A large figure halted at a shallow, slow moving stream, their head lowering and tongue lapping at the cool liquid's surface for a refreshing drink. The figure was Deviant Black, an aging man that had taken it upon himself to look after and care for the group of Valhallans living within this land dotted with willows. What else would he do? Simply look for his children without a care in the world of those who had taken him, as well as two of his other children? No, he had to pay them back for their kindness, as well as help take care of the children Imena and Cael had. Head raised up towards the blue sky, brows coming together from the suns glare while golden orbs ran over the feathery white clouds, It was a lovely day, and he wasn't gonna let it go by without taking some time to himself to enjoy it. So off he went, paws carrying the man downstream with the moving water, tail swinging gently behind him. There was a certain spot he was after, a nice little clearing with lush green grass, surrounded by a couple thin willows. It was so peaceful and quiet, the willows giving him privacy yet was thin enough to allow a slow, cool breeze to snake through. "normal. speech. thought. you."

Erani

This small glade, reminiscent of the one Cairo?s grave lay within, had become a spot she went to oftentimes. Her sleep had been fitful since the Challenge, never settling into deep dreams. She wished it would. Cairo might be waiting. How could she tell him she had failed to protect the pack? The great chocolate male had always been a source of strength; ever since she had first met him all those years ago. A great leader, and an even greater friend. And he could have been so much more than a friend. She didn?t quite regret Nova? Because of Nova, she had her daughters and her sons. Or at least some of them. Gabriel was long gone now. And she hadn?t seen Arella in over a year. Maybe even two. No, she didn?t regret their lives coming to be. But Nova had vanished, taking their eldest born son with him. And for over two years, nearly three, she had not seen her eldest son. No, she didn?t quite regret Nova, but only because her children had been born. But because of him? She gave a soft, frustrated noise and shook her head. A pawstep behind her made one ear flick back. The tread was familiar, belonging to Deviant. She pondered her choices. She could slip away, or stay. She had come for solitude, but she couldn?t hole up forever. So she stayed put. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

A scent flowed into the aging man's nose, one of familiarity, while on his way to this particular spot. Lips pulled back in a warm smile, golden eyes sweeping around the scattered trees in search of the one this scent belonged to. But upon discovering her scent around here, Deviant began to wonder if he should allow her some privacy since she had returned not long ago, or to join her so that she wasn't alone and would have somebody to talk to, even if it was for a bit. ?Lady Erani?? His deep tone called gently, ears swiveling around, listening for her. If she was in fact around here then he would go ahead and ask if she would be alright with some unexpected company, then go ahead and ask if she would like to come with to his little spot. Following the scent the man would push through a curtain of branches, his field of sight being greeted with the aging woman Lady Erani. "Hey there." He greeted with a grin, pushing his way through and walking up to the woman before stopping near her right side. "How have you been since returning?" He questioned with good intentions, wanting to know how she was doing before asking her to join him in a different, more peaceful spot. "normal. speech. thought. you."