With ease the titan navigated the rocky terrain that separated him from home. Abaven had been brought to heel and with things in the quieter side Malleus had decided to return home. It was up to Archon now to keep his subjects in line. Archon was more than capable and with the Fallen God backing him, Malleus had no doubt his brother would succeed.

As he walked Malleus thought about his family. It had been some time since his father had left. Seasons had come and gone, and he was beginning to wonder if something had happened to Amon in the old country. Perhaps his grandfather, as scattered as his mind was, had been of sound body. It seemed unlikely that the old man would be able to best his son, but perhaps there were other players who had intervened or usurped on his behalf. In any case Malleus was thinking of the future and his role as Risen Emperor.

A small craggy outcropping brought an end to his musings. He stopped before it and cast a critical eye across it. It was steep and uneven; probably too jagged to climb down.

Athesia had been on her own for a while now, she had no idea where she was going or if she was supposed to be somewhere. The old pack she once served wasn't looking for her, nor had she seen anyone from there in her travels. But everything now was completely new to her, she was cautious of her surroundings. She tried her best to stealthily move across the land and through this forest. It provided great cover if she did feel the need to hide, she would be quick to dive under some shrubbery and wait for a few moments to pass until she reassured herself that it was safe or no harm would come to her. Paws continued to carry her small and light body along, her tail was slightly tucked between her hind legs. While her ears would remain low, but wary of any sounds nearby. But it seemed the forest was started to thin out, rocky terrain seemed to be in her sight and this slightly worried the young female. Maybe it was nothing to be concerned about, but she continued forwards despite the fear slowly rising in her. It wasn't long until she realised that the path she was going was ending and she peered over an edge. It didn't seem to be a safe way down nor was she going to try. Though she didn't realise she was on a similar path as a nearby stranger that she hadn't noticed. ""

CODE & IMAGE BY KEZIA • DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Malleus stared down the outcropping with no small amount of annoyance. He was eager to be home and this little blip in his travels was going to slow him down. He'd have to find another route and it was hard to say just how far out of the way the new route would take him. But, he thought as he became aware of the stranger's presence, perhaps this snafu served a purpose. He turned and cast an eye across the little female. She was only a short distance away. It was a wonder he hadn't spotted her sooner; something he was willing to attribute to her dark coat and the fading light. He observed with strategic detachment that by holding his ground where he was, he was boxing her in. The only way out was the way they'd both come unless one or both of them decided to try climbing down the outcropping. "Careful, it's a long way down," he cautioned. The statement served two purposes. The first was to alert her (gently) to his presence. The second was to plant the seed that jumping wasn't a good idea. Presently he didn't have any plans to acquire her, but with mortals, he was ever ready. Come what may - fighting, claiming, converting, conversing - he made a point to be prepared.