bet you crawled

His soft grin didn't grow at the woman's welcome, but neither did it fade. He felt invited by the brightness in her eyes, and he rounded to take a position on her opposite side.

It was then he noticed her posture shift - a slight perk to the tail, a push for dominance. Malachi hardly wished for leadership at the Plateau, but the display brought back the memory of his cowardice at Duskfire, when he chose to tuck his tail between his legs when he should have stood tall. Now, with a conscious effort, he raised his tail to stand above hers. He held no aggression in his display, he only meant to give the newcomer the information she sought: his place was not one to take.

But in no way was he set to make her feel unwelcome here. Rather, he was keen to aid in a successful hunt, and he steadied his gaze on her, willing her to make the first move on the warren. This was her find, and in fairness the lead to hunt fell on her.