"I'll be gone a week, or thereabouts, so try not to burn the place down." Rei stowed the last of his gear before facing Ryu. He grinned. "This's going to be great. I'll let you know how it went when I get back." Rei slung the bag over his shoulder and turned to go.
Ryu only waved.
Rei whistled a merry tune on his way out of Cedar Woods and into McNeil. Then he climbed the slight hill to the right and made his way through the front yard to Tai's home. She adjusted her hold on a staff in her hand and a pack on her shoulder. She had dressed in dark blue trousers with a wide black belt and wore a white shirt and a black vest. Calf-high moccasins covered her feet.
Tai looked toward Rei's approaching form and smiled. "Good morning, Rei."
"Morning, Tai. Can I walk with ya to the caravan?"
"That would be nice. Thanks." She fell into step beside him to proceed down the hill and to the main street out of McNeil toward Yraall Road and the caravan.
"This's going to be great," Rei told her, intercepting her sidelong glance with a wide smile. "It's been forever and a day since--"
"Why do you want to come?"
Rei's smile didn't fade. "Why not? It sounds like fun."
Tai stopped and faced him. "Then why not before?"
Rei faced her as well. "I didn't know you were on the caravan before."
"What difference does that make?" she asked as she stared up at him.
"A lot. You're Woren."
Tai blinked and stepped back. "Wh... What?"
Rei's smile vanished at the shock on her expression. "You didn't know?"
Tai looked away, but she didn't move farther down the road. "I-I'm... I'm Woren?"
Rei scrubbed at the back of his neck as he watched her.
Tai met his gaze with wide eyes. "How do you know that?"
Rei smiled as he lowered his hand to his side. "Can't miss the scent of a female Woren."
Tai lowered her gaze. "Oh."
Rei's smile wavered a bit, and then he reached out to touch her jaw. She looked up. "And you've got stripes. Here. On both sides." Rei turned his head and pointed to his. "See?"
Tai looked away again.
Rei watched her with an expression of concern. "Gee, Tai. Sorry. I thought... I thought..."
"It's okay." Tai sent him a slight smile. "I was raised by my dad, and he never talked about mom. Didn't ever have a picture, either. Maybe...?"
Rei smiled. "Maybe." He motioned her forward and fell into step beside her. "You want me to get lost?"
Tai's smile brightened as she looked over at him. "Rei, why would I invite you to tea if I wanted you to 'get lost'?"
"Don't know. Just being polite?" Tai chuckled, and to Rei it sounded like a purr. Rei's lips twitched. "So, is it okay for me to keep coming around?"
She sent him a sidelong glance. "I don't mind." And another.
"What."
"Nothing." Tai stared ahead as she absently tapped her staff to the ground while they walked.
Rei watched her, feral eyes twinkling as his ears twitched. "I guess I should tell you something about us Worens."
She met his gaze. "What."
"We mate for life."
Tai smiled, so did Rei. "Then I guess you better be sure."
Rei was sure that'd be the fun part.