Cover up the poison with poetry

Each time he felt her nuzzle closer into his fur, Az's heart seemed to skip a beat. It was such an unsual feeling and one that he could not at all compare to the rare embrace he offered a family member. Her smaller form fit perfectly against her, and somehow he managed to relax knowing she was for the moment entirely safe. Occasionally his darkened nose twitched as he drank in her familiar scent - mingled now with his own - and comforted himself with her presence as she began her story.

His lips split into a smile as she spoke, and when he gave a chuckle of his own it was in response to her laughter and not necessarily her words. Hanako had always had an infectious personality and while it was her easy obedience that drew him to her, her talent for sharing joy was what made him remain. "The poor guy." Az mused after a moment, not needing to feign sympathy where another man's parts were concerned. "I knew that bird would be trouble as soon as I saw it, but of course I couldn't ever say no to you." A wiser wolf might keep their feelings hidden better, though with such little experience genuinely caring for another Az found them harder to hide. "At least I know she has utility in her beak for if anything happens to you when you're away." If the bird were to bring him a torn pair of jewels from one who had meant to harm her master, Az would likely treat her to a feast as reward.