Nihil Timeo! I Fear Nothing!

The electric current that passed between him and her is felt deeply. His own soul-bond had disappeared many months back but the truth was that he had never really felt anything with her. She was a stranger with a tie to him that felt strained. Odd. Unnatural. What was between him and Nymeria was more imprint-like than what his had been, if truth be told, and it is almost as if he can feel her heart beating within his own chest. Perhaps their hearts had changed rhythm to match one another, because his was so set on conquering hers. The subtle lift in her fur is noticed beneath the pounding of his own heart, an excitement that thrums through him like the best sort of adrenaline.

There is honesty and vulnerability in the words he spills. A question that lingers in his orange eyes, fastened as they are upon her own, noting the way she watches him with an intensity as well, their touches seeming so far away in these few short moments. Yet he is brave. Certain. Nymeria has always shown him a great affection so it was not as if he did not suspect she felt the same. It is harder to admit such things aloud at times but the fruit would be well worth the sourness in waiting.

We share the same dream, Vortigern.

It shouldn't be a surprise. After all, his words could have only been met in two ways. A definite no or a yes. Still, his mouth falls slightly open at her words, eyes shining brightly as his tail begins to wag. Slowly, once, twice, faster. She steps closer and runs her muzzle along his jaw and he makes a crooning sort of groan in pleasure at her touch. I love you, she says, and his slack-jawed look turns into one of triumph, a grin bursting forth.

"And I love you, Nymeria, my mate."

Mates... MATES. In only a few seconds his entire life has shifted. They were official now. He steps forward to rub his own muzzle against her cheek, marking her with his scent, unable to help himself while his tail wags swiftly. Nimbly he nips at her ear before pouncing back, euphoric. "Shall we announce it to Spirane, mate?" The word will be a staple in his speech with her for a long time to come, his wonder and fascination with it apparent as he spins, throwing a daring grin over his shoulder. He would race across the slopes and foothills of Spirane and howl it to the world, if only she would come with him. But he knew she would - she always would, his daring dragon girl. Ears folding back he throws his head to the air and howls, eager for her to join him, singing to the world of his sudden fortune. Mates.