Despite the surprise that desired to paint her visage at the continued presence of the pale pup at her side, Hotaru concealed the endearment and instead opted to enjoy the hyper little darling while it lasted. Though she found it odd for the creature to find her more captivating than Deodat, especially with the stallion as Odette's bonded, she wouldn't reject the attention so freely given. It was cute, in a way, even if the poor lass had no idea how to handle the energetic thing gallivanting around her. At least she had the stallion to focus upon, instead of one-sided conversations with Odette. It had certainly been long enough since she'd last conversed- pleasantly, at that- with anyone at all. Not that she minded that he was quite handsome, for while she was no vixen of temptation like her dam and twin, she could still appreciate a fine behind when the fancy struck her.

His smile made the corners of her lip curl the slightest bit more, and she laughed freely at his comment, naturally subdued though it was. "Then consider it a compliment from a naive adorer," she chortled softly. "And aren't the two synonyms after all?" Features gleamed with mischievousness, feeling more comfortable with joining in as he teased his bonded lovingly. She could not deny the affection in his tone, after all, and it made her long for a bonded of her own. The only creature she'd ever gotten to know had been Stella, and most of her days as a foal had been spent trying to get away from the pesky bird and her watchful eyes.

Humming softly she shook her head in a calm swaying motion. "She was no bother. But I understand your concern. There are far fouler beasts that would sooner harm her than blink twice, and scum like that, as much as they deserve to bleed upon someone's horn, sadly are rather numerous." A certain darkness plays beneath the waves of her voice, a predator beneath the ocean's trickery of peacefulness, a hatred and desire to vanquish those she considered evil. Despite herself, she cannot help the sudden feeling of self-doubt that overcomes her, pondering if such strong words, said from a fighter's point of view, would chase off her new acquaintance.

Instead she smiled at his newly bestowed words, glancing down at the yapping pup between them. "I'm sure she appreciates such freedom." Rolling lithe shoulders she turned to bare her side to him, motioning gently with her crown with an inquisitive look upon her face. Long legs set in motion, languid as she let her purpose sink in before she bothered to speak it. "Care to walk?" An invitation, one he could choose to either accept or reject as she flicked her tail and rested one hoof against the greenery, pausing for his decision.