stay awhile and listen

Idalia sat down and leaned into Incendio's side, mirroring his curious expression. It much easier to simply exist when he was by her side. She was relieved that she didn't have to worry too much about how to react, not with Incendio here. He would help guide her. "Hi, Hewo-Helo-Hewoise," she replied quietly, unable to stop a squeak of frustration from escaping her lips. Incendio wouldn't be so dumb. He would say it right the first time. What's wrong with me? Why am I so stupid? Her mind ran away with itself and she set about gnawing on her left leg, wracked with nerves. "We live here too," she mumbled around her own fur.

"Our dad's the strongest, best, coolest wolf in the pack and our mom is the most beautiful lady... ever," Idalia said solemnly. "He's Incendio," she added, giving her brother an affectionate lick on the shoulder. Idalia didn't bother offering her own name. That never seemed important, as long as they knew who Incendio was.