He was a year old now, and it had been a season or two since he'd last seen them. What had started as a lone hunting expedition had turned into a life changing decision for the yearling. Or...maybe not? The woman he had trailed after had disappeared, he'd gotten lost at one point and now didn't know where she was, so he had wandered until eventually, his wanderings brought him back to the East and closer to home. Or at least...what he used to call home. His birth pack wasn't too far, he knew. But he couldn't bring himself to go back and face his family. He missed them though, missed his mother, and was even missing his annoying sisters! But most of all, his missed his brother Ty. What was his brother doing now? Had he taken over Abaven yet? Was he still too young? Cloud remembered the talk they had, the ambition his brother had, and the promise he made to Tyranis that he'd be there to support him and help him become Abaven's leader.

His ear fell back then, had he...broken that promise on accident? He didn't mean to walk away and leave his brother. He felt terrible now that he thought about it, and now he desperately wanted to find Ty and tell him he hadn't meant to leave like that...would his brother forgive him? He only wondered...

It was starting to get late in the herb gathering season, but she still had some things to get to ensure her stock was good enough through winter. A lot had happened within the last year and some things she still felt like she couldn't grasp, one being her children were now a year old. Time had gone by way to fast and she missed the days that she had five little fluffy balls of fur curled up beside her. She missed those days so much and it was hard to believe they were almost full grown now and it was hard to think that three of her children were still missing. Since Bass had left the pack was in shambles, in her personal opinion. Vali was capable, she had faith in the women, but others didn't feel the same way. This daughter of Bass' that wished to take over, her scent was faint in the pack lands up until now, why did she think she could just up and take over when it seemed she was barely around? Sighing she shook the thoughts away and got back to rummaging through the forage. There was no need to remain on those thoughts. She just had to focus on doing her best for the pack and taking care of her remaining two children. She had faith that Bass would return, but if Sparrow took over she didn't know what would happen to her. It seemed the women had a hatred towards Storm and her children. Snorting lightly she paused to once again shake her head clear before putting her nose back to work looking for the herbs she needed. "Talk" "You" Think

Paws wandered for a little while longer, but the sounds of movement caught his attention. He was cautious at first, bi-colored gaze staring in the direction of the noise. His hackles rose instinctively, ready to fight or flee whatever or whoever was there. As he quietly stalked his way forward, he realize that he recognized the scent, even through the heavy stench of herbs. "Mom?" His heart pounded for a moment as his voice fell in disbelief. Was it her? He had to be sure, so immediately he moved forward, making his steps a little louder so as not to startle her. Once he got closer, he saw the familiar form of his dear mother, and his heart leaped up to his throat. He felt...a range of emotions. He wasn't really sure what to call it. He couldn't pick out one over the other, so he just let them run their course. "Mom!" He cried out, tail wagging as he approached her. He stopped close to her, a couple of feet away for fear that she would lash out at him for having left. But it hadn't been his intentions to abandon his family the way he had. He knew he was bigger now. Stronger too. Thanks to Ana who had helped him. His ears dropped then...would his mother hate him for having left her? "Mom...it's me...Cloud..." His voice was soft and hesitant. He wanted to reach out and touch her, but part of his mind feared she'd reject him. Walk, "Talk" Think