She stood on the border of the lands she used to call home, and breathed deeply. The scents of her brother and sister were still proudly stamped upon the border, mingled with so many new scents she didn't know where to start. But one thing stood out to her, saddened her. Rhythm's scent was missing. Had she never returned to her family's pack in all the time Harmony had been gone? Was she still banished, or had she simply chosen to stay with that stranger of hers? Harmony sighed. She had been gone far too long. It was surprising to her that she had been able to return at all, but she knew she had missed so much already in her family's lives. How old were her nieces and nephews now? She shifted slightly; her joints ached with a fatigue beyond what the journey here should have drawn from a wolf her age. She'd changed, a lot, and she knew it well. But had Bass? Motif? Rhythm? Where was Chord now, the wanderer? Had he finally settled down somewhere? She'd dawdled here long past long enough to catch her breath. She was wasting time with what-ifs and worries. She lifted her slender muzzle and sang out testingly, warmly, seeking for her brothers... her sisters...

He was making his way around the borders of Abaven, his pace slow as he stopped to mark his pack's territory. He was just crossing over the boundary of the rapids and the plains when a call stopped him dead in his tracts. Harmony. It couldn't be. She had told him that she needed to go on a trip, but that was long before he even left for his own. He didn't think that he was ever going to see her again, that he lost her like he had Chord. His brother was one with the wind it seemed, coming in at his leisure when his adventures were drawing to an end. Bass had assumed that Harmony had been bitten by the same bug. But that had to be her voice. His pale ears twisted on the top of her head, turning his body back to the rapids, his entire body frozen. After a few moments he took off again, racing across the borders as her form came into view. Slowing down, he came at her left side and buried his head into the softness of her scruff. Breathing in her scent, it hit him deep in his belly that the smell of Abaven was nowhere on her pelt. "Harmony," he breathed, his voice coming out in a whispering whine. "I have missed you so much, I am so glad to see you at home." Pulling back, his golden eyes met her mismatched gaze. Tail slowly worked behind him, wagging between his hocks as he pressed a soft kiss against her cheek. "How have you been? Its been ages since I have seen you. I was starting to worry that you had turned into another Chord." He said, laughing a bit as he gazed fondly at his sister. Oh how he had missed all of his family. And there was so much to tell her! But he wanted to hear how she was before they got to any of that. "Speech"

She wanted to visit Abaven one more time before the pups got here, she was feeling a little lonely in Imperium and missed her brother and sister. Her mind often drifted to Chord and Harmony, she hadn't seen either wolf in a long time. She hoped they were okay, and prayed that the pair had found their way to Ahlon. She didn't quite feel comfortable enough to go on her own, nor did Valentine feel comfortable enough to let her go on her own. So young Atreides was sent with her to the border, and she was sure she could get an escort from her family on the way back. Saying goodbye to Trei the pregnant she wolf would find her way to the borders, as close as she could to motif and Shai's den. Tilting her head back to call she was stopped by the sound of another voice. Harmony. Surprise would give way to eagerness as she sprinted off towards her sister. Following the border she'd waddle quickly until Bass and Harmony would both come into view. She couldn't help the little squee of excitement that left her lips as she raced towards them. Tail wagging excitedly behind her, she'd remain void of words. Somehow Bass had said what she couldn't quite utter. Happy whines would sneak from her lips as she took up Bass's place in Harmony's fur. She'd take in a deep breath, just as she and their siblings had changed it seemed so too would Harmony. She couldn't help but take in the difference in her scent, and she worried inwardly. She didn't want to leave her sibling's side, but she was sure Motif would want to show her affection too. Stepping back slowly Rhythm gave Harmony all of her attention. She could explain herself in a moment. "Speech"

Bass was prompt in answering her call and with a sigh of release she stepped forward to meet him. Curling her head to press against him as he did her she just squeezed her eyes shut and reveled in the contact, in his scent and his warmth, as she had not for so many months. She made no attempt initially to reply to him with words, simply clinging desperately to that touch. A sound drew her to open her eyes, to turn her head to see Rhythm leaping for them, and a tension within her eased. Rhythm was home after all, she and Bass had overcome their difficulties in her absence. She pressed against her sister as well, but it was... off. Her scent, Harmony realized, was not from Abaven. She had not returned to live after all, but just... visiting? Harmony gave no outward sign of the troubled feeling this gave her, but Rhythm had nonetheless pulled away to regard her, and Harmony finally answered Bass' words. "I am well, Bass," she lied with the very best of intentions, and her eyes suddenly welled with tears. "I have missed you all so much. I am so sorry I stayed away so long. I have missed so much." They could not know, her siblings, that she had expected never to return at all, that this was a miracle in her eyes. To be alive? To be speaking once more with her family? "Tell me everything," she laughed through her tears. ""

