“It’s deceptively simple if you think about it,” Ondrea continued, as if she didn’t hear her. “He’s a new species with somewhat familiar mannerisms and an oddly pleasant scent. And unlike the human soldiers fighting with us, he’s a public face, openly playing with cubs and even a common visitor to the marketplace. He has shown himself to be pleasant company. If there was really anything to criticize about him, it would be that he was too nice, like an Equestrian.” She then smiled. “Then yesterday, he proved he had a warrior side—strength, will, and skills enough to outmaneuver a Talon. When he knocked me unconscious, he sent a message to any griffin watching the duel that he had potential as a mate.” 