He waits outside her den this day, yes, that boy of black shadows and long fur. Waiting, waiting for her to come from within as he reclines within the shade and eyes of emerald green watch while his ears so sharp and tall listen for sounds from within. He knows his sire is sleeping, for the sun is high and crested within the sky and the Dark One will not come into the light. This pleases Lonhro, for he seeks not to engage his sire today, remains content to leave Tobias in peace as they have managed to exist for this long. Jaws part, allowing his tongue to sweep at his lips though his gaze continues to watch for Tick Tock- for it is with her he must speak and then with the one of mud and earth who comes in the darkness with the others. Lonhro has learned many things, his mind is full of secrets, but some he will share this day, some should be shared, he thinks. His long tail flicks, furs of red and white curling about his form as he does, long dark fur resting in the dust and soft grass about him. He will be patient, he will wait, all day if he must for he has nowhere else to be today. He simply must speak the words to be spoken, then seek out the one of mud and earth who smells of only dirt and rain and tell him what he knows. For Lonhro is a grand finder of secrets and keeper of them too- though not this one. This one is better shared.

He wonders perhaps, if the one who had traded him this secret would return, her own pelt smelling of ocean and salt and a land of water he has not seen before. He had liked her and he had told her as such. A rare thing perhaps, for Lonhro cares for few and likes even less. It is simply his nature, his way, he is not unfriendly, he is simply indifferent to most unless they have something that may be offered to him. He does love to trade after all, a trade in secrets by far the most entertaining of all. A cry comes from his lips, calling the Alphess once more, though the scent of his Mother lingers strongly here too and he wonders perhaps if she is asleep within as well. Such thoughts pass from his mind, attention returned upon the space as he sees the Alphess emerge and he raises himself upward. He is a tall creature and growing taller each day, a boy designed to be far grander then even his sire ever was as he allows eyes of forest green to regard this Queen. Ears fold backward a moment, a submission, a respect and little else as he stands, words parting his lips in that halting, broken tone that has become his way.

“Lonhro……has things to tell…….clever Lonhro……knows secrets. Does……Impa….want to hear them?”