"So it would seem," I said in reply to his comment about being clever, my broad smile quieting into something more akin to a smirk. The spark that had ignited between us seemed to only grow as time passed and we walked further into the mountainous realm of Spirane. I found myself ease into his company, enjoying the banter between us, and perhaps not exactly recognizing it for what it really was. (After all, flirtation wasn't something I had really considered before.) I chuckled at his joke about his grandfather and how he hadn't returned to the forest since, shaking my head in amusement as I turned to lead him up another switchback in the trail, assurances made that he would be welcome in Spirane.

For now I chose to keep it to myself, that I was the daughter of the alphas, that I was born of royal blood and a potential heir to the throne. I was proud of my lineage, but I liked being judged on my own merit rather than whose child I was. Daenerys was a well known and equally respected wolf, who had conquered many obstacles in her life. I hoped that I would not have to overcome the same hurdles she had - the death of her parents, the loss of her home before she could even defend it - but I wanted to prove myself in my own ways. If I even decided to step forward and attempt to fill the immense paw prints of my mother someday. And besides, why ruin the dynamic Vortigern and I had going? I didn't want him to treat me differently because I was a 'princess.'

Scaling the steeper slope with ease, I kept an ear turned back and glanced to Vortigern occasionally to make sure he was fairing alright against the challenging landscape. This was nothing compared to some of the treacherous trails higher within the peaks, but it was still no easy path to traverse for those who did not call the mountains home. His smile, I find, is contagious, and I grin and look back to the path before me. Reaching its summit, I circle and watch Vortigern as he conquered the last few strides. He certainly seemed up to the challenge. Almost as soon as he reached even ground with me his hindquarters collapsed to the earth. My tail waved back and forth at his compliment, glad that he didn't find the little overlook boring or insignificant. I tried my best to keep my composure, but I couldn't help how the pace of my wagging tail increased at his question - he wanted me to show him around, which meant he didn't just want to turn around and go home. Normally playing tour guide wasn't really my shtick, but I could make an exception for him.

"I suppose I could clear my schedule," I said teasingly, "Though I'm sure if you fell into any holes in the ground you'd figure a way out." A giggle escaped my lips, poking fun at him and his cleverness. "C'mon, there actually is this really cool cave..." I gestured to him and started up the next switchback in the trail, my own limbs spry and ready for the climb as I glanced at him with a coy challenge in my eyes. There were many more places to show him, and I was sure he would be fully impressed with Spirane before the day was out.