[color=D6CC88]The girl didn't bother listening to Nymira's reply, flinging her words at the woman with brimming eyes and dashing for the door.  Outside she caught up to Ethan, sliding one hand into his and wiping her eyes with the other.  She pouted when he said she should go back inside, Even the weight of his hand on her head didn't make Amuné smile.  She watched the Muran follow after Cecil, grimacing in sympathy when he had a hard landing, and shaking her head at his carelessness.  But there was no way for her to follow up there.  She considered trailing after on the ground, but the thought made her uneasy.  No, she'd better do as Ethan asked this time.

With a heavy sigh, Amuné went back inside.  She avoided the others, not acknowledging them even if they addressed her as she went passed.  Her manner was subdued as she made her way up to the room where they'd be spending the night.  The child no longer felt like eating much of anything.  There was a hollowness inside, but it wasn't one that food could help.  She flopped on the bed, absently rolling over to pet Wyth when he shoved his face into her side.  The great cat purred, as much  to comfort his girl as because he liked the attention.

She looked into the large yellow-green eyes and sniffled.  "Why'd she say that?" Amuné asked softly.  "I thought we were supposed to be friends.  It stung, saying we're just retainers or whatever.  Saying she doesn't care.  And Cecil...he really needs friends right now.  I don't know everything he's feeling but I understand a little.  It hurts, being alone and afraid and wanting to trust and not knowing if you can, not knowing if you're okay or just a problem.  At least I have you, Wyth.  But Cecil...he's never had anyone.  Nymira hurt him."  The girl's voice dropped to a mere whisper.  "I think...I think maybe I might be hurting him too.  How do I stop being scared?"[/color]