For the Love of Poem

Theory was ready to turn him away. Her body language was tense, her upper lip was stiff, she was ready to say no (an entirely selfish act, perhaps - and the very first one of her short life). Then he spoke. She slowly sat down to listen to him as he recounted a similar tale to the one that Poem had told her on the beach. This was love. True, real love; it colored the words he spoke, his eyes, his body language. Theory couldn't help but crack a tiny, wan smile, especially at his joke. "Yes, she's stolen mine too. When you find yours you'll have to let me know where she hides them all." If she had a tail, now would be when she'd thoughtfully curl it around her paws. Since she didn't, her short tail simply quivered a bit as she thought.

"I will welcome you to Abaven. Our values, as you can tell, are family first. If you love my family, you are family of mine. Where do you see your talents best used?" she asked, her head tilted slightly. She was always open to taking input on ranks, particularly from newcomers. He was big and broad, but she didn't want to incorrectly assume that he was a fighter just from the scale of him. Crafters and healers could be just as stout as a strong warrior. "And... may I ask why you've come to join without Poem by your side?" Her eyes scanned briefly to Alouette in the trees. Her raven could summon Poem in just a moment, but she had a feeling that there were other elements at play.