Rieka listened to him in silence, not daring to interrupt... though not purely because of the fact it is rude to do so. No, it was to refrain from saying anything she may come to regret later on. It is... truly frustrating to have a voice, and yet be unable to say any of the words which come to mind.
It was in her dark green eyes that all can be seen: the flames of frustration, only barely kept under control... however, it was not long before it was completely extinguished. It was almost as if the fire never existed in the first place.
"Honesty? Is that what you desire?" All tension bled out of her, hands falling to her sides as she looked back the path they traveled upon to reach this point. "I was furious. I am, still, though I have cast it aside. I was angry because you had made me your mate, and as such, my duty is to bare you children. To satisfy your needs. I have none. I have no desire to have children, not any longer. I used to, when I first met your father, however I had come to accept the fact I would never have any of his, thus... I have put that behind me. I no longer want any. If I relinquish my body onto you, allow you to do as you please... I thought you would come to your senses. Alas, it seems I am wrong. You happen to be persistent, and stubborn, and unwilling to listen to reason."
Eric did take after his father, at least in that aspect. A hand brushed over the ridiculous dress he had her wear into town.
"Yes. I am here to keep you from harm. Have you not threatened to hurt yourself a time or not during this journey? I care about you enough that I do not want that to happen. It hurts me to think you want to do so. If I am such a failure as a mate, as a wife? As a mother? Perhaps you are better off without me." Rieka cut a hand through the empty space between he and her, an unreadable expression upon her face. "Perhaps it is best we part ways here. I have no purpose, if I cannot make you happy... no matter the role I play. I am suspected of murder, as are you. I cannot return to the Pack I left behind. I have no place to go. You are powerful enough to protect yourself, if need be. I am sure it is easy enough to raise a barrier about this place, to shield yourself and the occupants inside the inn from harm. I cannot make you happy. I cannot protect you. Why else shall I linger here?" Rieka's eyes were cold as ice, despite the fact their color is like spring leaves.
"From where I stand, the only purpose I serve is to... satisfy your need, to accept your mana into my body. Do you realize how much of an insult that is? Not just to me, but to a wolf? I speak my mind, and yet you have insisted, time and time again, to have things go your way. It seems you only listen when it concerns our safety. You trust my instincts, my experience... but..." At a loss for words, Rieka shook her head again, no smile gracing her features... rather, a fierce frown. "How else do you expect me to be? Do you wish me to fall onto my knees and beg you to take my body? To gift me with your child?"
How is that any better than the way things were with her Pack? How is that any better than the life she left behind? Rieka let out a sigh, closing her eyes as she considered her next words. Deep down, though... she doubts anything she says will sink in. "Goodbye, Colin," Rieka said at long last, opening her eyes and gazing upon him with affection and love. It was the first time in a long while she has looked at him in such a way. A hand reached out to touch his cheek, just for a kiss to press gently to the other. "May the rest of your days prove to be happy and prosperous." Rieka pulled back and began making her way into the neighboring forest, the shadows swallowing her.