Swiftcurrent Creek rocky waters

There was something infectious about Shadow's smile, but the way he looked at her was... different. Paar did not know him particularly well, and she was hopeful to better befriend him in the future. He was pleasant and comforting to be around, a wolf with a big heart and a kind face. She chose to ignore the familiar glint in his gaze when she met his eyes. However, she could not when he parted his lips and spoke to her.

"You're beautiful" were words she'd heard often, because she was. And she knew she was appealing to the opposite sex. Since she grew out of her awkward puppy appearance and into one of a young woman, Paarthurnax had turned many heads. She could handle herself in the presence of strangers who sought to pursue her, males who fancied her without even knowing her name, and often she'd even flirt back. Paar couldn't deny that she enjoyed being desired sometimes, but this time, she was not sure how to react.

Maybe because she felt something in return for Shadow? Because he'd been kinder than anyone else had been in a long time? Because he'd been willing to be the shoulder she sought to lean on? She did not know. A whirlwind of emotions gripped her heart, which fluttered uncomfortably within her breast, and her smile softened.

"Thank you, Shadow," the bi-coloured beauty managed when she saw warmth in her pack-mate's gaze replaced by worry, bumping the tip of her nose to her companion's silken cheek in silent encouragement. It was nice to be considered pretty by something who genuinely seemed to care for her, rather than someone who liked her purely for how she looked.