Rhythm soon joined the pair, not saying anything. He was glad to see his growing sister, her belly growing day by day. She shouldn't be traveling though, but there was very little room to argue with her. His full attention was turned back to Harmony as she spoke, saying that she was well and fine. But as soon as her eyes started to well up, Bass blinked furiously. Oh no no, don't start this now! No, nope. He was not going to cry, and those damn puppy eyes would not make him crack. She spoke about how she missed them, and he tucked his face back into her neck, clinging to her again much like she had to him a moment before. "Not as much as we missed you Harmony. Its good to have you home." He paused, hanging on for a moment longer before he pulled back slightly again. "You do intend to stay here, right?" He asked, whining softly as he clung to the hope that she would. Harmony laughed, and Bass leaned forward and licked the tears off her cheeks. "Well, Wren is expecting our second litter. Rhythm here is expecting too, if you couldn't tell." He said with a soft chuckle. "Our first litter are over a year old now, and my goodness Harmony, I can't believe how big they are. Motif gave birth to another little girl, who is pink. Pink! Not even kidding." But as soon as the words left his mouth, his face took a more sullen tone, smile vanishing. "Aunty Novella was challenged for though, and Threar fell. I don't know where anyone went, and have been trying to keep an eye out for them. There isn't much room left in Abaven, but I want out family as close as possible." He said with a soft growl, looking over to Rhythm with frown. "Speech"

Harmony was quick to reply, saying she missed them, obviously as much as they'd missed her. She'd feel her own eyes well up, being pregnant had made her much more prone to cry, but at least this time she wasn't alone. She'd move forwards as Bass did, wanting in on the loves. She'd whine happily in agreement with their brother before moving as he pulled away. She'd sigh contentedly as she leaned back onto her haunches, she felt fine after her trip but her feet were a little sore and swollen. She'd nod at Bass's comments, brightening when he revealed verbally the babies growing inside of herself. She was told of beautiful Vail and the nieces and nephews she'd only barely met before she left. Rhythm's ears would fall back sadly as he spoke of their Aunt's pack. She knew of it, and had partially come here to see if her brother knew anymore. His last words seemed to emphasize as he looked to her, and she'd smile slyly. "I live in Imperium with my babies' father." She'd take on to Bass's very thorough recount. "Shaye has grown like a weed! She's nearly as tall as her father. She's excelling in her healing studies and has decided to dip a toe into fighting. They're all growing up! ...A bit like us I guess." They'd all seemed to have gone their own way for a long while. It felt good to be here again, to feel the closeness that was their sibling bond. Even more though, she missed Chord. "Speech"

"Yes, I am staying," she assured him softly, curling into the embrace of her siblings. "If you would have me." Her face lit up as he went on to talk about he and Wren expecting more pups, but her brow raised and she shot surprised glance to Rhythm at the news she was as well. How had she missed that? Now that she knew, the signs were obvious. And Motif's pup was... pink? "Congratulations, to all of you." Her warm laugh tumbled out, though tinted with the faintest of sadness. "I suppose we have always done things together so it doesn't surprise me that you're all having children at the same time! I hope the cousins are as close as we were growing up." Her smile faded into concern as he spoke of Novella's pack falling. "I must make it a priority to find them," she said, worry lurking beneath the serenity. "Our cousins were all quite young, and gentle. They may not be able to survive alone if they became scattered." Her brow knitted. "I do not understand why they did not come here directly - your lands bordered theirs, after all. Do not worry, Bass, we will find a solution. We always do, don't we?" She gave him an encouraging smile, but her own worry was evident as she followed noted his frown at Rhythm. Rhythm quickly took up the thread of the narrative, though, explaining very briefly that she lived in Imperium with the pups' father. Not... 'my mate', but 'pups' father'. Rhythm seemed entirely unconcerned with what she'd said, however, and Harmony held her peace. Only a single brief sentence to describe her own situation, and then she moved on to speak about Shaye, Motif's daughter. She smiled, though, at the news that Shaye was studying healing. "I am glad she is doing so well. Following in her aunt's footsteps," she added teasingly. "And how about you, Rhythm? How are you doing in Imperium?" ""

Starling had been far away when Harmony’s call had rung out, but close enough yet to hear those unmistakable tones. He knew that voice, not as well as he would have liked but he knew her all the same. Harmony, his aunt, was back? With an excited grin, Starling would turn his back on his findings, gather what he had extracted from the earth and bound back towards his home. It seemed he had missed the initial reunion, but that didn’t matter! Harmony was here! Dropping his bundle in a place he wouldn’t forget, he quickly bounded towards her, them. Even Aunt Rhythm was here! He had meant to pay her a visit, every time he was close to Imperium. Oh, he missed her so greatly as well, everyone. It seemed the older you got the less time you spent with your family. The world was so large, everyone was scattering. "Aunt Harmony! Aunt Rhythm!" He yelped over the short distance, quickly making his way towards the group before skidding to a halt. Quick, short breaths burst from his lungs, but his smile was as wide as can be. "I-it is so great to s-see you both!" He said happily, shifting on his large paws as he grinned excitedly at them. He glanced up at his father then before looking proudly at Harmony. "S-since you were gone, I g-got a promotion. V-vor of Abaven." He said with a boastful grin, sky blue eyes shining excitedly. "I’ve b-been training a-alot, too! W-we should sp-spend some t-time together...if y-you’re staying. Y-you’re staying r-right?" He had missed that part of the conversation! But all he wanted to do was spend time with his aunt, with someone who understood his passion and partook in it. Sure, Bass tried, and Sparrow seemed to like the craft as well...but it just wasn’t the same. He’d look happily at Aunt Rhythm, remarking in her large belly. "C-congratulations!" He said happily, bouncing again on his paws. "I-it’s so n-nice to see y-you both again!" "Burn Baby Burn" "Italian"

