Sun Mote Copse and my whole earth shook

Before the pair can reach the pinnacle, Vixen waylays them. Keshi skitters to his other side, putting Vermouth between herself and his posturing shadow. He blinks in mild surprise at her spectacular display, biting back a laugh when his new acquaintance offers a quiet “hello” despite it.

There are so many ways to play this plot twist, his eyes sparkling with them. He considers introducing Vixen as his uppity little sister—the svart fur makes this particularly believable—but he discards that idea out of hand. It’s too boring. It’s very clear to Vermouth that Vixen is possessive of him, though maybe it reads differently to Keshi.

“Well, hello there. Do you live here too?” he says to Vixen, making a show to duck his head and lower his body in response to her severe display of dominance.

Vermouth knows she won’t respond, at least not with words, but Keshi doesn’t know that. So he tips his head and gazes at her expectantly, inserting a wink when he’s sure the pale woman isn’t looking at him. We’re both in on this, that little gesture seems to say, though truthfully he’s toying with Vixen as much as Keshi.