𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐒𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃!

A growl of approval.

"Bwuff."

That's a yes, probably.

"Well . . . I dunno, I just . . . Hm."

Matthias gives a soft exhale, feeling her squeeze him tightly.

" . . . I missed ya, so sue me."

He huffs, hugging her back with a gentle touch.

Matthias doesn't hesitate, moving to stabilize Zagreus and to keep the ship from tilting too harshly.

"Here, use yer legs and yer core to stabilize yerself when steering."

"That's attractive to me. You, are attractive to me."

Eyes narrowing.

"Yes. Ya do."

"Mmmm . . . Well, yer tall, muscular, ya have a nice voice . . ."

" . . . Why wouldn't I be ?"

"Exceedingly handsome, actually. ~"

He's not sure what's happening, but this isn't the worst thing to happen . . . So he'll just rumble pleasantly, putting both paws over his snout and closing his eyes.

An amused chuff, as if he's ever second best . . . but damn, does being pet in this form feel good.

He tilts his head, trying to get her to scratch behind his ears. His fur is soft and silky, but the hide underneath is thick, like armor.

YELP ! ?

He's a dire wolf, so he's quite big ! Very soft and warm.

Clueless man-in-wolf form.

A snort of agreement, followed by a nod. He can't really talk in this form, so he just noses at her playfully . . . Which is actually quite forceful, due to the fact he's a dire wolf. Big boy. His nose is cold and wet, too.

Deadpan, half-lidded stare.

Casting Animal Shift, turning inti a golden-furred and cyan eyed dire wolf.

"...Hhhrr...grrr...bwoof."

" . . . Ma'am that is just a straight up dude in a wolf body."

"Yer more than welcome. 'S the least I could do !"

Opening his arms to offer a hug, if she so chooses.

Matthias stands just off to the side, letting Zagreus take the wheel.

Surprisingly, it's actually quite weighty, but the way the sun kisses the prince's skin, the way the wind tousles his hair, the salty taste of the air.

"See ?"

"Would you like to ? I don't know how long you'll stay or if you'll get the chance to again, so . . . I'll help you, don't worry."

"For you ! Obviously ! I thought you'd like lightning flowers . . . Well, because, yeah !"

Gently extending them.

"That's okay, I'm here for ya instead. ~"

Holding a small bouquet of White Lightning flowers.

:3

Why are all the ladies coming to me ? Where are all the big werewolves ?

"Aye, they're the best. Loyal, for scoundrels and swashbucklers, smart, strong, kind . . . All the best qualities."

Matthias responds, taking Zagreus by the hand and leading him up to the helm !

"Have you ever steered a ship like this before ?"

" . . . No, I definitely do. I have been finding myself crammed into less than ideal sleeping spaces more and more as of late."

A soft groan.

[ sharp inhale. ]

. . .

Ya have a thirty second head start.

Run.

[ Casting Animal Shift to turn into a full grown utahraptor with golden feathers and slitted cyan eyes. ]

"So I've been told."

He doesn't resist, letting the man sitting atop his chest examine his face - for such a scarred visage, the unscarred skin is quite soft, obviously well cared for.

"Mmm . . . That feels good, moving my neck like that."

⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀⠀⠀ 𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑰𝑭𝑼𝑳.
⠀
⠀
⠀

"Strength isn't exactly the term I'd use."

He chuckles, closing his hand and allowing the spell to dissipate into raw energy once more.

"It's liiike . . . A toolkit. A sledgehammer can be used to break and destroy sure, but in that same kit are other tools for other things."

"That doesn't make yer own emotions any less valid ? Sorry, I'm not following - even literal emotional vampires have emotional support, where I'm from. Or else, they die."

- rather friendly man, a large black furred minotaur man clapping him on the back as he moves past to work on the rigging.

"So . . . This is my home."