Both of his sisters were upset about Threar, and he didn't blame them. It was hard to lose a big part of their family, most of them had resided in that pack. Harmony's words broke out, and he eyed his tan sister in awe. Her eyes were bright and steady, and he knew that she was speaking the truth. His heart was warmed by her and her plans, and Bass' anger slowly faded. Oh how he had missed her so much. "We will all look for them, we will find them somewhere. Even though we bordered pack lands, I think the confusion of the loss sent them into hiding. But I have no doubt that they will turn up sooner or later, or return home to Ahlon." He mused, placing a tender kiss on Harmony's pale cheek. He was so glad that she had stated that she was going to stay though, his tail wagging behind him. "And of course we will have you, Harmony. I assume you are still interested in healing? How about your old rank of Vor?" Bass was glad when Rhythm turned the conversation to a more happy note, speaking of Shaye growing up. He was about to talk about Starling and how hard he was studying as well, when the boy himself ran over. Bass chuckled, leaning down and placing a soft lick at the top of Starling's head, even though he was pretty much the same height as him. At the boy's excited words he let out another laugh, looking around at the gathering of his family. He hadn't been more happy, they were all here at last. He missed Chord, and wished that his brother would settle down, but he knew that that was out of the question. "She is staying, Starling. And Harmony, you would be so proud of him. He went off all on his own to a pack to study herbs more, and there isn't a day that goes by that he isn't trying to learn new things. He really does take after you." "Speech"

She would smell them before she heard them, and she would hear them before she saw them. Sparrow bounded into the clearing with a squeal, "Aunt Rhythm! Aunt Harmony!" she cried, almost in disbelief. Her whole day had just become the best day ever. She bounded up with large, airy steps, her coat bouncing with every step. She aimed to nuzzle and lick them both, her tail making large, fast circles as she approached them. Her dad had just finished complimenting Starling and Sparrow turned to him, "It's true! Starling is probably the best healer too, I'll have to take him on as my mentor pretty soon!" Sparrow giggled. It was true, she had heard about his studies and was entirely impressed. Curious, Sparrow eyed her aunts, "What's up? Is there a reunion someone forgot to tell me about?" she joked. Sparrow wanted nothing more than to have all of her family around her... "SPEAK!"

Art by Evelyn

There was no way Shaye was going to miss a big family reunion. Shaye and Motif had been on the outskirts of Abaven territory when Harmony called. She didn't spent a great deal of time with her mother and perhaps both of them had been surprised when they found each other just outside the territory and had decided to do a little bit of hunting together. It had been intimidating for Shaye, to hunt with Motif, in truth the two woman's natures where too similar, they knocked heads a lot and Shaye's hunting training and come from Shai rather then her mother. However at the sound of Harmony's call the pair began to turn into pack lands again, leaving the rabbit they had caught in the packs cache before continuing on to find Harmony and, what seemed a good gathering of their family! Shaye ran first to Rhythm, likely to no one's surprise. She kissed the girl's cheek happily before turning to Harmony, kissing her cheek also, almost shyly. Harmony would have been Shaye's mentor had she not gone to Rhythm instead, and she felt like she hadn't interacted with the other woman as much, but she was curious at what she could learn from Harmony. “Are you back now?” she asked curiously, before making her way to Bass and kissing his cheek too, just so she had properly greeted the elders around her. "Talk" "You" Think

Motif didn't leave pack territory very often these days, so stumbling into Shaye on their outskirts was definitely unexpected. She knew she had spared very little time for the woman of late, having spent a lot of her time with Shai and Vail. Sometimes Shaye was so mature and out there, exploring or visiting Rhythm that she felt like she and Shai where almost a second family to the girl. She took the opportunity to spend some more time with her daughter, which quickly turned into a hunt. When Harmonys call rang out, they where stalking their prey, and where intent on finishing the hunt before they made their way back into Abaven territory and over to where the family reunion was taking place. She smiled at her siblings, and watched Shaye ass he ran up to Rhythm. Shaye loved the other woman so much, she did wonder what it would do to Shaye when Rhythm's own children arrived. Would Rhythm get as caught up with her young ones as Motif did with Vail, would Shaye be forgotten? She shook the thought away, the two where too close for that. Motif made her way over to Bass and harmony, stopping to nudge Star as she did so. She considered Bass's boy her pupil even if he wasn't exactly, still his well being was as important to her as Shaye's and Vail's, before she greeted her sister with a kiss of her own and standing at Bass's side. “Long time no see, Harmony, your well?” she asked gently. ""