Rising Sun Valley Dear Fellow Traveller

"I'd never mock a lady while in reach of her fangs." Louis replied with a somber, playful flourish, lifting a paw to his chest.

But his manners were genuine. He listened astutely, ears drooping a little as she spun her tale. Still, he smiled when she returned his gaze. "Aye, Lamartine is my home. Or - was. I left to see the world about-" Louis lifted his head, blue eyes aimed at the ceiling in quick recollection, "Two seasons ago?"

Then faced her again, "It was an amiable parting, though. My parents were sad to see me go." Since Tauris had shared her origin, he supposed he ought to, as well. "Mother had been heir to our neighbors in the mountains. Stern wolves, they are. Rules as old as the sun. But she took two lovers, in secret. Both Lamartine. Strong friendships and strong heats make for easy accidents."

Louis' tail wagged. This tale was undoubtedly a favorite. "When her father found out she carried sins, he was furious, and chased her away. Lamartine took her in. Come whelping, it was obvious my sister's father and mine were not the same. Mother is white as snow, my papa is black as moonless nights, and Newt - she's red like a fox. Like her pa. They made peace with it, though. We were raised by many parents. If there was jealousy, I never saw it." He shrugged.

Then, with a curious tilt of his head, asked, "What about your mother?"