"She doesn't have to know that! You're making me Look soft!"

“No," Taki replied, ignoring the squabble as she stretched her stiff muscles. "You've already done enough. You have my thanks, both of you.

I can't ask you to abandon your territory for me.”

"That... that's not an issue," the centaur explained in turn, giving up on hiding her desire to help.

“A few days won't matter, and if any squatters do come I'll drive them out when we return."

“I could stay and protect the place?" Clark offered.

"Oh please," Aryana scoffed back. "By the time I got back you'd be up to your neck in lonely wererabbits who claimed they were lost."

“That happened one time!" he yelled back, blushing in embarrassment.

“And anyway, I'd only slow you down if you had to carry me on your back as well.”

“Don't underestimate me! I could carry both of you all day if need be!" the centaur boasted.

Taki shook her head.

“To rescue him I will need stealth. That will be easier if I am alone.”

“Then we will just take you most of the way,” Aryana concluded in a tone that would take no argument.

“With my speed you can close the gap to them and be Largely healed by the time you do.”

Taki stared at them both, unfamiliar emotions swirling inside her. She barely knew these people, yet they were willing to go so far for her?

“I won't take no for an answer,” Aryana pressed the issue.

“This has become a matter of centaur pride. As a noble centaur I must help punish those who trespassed in our forest, assaulted my neighbor and stole her mate."

“You'll have to fight her if you want to change her mind," Clark cautioned with a smile.

Taki sighed. Arguing would only stall things further, and she could use the help.

“Very well, but regardless I will go on my own once we near them."