Exton

The Hound cocks its head at Erik's description, soundlessly glaring at the Viking. It raises its muzzle and pointedly looks away. Keon laughs and the creature glares over its massive shoulder.

"Be truthful Trooper. Our whole species looks like a cross between our brothers, the wolves, and the great lizards."

The Hound bares its teeth, and Keon smiles back. It settles on its haunches and turns somber eyes to Star. The long scaled tail brushes the snow in slow sweeps. It watches her expectantly. The hiss of Erik's blade draws the fiery red gaze. Trooper looks Erik over, reassessing the man.

Star watches everything with big eyes. Looking at the Hound her eyes bled red, almost matching the hue, but not the fire, of the Hound's eyes. Bracing her hands on Tiger's broad back, Star leans across him, slowly bringing her face within reach of the Hound. The Hound leans forward eagerly and Keon's voice halts his movements.

"Trooper." The Hound looks over his shoulder. "No tasting." The broad shoulders slump and its head dips. A disappointed whine emits from the massive creature. Its tail stills, curling around its haunch.

Star flicks her eyes to Erik, then Keon. Her red gaze is tinged in yellow. Patiently she waits for Trooper to sniff her. Tiger watches the Hound as it moves closer. A soft rumble of warning vibrates through the cat. Trooper stares at it and pointedly ignores it. It meets Stars' nose with its own. It sniffs, then turns a glare at Erik, as if saying 'I know what you did.' It turns back to Star and snuffles her cheek, then into her hair. Star giggles as the surprisingly soft bristles brush over her skin.

The Hound gently draws back, rubbing lightly to elicit another giggle. Just as it is about to step back, the long black tongue swipes over Star's cheek. Trooper pivots out of Erik's striking space, moving more gracefully than one would expect. He bounds to Keon's side and looks up. Keon stares down at Trooper, his face grim. The black tongue lolls out of Trooper's jaws as it gives the Sidhe Lord big, innocent eyes.

"That doesn't work for Guunnar and it won't work for you. I said no tasting. Say you are sorry to the Lady."

Trooper turns and rises on all fours. It lowers its massive front to the snow, abasing in Star's direction.