Slightly offended the snow leopard replied, “Snow leopards are a community, we share our thoughts and hearts with one another.”  There was a faint frown on Ivan’s face as she said something about finding a mate and he said softly, “You are far too young to even be thinking of settling down, Ava.  You’re barely whelped and as to paying for bills.  Goodness, you shouldn’t have to worry about that.  Tax is not something you should worry about till you do have a family.”<br/><br/>There was a deep sigh as he gave her a withering look, “You’re of an age where you should go and have an adventure, find yourself, grow, not live the life of a responsible person before living at all.  At least, that is what the Shaman says.”  There was a look of slight annoyance, “I don’t necessarily agree, but I’ve been trained to respect my elders and they told me that I have to go and look after you and have an adventure.”<br/><br/>Ivan paused, smiled, “Yes we should go and see your mother, at least that way I can say I’ve explored the world and you can say that I accompanied you.  You see, Ava, adventure does one of two things in my opinion, it either jades you or it does you in.  I rather not be done in, but… I have my honor.  Do you have anything we need to pack before we head off, because the sooner we get this done, the sooner you can be free to go live the life you want to live without obligation.. and I can go back to being a responsible leopard hunting for his family and clan.”