Swiftcurrent Creek to be the wing that fans the flame

His ears flickered uncertainly when he picked up a sudden change in her mood. His ears fell back against his head, and he took a quick half-step backward even as his tail began to wag.

"Well, I better be on my way," he said, his voice still friendly, but edged with discomfort, now. He realized that he was talking to a girl - not his sister or his mother, but a real, actual girl. Suddenly, everything he'd said to her seemed foolish, and the male wished he'd come up with something better to impress her with.

But they were past that, now, and all he wanted to do was get away, and maybe think of some cool things to say to her if they ever met again. "It was nice to meet you, Adeline," he added, and his voice was sincere, but he was already walking away.