Sokanon was most certainly beautiful—-Maeve was fully sure of that fact; it was just plainly something she couldn't ignore or brush off. That thought was fully stuck and rooted deep within Maeve's mind, refusing to leave—-as well as being the only thought in there for a hot moment as Oiguina led them down though the camp to its heart and center.

       As they continued on, walking at their fixed pace, downhill, Maeve's gaze would go to Sokanon—--but of course, out of the corner of her eye to be discreet.

       Despite Maeve's earlier panic and distrust of Sokanon, Maeve couldn't help but feel drawn to Sokanon in a way that she had never once felt before. It was such an odd feeling to Maeve. She couldn't even really explain it.

       Maeve had never felt such a pull to someone within other women she had met and befriended in her community. …No, this was most certainly not a ‘friendship attraction’.

        Maeve had almost recognized it as the kind of attraction most women in the colony felt towards the men…

         Sure, Maeve had felt this way about a few of the gentlemen she had met—-but that was all back in the Old World. The men she met in the colonies were often vile—-with a sickening sense and thought of superiority over those who already lived in the area.

         It had been quite some time since the young witch had been interested in a man—--so long in fact that she strictly believed she'd never fall in love again and remain alone just like her sister, Eleanor.

        But now… Now things were completely odd—--queer, really.

       Those feelings Maeve had towards Sokanon? They were the same as she had to past men she had seen back in the Old World; and that bewildered her more than anything.

       It seemed almost unreal to Maeve—-implausible. Maeve had never really had such a feeling for another woman before… Well, except for in fleeting thoughts that she'd quickly try to brush out of her mind.

        Attraction to the same sex was fine for Aelod, but not for her. Right?

         Maeve mentally groaned. As much as she had beat that previous thought into her head more than a thousand times, it never truly felt ‘right’ of her.

        Why did there need to be different rules for her and Aelod? Was it because her best friend was a man and she was not?

         Surely it had to be—-is what Maeve decided on.

        Soon enough they reached the center of camp and began to set up their things—-tents, their bags, etc..

          It was already growing quite late from their hike upwards from the old camp from the previous night.

      Oiguina prepared them a quick dinner, to which Maeve thanked her for such a thing gratefully.

      After dinner, Oiguina told them they'd discuss matters pertaining to finding Maeve's friend in the morning. Then, Oiguina turned in for the night.

     The unfortunate fact of the matter was that turning their hike, one tent had sustained major damage, leaving the three of them with only one tent whatsoever.

    Moreover, it caused concern to begin to stir about in Maeve's mind, but Sokanon assured Maeve she could have the remaining tent.

      Stars twinkled above the quiet camp as Maeve asked, “Are you sure?”

       Sokanon nodded. “I'm sure. It wouldn't exactly be the first time I've slept outside, under the stars—-and it most definitely will not be the last. I really don't mind.”

      Maeve slowly sucked in an unsure breath. “...Okay, if you're sure.”

      “I am sure,” Sokanon nodded, holding the flap open for Maeve so she could enter.

       Maeve hesitated before ducking under the flap and going inside, stumbling a little over a small rock lodged between the ground and the entrance of the tent.

      Sokanon's grip wrapped around Maeve's waist temporarily to keep her steady. “Whoa, there. Careful. We don't need you falling and hurting your head. You've seen enough bloodshed already with your knife incident the other night.”

     Faced away from Sokanon, Maeve's face burnt bright red—-and no matter what Maeve did, nothing could cool the heat from it.

     Sokanon then cleared her throat with an awkward, “Sorry,” before letting go of Maeve.

      Maeve looked back to Sokanon after she let go, heat still coursing through her and collecting in her abdomen.

       “Good night, Maeve,” Sokanon told her, in a softer tone than earlier’s teasing one. “...Sleep well.”

      And as Sokanon let the tent’s flap fall and close, Maeve's heart fluttered.