There was apparently some significance to the day coming up, something along the lines of appreciating your loved ones and doing nice things for them to make them feel appreciated. Magpies with letters had arrived in the Armada with an invitation to a festival honoring the day in question, and Zee had spent countless hours worrying and wondering over how she could show her appreciation and love before they set off for the festivities. Her husband had given his full effort into repairing his broken wife over the long seasons past, and though Zee was not anywhere near what one would consider 'fixed', she knew sooner or later she'd need to give him back something. Sirius had been patient and understanding with her, never pushing her past her comfort levels nor making her feel badly for the distance she put between them. For the last several seasons he had been for her her best friend - her only friend - but a marriage needed more then that to survive. Briar had stopped by with Artorias for a visit, and she'd taken the opportunity to have her daughter and son-in-law assist her in this evening she had planned. Briar had helped her prepare herself, making sure she was clean and bathed and brushed, and that her cheetah pelt was draped in away that it might hide her exposed ribcage. Alcohol and bowls sat upon the rocks bordering the hot spring, and while she was not sure if she'd be able to eat through the nervousness, she'd set up a few places of various food and snacks as well. The sun was beginning to set and Briar had headed back to the territories, shortly Artorias would be able to drop his duty of interference and tell Sirius where he might find his awaiting wife. She settled into the water, laying her head upon a heated rock and closing her eyes against the relaxation as she waited for his arrival.   "Speech"

The Warlord took the bait, hook line and sinker. Spending the afternoon with Artorias, and none the wiser to his wifes plans. So much so, that when Artorias dropped the charade and told him to head over to the hot springs, he was caught completely unawares.

With Marshal winging ahead, the mystified Warlord went looking for his Wife. It seemed a rare day that Zee left the pack lands, and he took it as a hopeful sign. Marshal found the Queen first, circling in the sky lazily above her, pointing the way. With a motion, he sent Bast and Bear scattering through the springs. Far enough to give them some privacy, and close enough to keep watch over the pair.

And then he reached her, and he found the dainty, skinny Queen with her head resting against a heated rock. Ivory antlers curling away from her pale coat. He closed his eyes briefly, pushing away the stronger, scarier emotions that writhed inside of him. A necessity, for him to be the friend and not the husband she wished. “Zee” he said softly


"Speech"