Valla nodded as she listened to Abby, appreciating her friend's perspective. Another shocking revelation: Abby, and others it seemed, considered Valla a valid choice of leader. She had never thought of herself as a leader, though when she thought of it Valla realized she rarely ever had trouble getting people to do what she wanted. Valla rarely abused this "gift," but she knew she could always charm her way through just about anything. Of course, there was a world of difference between haggling a better price for a pig and leading a group of people in a hostile environment. Then there was the whole magic issue, which she was still getting used to the status this afforded her.<br/><br/>If it came down to the two of them, and one had to lead, Valla was putting her coins on Tommy.<br/><br/>But then there was Abby's other argument, that it served Julien and Edgar if both Valla and Tommy were removed from the equation. Although Valla did not want to lead, she wouldn't mind seeing Tommy take charge, if it became necessary. That meant keeping him safe.<br/><br/>That also meant not telling him any of this. Valla could never predict Tommy's actions, and she didn't know what he would do if he suspected what was going on. Valla figured Tommy had already guessed most of this, but speaking about it out in the open might precipitate the kind of aggressive action Julien was hoping for.<br/><br/>Valla shook her head sadly, a tired smile aimed at Abby. "Abby, I just never think of things like this. I'm so glad we talked," Valla said. "You're a good friend. And yes, you are a friendly ear, and much more. You're wise."<br/><br/>She nodded her head, looking out at Tommy. His dark hair dripping wet in a fetching way, Valla wanted to run out there and brush her hands over his sleek back. Watching him brought a tingling between her legs and she had to look away.<br/><br/>"That's a good suggestion," Valla decided. "Tommy's already done a lot of exploration, so I think I can talk him into going on an extended trip to see what else is out there. We actually talked about that yesterday."<br/><br/>She nodded her head again, this time for herself as she made up her mind.