King Elk Forest pretty noose

It did not take long for the pale agouti she-wolf to appear from amid the tangled foliage. As soon as his green eyes met her fierce red ones, Verran felt his heart begin to pound and he hastened to stand, while lowering his posture. His tail tucked between his heels and his ears flattened against his skull, and he struggled to maintain eye contact even as she spoke to him. 

She finished with a piercing question and he knew it was time for him to speak. He had not used his voice in weeks, and had relished it; there was no need to worry about anyone judging his stutter when he was alone. But talking could not be avoided forever.

I-I know... he spoke softly. I am l-l-loyal to you, V-Vex. I adm-mire the way you lead... I always have. And... there is no o-one I would r-rather follow." He swallowed down the nervousness that was accumilating in his throat, and made himself look at her steadily, so she might see the honesty in his eyes.