Hushed Willows east of the sun

Valiant felt too-warm again when Alejandro called him pretty. Part of him wanted to argue that he was nothing compared to the other — but it occurred to him that he'd never really been able to look at himself, so maybe he was something to look at. His tail whisked in shy acceptance of this compliment, and he hurried to say, "Whatever you like best," in response in response to the dainty creature's question.

He felt strong and important leading his new acquaintence through his old territory, and was dangerously flattered when the fae suggested it would hunt for him in turn. "Alright," he agreed again, his feelings on the topic broadcasted freely in the pleased but bewildered expression on his face. "I used to live here," he said as the passed an overgrown trail that would've led them straight to the old dens. Valiant's original purpose for being here had been wholly overshadowed by the arrival of Alejandro; he did not think to take a detour to revisit these precious memories. "I was born just over there."

And then, embarrassingly, his stomach gave a frightful growl. He laughed to cover up his chagrin and picked up the pace a little. "We're not far — just through here," he said, pushing through another overgrown path to enter and equally overgrown clearing. "This is where I cut my teeth." He was already in hunting mode, nose-to-the-ground in an attempt to be the first one to capture a meal — but he paused to look up at Alejandro with a cheerful wave of his tail. It looked like it belonged here among the magic of the willows, which were ethereal in their own right. it was difficult to tear his eyes away and focus on the hunt, and he could not quite wipe the bashful, besotted grin off of his face even so.