He'd made his way back to the castle, his body sore and his pride a bit hurt, but not as much as he thought it would be. He had fought his hardest, but even he knew when to back out of a losing battle. He had yet to learn how to fight effectively with his disability, but this most recent event had brought a new determination to him. Despite his loss, he would come back stronger than before, and he would definitely keep his word about raising the pack again. He would not let his mothers initial work be in vain, and he even considered asking her if she were up for the task again...after all, he'd need an heir, and he had nobody in mind. Besides his siblings, but he didn't think they'd really want to take up the reins. He had no kids of his own, but he did have Iskra...hmm...speaking of, the battered male looked around for her, wondering if she had stayed behind or followed him. After all, Ashiel had made an open invitation for others to follow him if they so chose, did she? Walk, "Talk" Think "Kimahri" Shiva

After the challenge she had wanted to go race over to Dragon, but some strategic part of her mind said no. She'd already sort of let the cat out of the bag about her having some kind of relationship with the now ex Talis alpha, but she didn't wanna play it up too much in front of the challenger's apparent kin. As everyone departed Iskra had remained and taken stock of the many scents they left behind, memorizing them all so she would recognize them if she met them again in later. Even if she didn't know all those Abraxas wolves by name, now she could identify a large number of them.

When she was finished with her work, Iskra wandered back towards the Castle, following Dragon's scent in hopes of catching up to him. Along the way she thought of Malleus, whose scent she'd caught during her attempt to catalogue them all. Honestly for a while she had forgotten about their deal or whatever. It had slipped her mind along with her intention to talk to Dragon about these odd wolves. Now she supposed he knew all he needed to. Her suspicions had been confirmed too late - these guys were bad news.

When at last she did catch up to him she walked heavily to announce her presence early and came gliding up alongside him, aiming to press her side against his as she crooned, "You fought well, my dear. One almost would not have known you'd never fought blind before, that's pretty impressive." Her words a soft, sweet purr, the red fae hoped she could help him feel a little better. She figured he wouldn't be entirely defeated in spirit despite the loss, but it didn't hurt to make sure, right? Sitting back on her haunches, she let out a soft breath, looking up at the castle as she said, "Dragon, I think we need to do some talking. Nothing bad, I just have... Ideas. And I want to know what you'd like to do next."

Resting his head on his paws, he shifted his position a bit so he would be a little more comfortable despite his aching, throbbing wounds and bruises. He had fought his hardest, but it wasn't enough. Ah, well...the loss simply gave him more incentive to try harder. Ears twitched when Iskra's voice caught his attention, head turning in her direction as she approached. He felt her press against him, the earthen male gently tapping his tail against the stone floor.

"Thank you, Iskra. I tried my hardest, and even though I lost, it just means I'll have to train harder for next time, " He nodded, his spirit unbroken. He'd make good on that promise he made at the boneyard, even if it took him a bit longer than he wanted. When she spoke again, his curiosity was piqued, but he was also concerned. "What is it, Iskra?"

His words had her smiling, pressing her gently to his neck. She did love the positivity, and the drive it showed."I'm sure that you will surpass expectations, especially with a fighting spirit like that." If only everyone had that attitude towards life. It might not be a bad idea to take a page from his book and keep that mindset if and when times got tougher. Maybe if she was a member of Talis longer before the challenge she'd need that strength now, but as it was she remained content knowing Dragon was okay and that they had each other.

Getting comfortable in case the conversation dragged out, which she'd not be surprised by, Iskra settled in and searched for the words to explain things properly. "You know how I mentioned meeting some of them before the challenge?" she began tentatively. "See, I met several of them on my way to Talis, before I joined. One of them, a man named Malleus, served to be pretty entertaining, and I made a sort of deal with him. I said I'd go gather some herbs for him in exchange for a favor of my choosing. I played with the idea of forgetting about it at times once I was busy here with you, but now I fully intend to use it to whatever ends I can. I'm not sure how, but one way wanna use it to my advantage if I can." Did all that make sense? She hoped so.

