---

His chest broadened a little with pride at her compliment, half because he believed it, and half to humour her. An indulgent grin was offered, Hmm. I will wear your favour proudly, then, goddess, and rain adorations upon you. Another shake of his head sent more petals fluttering down, speckling her fur like a second dappled sunlight.

Of her siblings he had felt she was the truest warrior among them, for it was confidence and resilience one required to win battles, and these she did not lack. Whether she climbed great summits or wrapped hardened warriors around her tail with clever manners, the young goddess had shown herself to be unflappable in all pursuits. He anticipated her will being no easy thing to deny.

And while others in her employ laughed tepidly about their fears of adolescence upon her making her mischief into contrariness and ill-temper, Nakhtmin found in himself only anticipation of any such day. A young thing growing into her horns ought to test them! And know she was strong! He recalled fondly the arrogance of his own youth, how every lesson could belong solely to himself in those days. He wished her the joy of it!

But that did not mean he was eager to be gone with her innocence. These were fast fading days, like flowers in rain-season, and he would enjoy them for all that they offered. He followed her tamely, tail swishing, and rumbled, Your mother might be pleased with an offering of blossoms, to perfume the camp with.

At the very least, Nakhtmin would be pleased with it.

Shall I lift you to collect the best of them? It was not particularly dignified to be clambering about, but he firmly believed that a divine princess should be above any criticism on the matter. If she was agile, she could from his crest scale to the wending low branches, and perhaps be blessed also with findings of unusual feathers, or strange insects.