She had an easy humour and a practiced certainty about her. She didn't invite argument, but tolerated a difference of opinion. It was easy to admire a person like that. Nate decided to try taking her at face value — though it remained a deliberate choice for him, and some small part held still itself back, just in case...

He listened, mostly quiet, eyes still on her, though he smiled at Hestia's banter. When she offered to let him forage, nodded: Not a debt, then. But one good turn deserves another, and I'd sleep sounder knowing I showed you better gratitude than just my company. He wasn't sure what his company was even worth, if it didn't provide a tangible benefit. She didn't seem all that lonely.

When Hestia motioned, followed. It sounds beautiful, he replied, tilting his nose up to see if he could discern the tell of nearby water on the air. It was still a cacophony of too much input, and he mostly smelled her. That would have to be its own victory.

Have you lived here long? He asked as they walked. Had she woken up, something new altogether, like him? Or had she always been a wolf? Did the distinction matter, now? Maybe only in his mind. Maybe it only mattered for the sake of curiosity. But it seemed pleasant enough small talk to make on the surface, and as long as he didn't start raving about being born again in a very literal sense of the word, wasn't likely to make her think she'd invited a blaspheming madman to her den. He hoped.