Northstar Vale a grin as sharp as a knife (mtr.)

by slip of attention as he focuses on the hidden treasure of the vale; he misses the fey queen's presence entirely. it is only her words rising through the cavern over the sound of splashing water as he prowls thru the hotspring. though he starts with unbridled surprise at realizing he wasn't alone, her presence only adds to wintersbane's enjoyment of how the water laps over his shoulders, the way the heat loosens his muscles. it's relaxing ...and he cannot say for certain when the last time he'd relaxed has been.

a long time, then.

he assumes that cuiviénen is the name given to this place and he plays it around within his head as he turns to seek her with glacial gaze. it is a hidden treasure, he responds, ears fluttering back to rest atop the curve of his skull. it's ...relaxing. he answers truthfully; not surprised that he's given voice to his thoughts but instead feels surprise at how true it feels as it resonates within him once more. cuiviénen...what does it mean? wintersbane asks her, taking a step nearer to the edge which she is sprawled out upon; enchanting him.

you never did settle on what you would call me, princess. he reminds her with a devilish grin and a slight cant of his head that dips his muzzle beneath it's lapping surface before he pulls it back up. — though i guess 'princess' doesn't suit your station anymore, does it? though it is not hard to keep in mind that she is his leader; he hopes she is not abolished with the familiar way he speaks to her. given that, i suppose i should address you more properly.