In the land of obscurity

Starling would smile still, enjoying the small touch he had shared with Cathaoir even if the other boy hadn't responded to it at all. He was a fighter, wasn't he? As he looked at his friend now, silent and ready to leap, he felt himself sigh. He certainly had a warrior's form, strong, powerful as he readied his muscles. Starling felt himself tracing the strong lines, almost at a distance, quiet and his usual busy mind just shut off. When the other boy leapt, making quick work of that distance between the ground and the shelf, Starling felt his breath catch just slightly. Impressed, even as a flutter coursed through his chest. His eyes widened slightly before narrowing and looking to the side. Now...what was what? He shook his head then, shrugging his shoulders to himself before he focused on own task. He had to leap, he had to show Cath that he wasn't...clumsy. Sticking his tongue out just slightly he pushed his weight on his hind limbs, like springs, before jumping forward and up, afraid he'd miss or make a fool of himself.

When his paws touched rock without problem he nearly cheered, celebrated, but blinked as Cathaoir kept going. There was more! Ugh. This was the hardest herb to get, but it was worth it. So worth it. Especially if the pay off was good. But...no, even as he thought about it...it wouldn't matter either way, not since he was spending time with this new friend, this intriguing stranger that set a fire in his chest. He'd grin then, feeling strength course through him before he trotted to the edge of the shelf, readying himself and leaping, following Cath from shelf to shelf at a much slower pace. By the time he landed on the same that Cathaoir did, he was panting, his legs shaking with overuse. He barely heard his friend speak through his panting breath and beating heart, but what he did hear pulled a laugh from his heaving chest.  "N-not a g-good t-trap if you l-land on your f-face." He said with a breathless laugh, taking this chance to catch it. And then...he paused, eyes growing wide at the offer, and the price. Cath would train him, if Starling took him out hunting. He couldn't explain the feeling that spread through him, a nervous but excited flutter, the fire like red hot heat....it was amazing and terrifying all at once. "Y-yes! of c-course. I'd l-love f-for you t-to teach me."  He said happily, his grin spread to show a small ammount of pearly whites. "An-and I'd be h-happy to have you with m-me. H-hunting a-and ex-exploring." He said softly, smiling up at his friend before turning to look at the bushes at their paws, instantly knowing that it wasn't wintergreen. He'd lower his nose to the earth then, searching for the scent. It was here, on this volcano, he could feel it! It just....required more work, it seemed. Of course it'd be called rare if it involved rock climbing!  

"Burn Baby Burn" | "Italian"