Broken Antler Fen Go ahead, make my day

The caldera's Alpha pair only referred to their children as princes and princesses rarely, mostly only as a joke. But the word princess triggered something in Wildfire's mind. "No," she replied unthinkingly, "but I'm an apprentice. A Naturalist and Warrior apprentice," she told Kero, putting a subtle emphasis on one word in particular. "And an Outrider apprentice, soon," she added.

Despite her hints (or perhaps because of them...), he seemed less like a threat with each passing moment. Wildfire wasn't dumb enough to let down her guard entirely, yet she relaxed somewhat with another low exhale. He explained that he was just out for a stroll and that he would be on his way. The word exploring piqued her interest, prompting the pup to look around herself for the first time. But before she could react, he asked her again if she was all right.

She bobbed her head. "Does this place have a name?" The words just popped out of her mouth as she scanned her surroundings a second time before her amber eyes returned to Kero.