Kiva noticed the way his fur remained raised despite the conversation staying pleasant enough. She’d seen that sort of uncertainty before. It wasn’t anger. It was someone trying to decide whether the stranger in front of them was safe. His explanation drew a small smile across her muzzle.

“So that’s the reputation this place has?” she murmured. Her gaze wandered briefly past him, taking in the winding paths and the distant structures hidden beyond the trees before settling back on him. She nodded to herself.

”Well,” she drawled, “I suppose I can understand why travelers would stop. Good food and company are difficult things to pass up.”

At his question, one ear flicked thoughtfully.

“But you don’t?”

She gave an easy shrug. “I didn’t, no.” A quiet laugh escaped her.

“I sort of arrived here by accident. I woke up in a place I’d never seen before with no idea where I was, so most of my traveling has been guided by curiosity more than good planning.”

Her tail swept lazily through the grass behind her. “I’ve only been here a short while. I’ve learned the names of a few places, met a handful of wolves, and somehow managed not to get myself completely lost.” She paused just long enough to grin.

“Eh, I think.” The humor softened into something more genuine.

“So Highwayman Howff wasn’t a destination. It was simply the next interesting place my paws carried me.” Her amber eyes drifted back to Selkie, open and curious.

“Besides the food, drinks, and… things,” she echoed with a playful smile, “what’s it like living here? I haven’t had the chance to stay anywhere long enough to get to know a place yet.”