-like Elias- was just trying to make the best out of a terrible situation.

Damsel ? Elias' cheeks flushed red at the thought. He'd said so himself, but hearing a lady say it made it seem all the more...He wasn't sure, but it certainly was embarrassing.

"Call me Elias, or Elly. Whichever you prefer."He wasn't fussy."And it seems as though we are."

He was more than willing to take her word on it, but he looked around nonetheless. Not only was the ground firm beneath his feet, but tufts of grass and reeds had been replaced by sure rooted trees, some barren of leaves whilst others were evergreen.

"Is this where we part ways?"

Names were interesting, or at least Elias thought so.

They could say so much ,and yet at the same time they were nothing more than a teaser, granting just a brief glimpse of a someone's character. Morganna. It was such a noble, profound name, one that he quickly decided suited her. As for her surname...well, honesty he didn't recognise it. Nonetheless, being the shrewd young man that he was, he quickly surmised that it carried weight. That it might even be a title that demanded respect and esteem in these parts, just like the Selwyn name did in the north.

If that was the case then Morganna was very down to earth! They had only just met one another but Elias had already come to the conclusion that he liked her very much. And that perhaps...he should consider her offer if things didn't go according to plan.

"That is correct."Elias remarked, nodding along as he ambled to a halt. Thuban wouldn't be found if he stuck to Morganna like glue. "Well....It was real nice to meet you and...thanks for the help, with the marsh, leading me out of if, I mean." Smooth moves Elias, real smooth.

With a huff, Elias offered her a last and final wag of his tail-and butt- before he dipped his head in reverence. He had places to go, a friend to find and nothing would stand in his way, not even snow or mud!

Elias followed her line of sight to the mountain in the distance. Greer. Her brother. Okay, he could remember that, store it away for later use if it came down to it. He hoped it wouldn't, not because he didn't want to see her again but...He'd come here to find Thuban, as tempting it was he couldn't afford distractions.

"Got it Morgy-oh God, sorry."Sheesh. Why didn't he know when to quit? Why did he have to be so...so Elias?

Coughing, Elias shook his head. There was no time to dally, he was on a mission and now that he was out of that dreadful marsh his search could restart in earnest!