Thicket of Secrets A Time of Change

That elusive smile. Duck knew his leaders well, their mannerisms and nature, and was reasonably confident in interpreting the more subtle aspects of talking with them. Everybody had tells, silent and often subconscious ways of communicating with others. Where Aideen was open and warm and liberal with her affection, Miccah was stoic and serious, not distant but always maintaining perspective. Duck wasn't sure he'd seen the man really smile for anyone other than his mate and children... to be a part of that illustrious club was both humbling and flattering, which was a strange combination to process.

Ever to-to-point, never one to waste time and dilly-dally, Miccah stepped back which clearly communicated that the conversation was over. Duck resisted the urge to collapse in a terrified puddle of I'm-gonna-fuck-up goo at least until his king was well out of sight, but had already started to retreat into his head, dizzy with the weight and personal significance of what had just happened, when Miccah offered his parting shot.

Duck watched his leader leave, jaw slightly slack and a soft whimper fluttering from his throat, hindlegs quivering as his tail beat merrily from side to side.