Larksong Grotto Imma just wander in 'ere

He was sassing her - her, the little sister to every dude, bro, and potential boyfriend in the Teekon Wilds; the girl whose blood had long ago been replaced with sass and snappy charm. Tavi would've been attracted to him if he hadn't reminded her very blatantly of her own brother. Maybe that was why his comments didn't exactly work their way under her skin, but rather, made her smirk and return to her old self. The bratty, self-possessed girl that she had left behind in the Orchard.

And then the stranger mentioned potentially joining her — and Tavi's mind halted, a brief hiccup, which reminded her of why she was here in the first place. Whatever inkling of playfullness she had begun to feel was swiftly squashed, and she resumed her role as the head bitch of the grotto (even if it wasn't quite cohesive yet).

'Course I could, she drawled with a roll of her shoulder, but was noncommittal. This guy seemed interested, which was all that she wanted of him right now, but he couldn't just waltz on in here and expect an instantaneous welcome. Tavi began to lead him through the territory at a good pace, making sure to keep her senses peeled for any strangeness, and spoke over her shoulder to him: But I don't accept everyone who comes by. You'll have to impress me. The smirk returned to her features, and she cast him a curious look, and kept on walking.