Ankyra Sound a drop of hell, a touch of strange

As if hearing the thoughts as they flit through his mind, Illidan's comments caused Firefly's expressin to soften, just a touch. He heard that pledge but didn't know what to do with it. They were still just aquaintances — bordering on becoming family because of their ties to the same spit of beachfront — but it came as a surprise to Firefly that the boy would pledge himself in such a way. It made him feel emboldened, strengthened, just in knowing he wasn't being forced in to any situation. If they did have to fight, Firefly would have the support of a pack behind him - and this boy beside him. He tried to get a look at Illidan's face but noticed he was trying to keep his attention fixed elsewhere, so the man gave up. He thought about the comments without replying for a moment longer, and stared up at the cliffs.

If we fight — he murmured in a conspiratorial manner, staring up at that cliffside where he thought he could see canine shapes looming, —When, rather, since it seemed the tension in the air wasn't going to abate, like the coming of a powerful storm, I'll defend you and your mother for as long as I can. He'd claimed to be a warrior when they'd accepted him after all. It seemed only right that, should it be necessary, he fall on that sword when the time came.