Barrow Fields going to california with an achin' in my heart

Tine rose to her feet fluidly, tail swishing behind her. She liked this. Briefly she found herself comparing him to Engel-- of course the red-furred man came up short. This male was more desirable so far in every way; it was strange to the shadow when the thought inspired a surge of pity and possessiveness towards Engel. He was an insufferable idiot, but he was her insufferable idiot.

That was beside the point anyway. Only a beat had passed before she had a response for him. I'm exploring! She informed him cheerfully. I'm usually out on my own.

After a couple more beats, Tine had her own questions. She spoke with gentle, friendly curiosity, but the flirtatious undertones had not disappeared. What's your name? And what are you doing?