Perhaps she was being courted by her mate. It may not have been what Dorian would think as courting, but they did indeed go through the process in their own way. Oh how very unique and different were their methods. While she was mistreated and treated terribly by her own kind, her mate was living a hellish life of constantly being misunderstood and uncared for. Both knew very well that others could not be trusted, that they were to be weary of others. Thankfully they both gave the other the chance to prove and show that they were different and unlike any others. Each tentative step forward was one step towards trust and understanding. It had taken them a lot of time to come where they were, but each step of the process was meaningful. Raven never cared for her looks. How could she with her physical features ruined so long ago. That another looked at her and wanted to spend time with was not only special, but quite unbelievable.

After all she was accustomed to others gawking at her, shifting away or trying to ignore her. It didn't matter when he came to her, be it during the day or extremely late at night. Each time her took out, each time he showed her kindness in his gestures or words it slowly drew her out, giving him the chance to find her and bring her out. As her thoughts went wayward to remembering their first intimate moment together within the grass atop of the hill that looked out to the city, Dorian's chuckle brought her back. Her cheeks instantly went red, embarrassed that such scandalous thoughts were at the forefront of her mind. As she tried to distract herself and converse with the topic of hand, she politely nodded as he spoke about his trip. Quietly she lifted her cup and took a sip, with a polite smile. The very idea of seeing another city of the country sounded wonderful, but there was no way she would be able to go out into the world. As she was able to show off the gifts her mate had bestowed upon her, she beamed proudly to see how he was engaged and appreciated the gifts just as much as she did.

"It is Channel No. 5. It is a very well-known brand that many women would simply die for, and the men are immensely attracted to that particular scent. I appreciates these gifts immensely. That is a very thoughtful gift that you both gave one another. The ring he gave you is very pretty, so you are married now, I wish I would have known!"

Raven was hardly the type that allowed others to be close to her, especially males. Dorian was a friend. A friend she was learning to trust and see that he would do her no harm. He had always been kind to her, friendly, never treating her as if she were beneath him or that she was fragile. The lupine knew very well she was not a damsel in distress. What she did know is that she could protect herself and others. Although there were times when it would seem everything terrible would befall upon her. Others may judge her based upon her unlucky events or her physical appearance and yet they had no idea what truly lied within the woman. Dorian treated her like an equal, spoke to her as if they were on the same level. Their intellectual conversations a breath of fresh air, to converse in history, the arts, and numerous other topics that either others did not care to have or at least didn't have an interest in. She was absolutely proud to show off the gifts she received, pleased to show another that her mate was quite good. After all friends are supposed to approve one another's significant other, right? Of course when she bragged about her treasures, she did so quite humbly. It was impressive to see the ring upon the man's hand, a symbol not only of their love, but of their vows. She could recall her mate telling her that one day they would marry her. With a ring or not, with a real wedding or not, it did not matter to her. They were married, in their own way. As the question led to her home she nodded politely taking the pause he provided her as a way to respond and explain.

"Well, we would have to place a lot of trust in the Were we left in charge would not only keep the territory safe, but actually have claim over it still. We could leave for a few hours, or have a night to ourselves, that is okay. However, we cannot leave for a week and tell the Weres we will be gone and that all challenges would not be allowed, it does not work that way for us. We must always have a presence, just in case someone does try to take our home. Maybe one day, if it were possible we could try, but I do not want to risk that and lose our home right now."

Perhaps one day she would be able to leave the Ark and go on a splendid adventure across the seas. Though she doubted now that her mate was in charge of the Ark and territory he would not be inclined to leave. Maybe if their beloved Alpha was still alive they might have taken that chance. However, Raven did her best not to think of the chance, rather she ignored it and suppressed those desires. Instead she took a sip of her tea taking the beautiful wrapped gift that the Fae King was giving her. A surprise look was etched upon her mauled face, in disbelief that she was receiving a gift and sadden and ashamed that she had nothing else to give him in return. Slowly she tore out the golden wrapper and grinned in delight at being given a book, one so rare. Gingerly her fingers stroked over the cover as she opened the book slowly, blue-grey eyes roaming over the pages and words, taking the scent of the antique pages, pleased and happy. There was a flash of sadness though that appeared on her face at the mention of one day being blessed with children, the lupine believing that due to their different of sub-species it wasn't possible for them to have children of their own. Though that sadness was brief, it was replaced with a genuine look of joy as she spoke to Dorian in such an appreciative tone.

"Oh Dorian, thank you so much for the gift, I appreciate it very much. I am sure my mate would like to listen to the stories. If I would have known we were exchanging gifts I would have brought you something. Please let me pay for everything today, at least as a repayment."

How surprising it was to think that she was thought of when he was enjoying his holiday with his own lover, this mystery man she did not know. Indeed it would be fun to read and share these stories with her mate. She was assured both of them would enjoy listening to the stories. This was quite an old tomb, these titles foreign to her some of the words quite...different. It would be a challenge and yet she was delighted. The woman loved books and she was pleased to have such a special piece to add to her ever growing collection. One day she would need to lay claim to an unused room and turn it into her own personal library. As the Fae King settled back into his chair his next inquiry caused the woman to grin as her cheeks flared to a rosy pink once more. Softly she murmured softly a bit nervous to speak about her mate.

"Oh...um...where to begin."

Indeed where to begin. There was so much she wanted to tell him! After all she was rarely ever given the chance to explain her mate. Most met him and his unique actions were enough to leave others questioning just how and why in the world she would choose him over all else. The answer was quite simple and one that shouldn't be hard to believe...she loved him. The lupine trusted him completely. She didn't care how others thought of him. It didn't bother her one bit with how he was or what others thought. Though she did care about how others treated him. He was different yes, perhaps a bit difficult to understand, or interact with, and yet it was doable. If only others gave the chance. A small simper curled on her pink lips as she slowly began to tell Dorian about her mate, her voice holding such a joyful and admiring tone.

"My mate's name is Tobias Cain, but he goes by Tobi. He is a Were-Leopard. He is quite different from everyone else, but that's what led me to him. He is absolutely clever, he thinks through things in a different manner. He is very kind, and caring. He has a very quick temper, but he can settle once I talk to him. He is possessive, a bit too possessive, but then again our kind is territorial. He is a very good protector, he keeps me safe, and always wants to ensure I am happy. He is a charming deviant and I am grateful that he has chosen me to be at his side, I love him dearly. He is...they are everything to me."

Yes, she was aware that she said they. After all there were two souls within her companion. She recognized them and treated them both with as much love as she could provide. Perhaps...maybe Dorian would understand. Against all others she knew maybe he would accept him just as she accepted him. And so she was willingly to talk perhaps a little bit more about him, about a piece of him that others rarely got to know. Her words were much softer now, as if she were telling a secret, though it still held a happy tone.

"There are...there are two sides to him. You see there is one side where he is like...like you and me, where we can comprehend like us. Then there is this other side of him that isn't like you and me. I am...I am very protective of him, both of him. They...when others see him they do not like him, because he is so different, but he is very good. They just...they just don't understand him like I do. They are my heart and soul, they are my missing half."

Raven Clocksworth.