Rhythm walked slowly through the snowy land, the old woman was feeling a little sore today but with the help of Iolaire’s salve she could manage decently. Abaven was quiet and peaceful in those early morning hours, the birds that remained here were singing and Feather led Rhythm easily. The little sparrow was getting old too, but she was still doing her job and kept the old woman company.

The snow was fresh, it had fallen the night before and there wasn’t much in the way of activity. It was pure and undisturbed, a rare moment that Rhythm couldn’t fully appreciate. She could sense it though, how perfect everything could be if only for a few moments. A soft sigh left her as she breathed out a long breath of the cold air. Her mind was as clear as the sky as the sun rose over the horizon. Rhythm could feel the sun on her face as easily as the chilly breeze over her back.

Even through everything Rhythm felt a smile rest on her silvered lips. She felt more complete these days than she had in a long time, and was grateful for the time she was able to spend here in Abaven. She wasn’t sure how long she had left, but every moment became a blessing. Rhythm enjoyed much more than she expected, spending time and imparting wisdom on the younger generations. They were a spunky bunch, and she had high hopes for them when she was gone. Hopefully that day was still far off, for now she would do what she could to make a lasting impression.

The old woman came to a halt near one of the pack’s main gathering places. It was surrounded by older trees and the pack’s main food stores nearby. She wasn’t very hungry but she did hope one of the youngsters might come and find her. She had an idea she wanted to share, and this could be her last winter to do it.

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Beat had woken early the previous day; up before the sun. The black and white youngling had made his way out into the wilderness with a surprise in mind for Twig. For all of them, really. He wanted to work on his hunting and was intent on bringing back food for the kill stores. It had been a difficult task, but he'd managed just that.

Having traveled in a southerly direction, Beat moved away from the snows and into warmer climes. There he found wild pigs for the first time. There were many of them and they seemed rather small, so he imagined they would do well. Well... they were tough. Not only were they quick as whips, but the screams that they made when caught scared the hell out of him. He had actually released the first one in complete surprise when it had wailed at its capture. In the end, the boy was victorious. He caught two small pigs. Not being able to carry much more than that, Beat did his best to tie them together with vines. He gutted them to rid them of excess weight, then tossed them over his back and made his way back home.

By the time Beat arrived, his white coat was a little bloody, but he paid it no mind. That was what happened to hunters and, as his kill proved, he was most definitely now a hunter. Ducking into the kill stores, Beat deposited his catch. They would make a good meal for someone. Pig had a much different taste than deer or rabbit. It was a nice change.

Back outside, he imagined that he had returned before the rest would even be awake, and yet there sat Rhythm. Beat's ears tucked against his skull for a moment. He didn't exactly know how to approach her. He knew that she was blind, but other than that, he didn't know much about the old woman. Did she want to be left alone? If so, why was she sitting openly in the common area? Beat was still pretty awkward when it came to social interaction, but he would try.

Padding forward, the onyx and snow boy cleared his throat to let her know that he was coming. His voice, deepening as he came closer to adulthood followed. "Hello, Rhythm. It's Beat." He didn't know why he told her his name. He assumed afterwards that she could tell him apart by smell. It had been a natural reaction to give her his name. He felt stupid. Like a young pup again. Once more ears tucked against his skull. He was so awkward...

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Rhythm’s blindness caused her to keep odd hours but she was up early this day. The quietness of the morning rejuvenated her and the old woman enjoyed her peace. However much she liked solitude Rhythm enjoyed being around her family. They were abundant here in Abaven, where the Destruction family was flourishing despite the hardships they’d been forced through. The crunch of snow brought Rhythm’s attention up, her chocolate ears perked towards the boy as he drew more near.

She could smell him before she heard him, but his sweet young voice confirmed his presence and identity to her. He sounded unsure of himself but Rhythm would do her best to assure him, feeling happy that he had thought to come and share his presence with her. ”Hello, Beat.” Rhythm returned the greeting with a grin. Despite the pain in her joints she was having an excellent day. ”Seems you were successful this morning.” She commented on him leaving his kill in the common area. She could smell the pork’s blood on him and felt rather proud. He was her grand nephew, and she knew that his grandma Motif would feel like she did.

