"Because sooner or later the races are coming back."
Saying that, Stan's expression became more serious. "And when that happens, I refuse to be ignorant."
Camilla remained silent.
"So my offer is simple." Stan met her gaze. "Come with me."
A faint breeze moved through the cavern as Stan continued; "I want you to act as my guide."
Camilla's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, "Your guide?"
"Yes. And my comrade."
For the first time since the conversation began, Stan's voice carried no humor.
"I don't know enough about your people. I don't know enough about the werewolves. I don't know enough about the beastkins." He spread his hands as he added with finality, "But you do."
Camilla stared at him. The request was surprisingly straightforward. No demands. No orders. No attempt to leverage whatever mysterious binding now existed between them.
Just a genuine offer. The silence stretched.
