The weather had been growing steadily better over the past few days, moving from the erratic rains and cold winds of early spring, and into the calm warmth signifying approaching summer. Now to most wolves, this was a happy sight, and Kyrios too, enjoyed the warm sun on his back; What Captain isn’t grateful for calm seas? Still, his mercurial nature enjoyed the unpredictability, and was sad to see it pass – he would have to work much harder now, to keep himself entertained.

Today, his attention was drawn by a peculiar change in the landscape, the woods of red ferns parting around a grassy clearing, filled with low, gnarled trees crowned in fuchsia flowers. In his previous travels through these lands, the adventurer had never come upon this place before, so well hidden within the gloom of The Vale. It seemed like this was the time of year to find it though, the midday sun just strong enough to melt the snow from the lush, chartreuse blanket below, and make the flowers bloom brilliantly above.

Calling the spirited man a romantic would not be lying, although he enjoyed an active life and always kept moving from place to place, he also knew to appreciate the beauty of things when he came upon them. So he took his time here, lying down un his back to gaze up into the flower crowns, breathing in their sweet scent as it carried down to him on the evening breeze.

The splendor above might be enough to hold the erratic Captain’s attention for an hour or two, but it didn’t blind his senses to everything else; Although the scent might get close… Still, he heard the soft footfalls approaching, turning his head just enough to glance at the stranger, out the corner of his eye. A lone shewolf, seeming to be caught up in the beauty as well.

Kyrios stayed where he was, smiling to himself, but not wanting to disturb the girl; not just yet anyway. She was a pretty, young thing, clad in pale fur with a dusting of ash, over a lean, graceful frame. Her attention was turned at the wonder above, head titled back to take it all in. He couldn’t blame her, although, as she got closer and closer, he did start to worry she might step on him in her reverie.

The white rogue was just parting his jaws to warn her, when her eyes finally drifted down, spotting him with visible shock. He couldn’t help but grin at her startle, her backwards jump reminiscent of a young deer, having walked too close to something unknown, without realizing. She recovered with impressing speed though, prompting a husky chuckle from the pirate. “Aye lass, A’m as fine as this lush evening. And yerself?” Golden eyes twinkled up at her, a lazy grin on his face; ”Enjoying th’ sights?”

Bronze-dusted brows raised at her enthusiasm, grin growing wider as the corners of his eyes crinkled with humor. The young woman sure had character, and showed a genuine, wonderous joy as she looked back up at the colorful canopy. There was something refreshing about it, a sincere appreciation, unhampered by the affected seriousness of so many older wolves.

Kyrios grinned up at the girl, tilting his head curiously as she continued to speak. He’d never met a bard before, nor anyone as grandiose yet open. Feeling a need to show proper gallantry, the Captain rolled onto his stomach, rising into a half-seat, only to sweep a gentlemanly bow. “A right pleasure, Isomne,” He greeted warmly, glancing up from his crouched position to smile brightly at her; “A’m Kyrios Aegina Stark, at ye service.” He couldn’t help but give a small wiggle of his brow, before straightening back up to sit properly across from her.

Continuing cheerfully, he kept smiling at the graceful woman; “Jus’ a modest adventurer me’self, sailin’ wherever th’ wind takes me.” He shrugged one shoulder, humbly dismissing his own experience in favor of hearing more about her; “Ain’t never met a proper bard b’fore, ye’ must’ve a lot of great adventures t’ sing about.” He left the statement hanging like a question, looking encouragingly at her. Next to his own travels, hearing other wolves’ stories was the best thing he knew.