Continuing with more confidence, Iskra's voice became firmer, "I want to go to Boreas, and see if the other packs have met the Abraxas. If they're more trouble than we know of at present, I need to find out. If you're going to rebuild Talis, we need to know if they're going to continue their conquest or they might seek the new pack out as another target. If the other packs have had significant issues with them, or know of concerning deeds the Abraxas wolves have done, then Dragon, I don't wanna let 'em get away with it unchallenged. I don't know why I care so much, but- well, I guess just seeing a bunch of high and mighty individuals with god complexes getting what they want over and over makes me wanna get in their way." A rueful chuckle escaped her. She really couldn't let well enough alone, could she?

"I'll be back though, or I'll find you wherever you are, and let you know what I find out. I just can't sit idle too long with this in my head. I gotta do something about them if it needs doing. Plus, while I'm in Boreas talking to packs I can at least start gathering herbs for the deal with Malleus. If nothing else, having favors available is never a bad thing."

Her response drew a smile from him, the male settling in. Whatever she had to say, he was sure it would lead to a long conversation. Not that he minded, and though his mind was somewhat preoccupied with plans and thoughts, he would listen carefully. Soon, she would begin. He nodded at her first part of words, his demeanor growing a bit more serious as she began. She had warned him a little too late about the Abraxas, but he was sure that even with a warning he probably wouldn't have had much time to prepare with the amount of them that had gathered. Even so, he nodded as she continued.

She spoke of meeting a man named Malleus, and he couldn't quite remember if he'd met this male. He had fought alongside a couple Abraxas males now that he racked his brain, against a mutant cougar and bear if he remembered correctly. But he hasn't gotten names...perhaps this was one of them? He was highly curious about what she might ask In return for helping him, while at the same time he was concerned. Would Malleus try to take advantage of Her? He figured she was level headed enough to know in the end. For now though, he remained silent as she continued.

He grew more concerned the more she spoke about her plans, but even he knew he wouldn't be able to stop her even if he wanted too. She had a fiery spirit, untamed for the most part. And when she finished, he stayed quiet for a long moment. The worry on his features was beginning to show, he was sure. "This...is a lot of information. And alot of planning that I feel like you've put a lot of thought into.." He shifted a little, brows furrowing. "I won't stop you from carrying out your plans but...please...be careful." He nosed her cheek, a soft sigh slipping past his lips. "I know we haven't known each other for long, but...I've grown strong feelings for you, Iskra. I know you know this, I just don't want to see you get hurt or worse...we don't know much about them. I've had my runs ins with them too, and they're a smart and cunning bunch. Promise you'll be careful?" He pulled back a little to look at her, even though he wasn't really able to see her anymore, he could still picture her beautiful face. "I will be going to Boreas for a little while, until I figure out my next move. I'll be easy to find though. I worry about you sometimes, y'know?"

She waited for his response, holding her breath unconsciously until at last he spoke. A soft exhale preceded the uncertain chuckle, "I know. And, probably not as much as I'll need but enough thought to get me going." She shrugged absently, gaze flickering around the scenery as she thought quietly for a few moments. It would be a long journey, and she had no idea where she'd end up or how long it might take. A soft whine escaped her before she assured him in a tone more upbeat than she was really feeling, "Don't worry, I will be extra super careful! The carefulest. For I am Iskra "trouble" Aeris, the 'Spirit of Fun'. I bring the trouble, and never let it tag me back." Most likely the words were more a pep talk for herself than anything else. Admitting to anything akin to fear just wasn't her style, though. So she'd bury the feeling under bravado until she believed it with all her heart.

Rising slightly so she could rest her chin on top of his head, Iskra kissed his head gently, pulling him close to her chest and pressing close. She'd sit silently for a while, heart heavy with the weight of her uncertain future. If she let it go, though, who would stop them? Would they even be stopped? Not by the packs who's interests remained within their borders. She needed information, a plan, and most of all to accomplish something

With quiet determination she replied at last, "I will find you when I've done something. If I visit the packs first and return to Auster, it might be a while. I don't know how long. Dragon, I'll miss you. But Please, don't worry about me, I'm far smarter than I act when I'm doing crazy shit all the time." a soft laugh escaped her at that. From the outside she probably looked like a total psycho sometimes, or at the very least reckless.