There was no telltale twitch of facial muscles or stirring of his tail to betray Kershov's thoughts as he silently evaluated the ink-painted wolfess. Her azure gaze held a calm and impressive intelligence, which echoed in her flawless manners and the mature way she composed herself before an unknown Alpha. And the submission! The ivory Czar didn't even need to ask, and he happened to be one of those Commanders who not only preferred recruits to defer to his power, but expected it. Ker couldn't help but compare her to the many strangers that had journeyed to Abendrot's border before; they'd come to him injured and hopeless, strong and arrogant, pitiful and foolish, quiet and dangerous. Not all of them crossed this heavily guarded fence. Not all of them stayed with the territory's walls. But all of them were at least given a chance, something the arctic outlaw would never have considered doing on the tundra and something that Halina certainly wasn't about to waste. Though his inner monster wanted to break her a thousand times, Kershov himself immediately witnessed potential. Someone ready to fight with skill, yet willing to grow as a warrior. An absolutely perfect candidate.

Halina spoke his name confidently, but Kershov noticed the flicker behind those blue windows that said she'd given some consideration before speaking. "Your etiquette is refreshing, Lady Halina," grinned the white monster. "I think you'll quite well in Abendrot . . . especially since you're so ready to 'protect and fight for' it." The remark was teasing, though it carried a simultaneous whisper of true approval--much like all of Kershov's statements did. The alabaster gangster rarely jested simply for fun; he thought it a waste of time, and somebody with his daunting rap sheet tended not to find many things amusing, anyway.

Kershov turned so that he was facing directly into Abendrot's center. He waved his kingly banner to indicate that the femme should feel comfortable walking near him; after all, as one of his soldiers she should feel at ease when around her Alpha. As soon as the pair had taken a few steps into the undergrowth, the frigid Pharaoh let slip a question as if he'd only just thought of it, and hadn't been considering it as he watched the femme. "So, Lady Halina . . . has anyone given you any trouble for your 'preferences'?"