As Cessair ate, she decided to rethink her opinion of Rais. He had earlier dealt her a couple of annoying, but harmless pranks. Now, though, with the rabbit growing more and more depleted, he seemed content to leave her alone. What's more, this little meal had been caught for and given to her as a gift. The bright-eyed wolf's jokes from before were all in the name of fun, right? Surely it depended on opinion whether they were more annoying or more friendly.
If nothing else, Cessair enjoyed this wolf's presence. He understood that one can't be all seriousness, all the time -- something she still had yet to learn -- but should instead enjoy whatever in life one can. It's good to have such an acquaintance, Cessair concluded. Rais was the type of wolf who could distract her from her worries and make her enjoy herself. That's why she was glad to have met him. Thus, in her mind, Cessair would let herself call him "friend."
With not a single scrap of meat left on the rabbit, Cessair licked her lips and looked up from the remains, a satisfied look in her eyes. When the grey wolf tried to speak, he seemed to be having a hard time assembling a sentence. Maybe he was just that anxious to get on with his exploring. He tried again a moment later and was able to speak more confidently, echoing Cessair's desire to meet again. She returned his smile and swished her tail just a bit.
<b>"Likewise. I wish you well on your travels."</b> Cessair dipped her head and reluctantly turned away. She stopped after withdrawing a few paces to briefly glance over her shoulder, attempting to solidify the image of the kind grey wolf in her mind so she would not forget him. Then, without allowing herself to hesitate further, she leapt away into the bushes and started north at a steady trot.