Redtail Rise whistles and cricket song

Ashlar wasn't entirely positive, but there was something exceptionally kind in Ratio that warmed him immensely to the man's presence. The bard recognized this contrast in silent tandem with Ratio's own appreciation. He wasn't like the others either, or anyone that Ashlar had met so far. He'd never been complimented with this much care and he wasn't able to respond for a moment. His voice seemed to disappear with the heating of his fur, but it wasn't embarrassment that did it. It was happiness.

He wouldn't have dared to have tried with Tulimaq or Prophet, but there was only one way he could respond to that. Ashlar pressed forward and embraced Ratio with surprising fervor. He was smaller but could still press his shoulder to the man's chest, his cheek to his shoulder.

It was an innocent impulse, but by the end his cheeks burned. I'm glad you're here. It'd be lucky if they were like you too. He was suddenly a little too shy to meet Ratio's gaze in spite of the heartfelt nature of the statement.