she would find him there, fresh from stretching his muscles in boyish displays by himself. as if he was the star of the stage, aching for a proper fight.
but, ah, no such thing was true. he was grateful for peace when it was found — as much as he was grateful for times of war.
he would spot her when she neared enough, her coat vibrant against the winter colors. although this time he was aware enough to not gaze upon her so heavily. which was easy when she carried something in her jaws.
yet he did not break the silence, still carrying some since of awkward delicacy from the way she had departed last time.
he did not know what to say, for her apology. maxim had become slowly aware of his unkind behavior. unkind as in...oblivious. his open staring, his blunt questioning. he had become less oblivious to how this made him stick out.
i will,
he answered finally, a slow but steady wag of his tail behind him. some attempt to be kinder. friendlier, without the staring.
what do you like to talk of?
a genuine question, despite his awkward wording.
i do. it is orderly, i like that.
needed it, even, but he didn't feel like indulging her in that. certainly his rowdiness shined through his impolite staring (that he now tried better to hide) or indulging the women in his time more than the men.
and he would bite, feeling the meat already settle a lingering hunger.
will you show me how to hunt birds sometime? i have only ever killed things on land or in water.
he did not need to be told twice and the delight of her offer shimmered in his eyes.
he would only manage to scarf down one more bite when she asked another question. one that gave him pause, a soft thoughtful hum filling the silence.
the sparring arena is a cliché answer from a soldier, no?
he laughed heartily. the tablinum is gorgeous, but i hope to not see it often.
he laughed at her admission, warm and hearty but not the sort of boyish charm he may have tried upon their first meeting.
well, if you cannot fight, know you are still safe with our medic then, hmm?
another bite of the meal swallowed down. heavy in his stomach but in a satisfying way.
and do not tell this secret either but...hunters are just as valuable. you feed the armies and house them. it is a vital job, no?