”What are you up to today?” She asked him curiously as she stood up, hoping he’d humor her. ”Got a little time for some fun?” She asked with a tilt of her head that almost returned her to a much younger version of herself.

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Ears tucked once more against the boys skull as the old woman complimented his skill. He'd been away from others for so long that he didn't take compliments well. He just didn't know how to react to them. Was he supposed to say something? Was there some sort of procedure to follow when given a compliment? The boy edged closer and simply said, "Thank you." That may not have been the right response, but there it was. He was just so damn awkward.

When the old woman asked what he was doing today, Beat tilted his head slightly. He didn't have any plans other than taking a nap. The long trek back had made him a little tired and the pigs weren't exactly light. If she had something in mind though, he would offer his services. "I don't have anything to do today," he confessed. When she asked if he wanted to have a little fun and gave a playful tilt of the head, Beat narrowed his purple and blue eyes slightly. What sort of fun could she have? He didn't want her to get hurt.

"We could have fun."  Admittedly, Beat wasn't good at fun. He'd spent most of his life being a sad little wretch. Fun wasn't exactly a strength. He would try though for Rhythms sake. "What did you have in mind?" He was curious what an old wolf would find fun. Anything, probably. He knew that when you got older, your body hurt a lot. Hopefully whatever she had in mind was low impact. He'd spend the whole time worrying about breaking her. Worrying like an old hen. He just became a contributing member of the pack. Hopefully he wouldn't break the oldest member of it.

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”You’re welcome,” Rhythm returned with all of the grandmotherly love that she held within her. She smiled as he told her that his plans for the day were sparse, and even though he hesitated for a moment he did tell her that he would be happy for some fun. She could tell he was worried, too worried for such a young man. He didn’t voice his concerns though so she didnt offer any rebuke just yet. Rhythm was indeed old, but she could still do what she needed to. Even if it was a bit slower.

”Follow me, young man.” She told him jovially as she turned on her heel and whistled to Feather. The little blue sparrow led the old woman and Beat towards a small hill. ”Alright, grab me a bit of bark off those dead trees. Two big sheets if you can.” Rhythm gestured towards a couple of dead trees even if she couldn’t see them.

The old woman waited until he got back with what she requested to explain herself. She was seated at the top of the hill and she made Beat pull both sleds up to her. ”Alright, we’re going to sled. Sit on top of your piece of bark, and slide down!” Rhythm positioned herself on her piece, precariously perched on the edge. ”Alright, pup, race me.” She cracked up as she pushed off and let herself slide down the hill. With her head start she was sure to win.

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Beat did his best to get a chunk of dead bark off of one tree for the old woman. He got another for himself. His brow was furrowed in concern. What was she going to have him do? Was he going to get into trouble if she broke her hip? Or her neck? Gulping loudly. Beat tucked his ears against his skull, but went along with Rhythms plan. Better that she do something crazy with supervision rather than alone, right?

The boy watched as the crazy old woman cackled and zipped down the hill. She wanted him to do it with her, so Beat pushed off and slid down the hill on his piece of bark as well. Rhythm had a head start, so she reached the bottom first, but he was there a moment later. He had to admit... it was rather enjoyable. He still felt a little awkward just because he wasn't used to fun, but he'd made Rhythm happy.

"You won," he said aloud, coming to the old wolf's side. "Good job."

Rhythm was having a blast, this was nice being able to clear her mind of everything but a fun sledding trip with her grand nephew. She felt the wind ruffle her fur as she sled down and sent up a silent prayer that she didn’t run into a tree or any loose shrubbery. It seemed the path was clear enough because she was all too quickly at the bottom of the incline. She couldn’t help but laugh amusedly as she came to a slow. ”Ahhh.” She offered amusedly as her heart beat fast and she remembered her youth.

Only for a moment though, as she stopped the woman was reminded of her age and the aches and pains that came along with that. She tried to ignore them as she looked to Beat as he declared her the winner of their little race. Rhythm chuckled again, ”Thank you, young man. I’ve had a joyous time.” She chuckled again and aimed a teasing nuzzle to his neck.