Ara hadn't realized that her mood was so easy to discern. Truthfully, she had a rather.. unassuming presence and never called for much attention, so it seemed rare she was noticed at all unless she meant to be. She shook her head, feeling heat rise to her face, and glad at least he could not notice her bashfulness. It seemed rude to not feign a positive attitude around strangers, especially ones she had just barely met -- they didn't need to be burdened with her troubles, not at all. Slowly she shook her head, a bit dismissively, at the notion. "Oh, I'm fine," she told him gently, her tail flicking lightly behind her.
She watched as he settled down, bowing slightly to her. She wasn't used to such formality, and was slightly taken aback. Ara dipped her own muzzle in a slight nod of respect to him. "It's a pleasure, Eniko," she started, the smile she wore now far more genuine. "My name's Ara." She didn't remember when she'd stopped using her wife's surname, but it had fallen from her introductions over time -- it was probably a good thing she didn't realize, due to how guilty it would've made her feel. Though she appreciated his kind words, she wasn't used to sharing much of anything with anyone, let alone someone she'd just met a moment ago. "I.. appreciate the thought, but I wouldn't want to burden you. I'm fine, really." The corners of her lips twitched up in another faint smile. 'What brings you to these parts, anyway, Eniko?" The way he spoke was oddly proper, and she couldn't help the nagging feeling that he wasn't from these lands, at least not originally.
