Growing pains

Ollie nervously exchanged a grateful smile with his brother. He didn't mean to monopolize the conversation with Absynth so thoroughly. He appreciated how Wylan was always so generous and supportive of him.

His focus was overtaken by the woman and he was hanging off her every word while she described the difference between fighting and protecting. He echoed her grin back at her when she described how she enjoyed a rush of blood, he had to admit the sound in her throat sent strange new sensations down his spine for some reason.

The busy market began to fall away from him as she spoke about the idea of protecting and his mind wandered to his battle with the bear again.

She took a step toward him, he stood his ground confidently as she drew nearer. The teen could somehow listen to her talk all day. He drew himself up to his full height, perhaps he'd grow another inch or two by the time autumn came around again, but he showed her he wasn't scared of her. This situation seemed to call for a staredown, no aggression, no fear. His own deep viridian gaze pierced into her emeralds, she might even notice the flecks of lavender on his right iris. Was this a challenge of sorts? A test? He swished his tail back and forth to expel any anxious energy, he didn't like backing down when he was challenged.

"What sort of situation is this then?" He asked, placing his paw forward and coming nearly nose-to-nose with her. He was not like his gentle brother. Ollie was born with one foot in the grave and had stared death in the face many a time before his first birthday.


"Speech"