Kaphiri's heart thundered against his ribcage, and he thought any moment it might burst from his chest. He'd gathered such an extravagant array of gifts for his sweetheart and where a moment ago he'd worried about there not being enough, he again wondered if it was too much. What if he scared her off? What if she didn't like the thought of wearing their prey atop her shoulders and hated the coats?

Still, he sat a little straighter when her scent drifted on the wind nearby; he couldn't see her for a while, but the moment he did, the ruby priest wiggled faintly with the fierceness of his tail wagging behind him.

He wanted to greet her, but suddenly, his voice stuck in his throat. His ears and face felt like they were on fire, and for just a second, he was glad she was in the distance. Get it together, idiot!