The journey was much longer than she expected, but eventually Abaven was in sight. There was no relief in it as she was reminded again of the reason for her appearance here at the border. Her heart ached, but being so close to Valentine and the three yearlings had brightened the ancient she wolf. Life was full of loss and heartbreak, but the good news was that she wouldn’t have to suffer through much longer. Everyday was a gift and she knew that hers were numbered.

Though blind she looked to Valentine, this was the end. At her age she’d become much more of a pessimist, and she couldn’t help but wonder if this would be the last time they were together. She knew the yearlings promised to visit, but the old timer’s days were numbered. Would they be reunited? She nuzzled against his chest and sighed softly as she took in his scent and the touch of his blue fur. She took comfort from his presence but knew the time had come.

Rhythm tilted her head back then and called out to her family.

Torrent's pelt twitched, her hackles rising and falling without her noticing. Proximity to the smoldering volcano made her uncomfortable, but with Alarr and Tyrian and Valentine present she'd been able to simply keep her head down and follow along with them, wrapped in a bubble of reserved silence that wouldn't seem particularly out of character for her from the outside but was only a mask for the fear that threatened to consume her if she let herself think, let control slip for a single second.

Even now, past where she could see it, awareness tingled through her limbs and chest, the prickling reminder of the terror of that night. The journey here had brought nightmares every time she closed her eyes, so she'd slept poorly and rarely, and the exhaustion added to her discomfort and made her even more prone to terse and snappish behavior.

As they stopped at the border and Rhythm sent up a call for her family, Torrent looked to her brothers to see what she should do. They'd never said goodbye to a parental figure before, and Torrent had no experience to base a reaction on. Did they wait until Rhythm was accepted into the pack? Did they say goodbye and leave? Should they hug her? Were tears expected? Should she say something? Probably better to stay quiet unless she was addressed, or she'd say something wrong. Tilting her head, she instead simply watched the border for this alpha to show up, this relative of Rhythm's and, supposedly, of hers as well though she'd never met the older half-brother who'd joined Abaven long before she was born.

Álarr trudged along after his family. He wasn't quite sure what was going on, having been off continuing his studies in healing with Afi and Brynhildr. He did know that Auntie Rhythm was leaving and going to live in Abaven. He knew he wouldn't get to see her very often and the thought left a somber haze over his mood. He didn't understand why she wanted to go live in Abaven and not with them, though he knew they had other family here. He supposed she was going to live with them now but on what terms? Were they going to share her or was this it?

He felt Torrent look at him and he glanced back at her, his expression uncertain. Álarr didn't know how to proceed other than just wait. He figured the new wolves would show up, they'd chat and then… well then they'd say goodbye. He looked down at his fidgeting paws.

Valentine strode along beside Rhythm as though they were a unified front. To an extent they were; if asked he would acknowledge Abaven was where Rhythm needed to be. But that didn't mean he was the plan's most committed supporter. This felt like the end and that was what he was struggling with the most. Their relationship had been turbulent since her and Rhyme had made it home. Not once had they been a unit. They'd been at odds or at the very least distant almost since day one. The more Valentine looked at their relationship the more convinced he became that he was holding on to what life had been like between them years ago and not what their lives were like now. They had been different then but they were practically strangers now.

He was struggling with how to handle today. Did he simply tell her good-bye as though their relationship was open ended or did he tell her how he felt and hope they could go their separate ways and maybe, just maybe, find happiness in their final days? Valentine would always love Rhythm. That would never change no matter how frustrated he was with her or how strained their relationship got. But just because he loved her didn't mean they were meant to be together. Sometimes loving was letting go and by going to Abaven Rhythm was creating a divide between them that Valentine thought too big to overcome. He also thought it was best for her. She needed to be with her family and he needed to be with his family.

They arrived at the border and Rhythm wasted no time in calling for her family. Valentine's until-now stoic expression darkened. He said nothing and when Rhythm leaned into his chest he bent his neck to envelop her in a hug. Their time together was short and though he wished desperately to revel in the feeling of her pressed against him, he simply couldn't and his face betrayed the bitterness in his heart.

Tyrian roved near the back of the traveling party. He had been quiet for most of the trip; his thoughts occupied with plans for the future and resignation in the moment. Tashi had stayed behind to watch the sheep which meant Tyrian was free to more or less relax. And what was he doing with all that free time? Wasting it on what ifs. His sour thoughts seemed to fit in well with the ambiance of the party and thus he felt certain he would go blessedly unnoticed. If asked he would place the blame for his mood on the task at hand and the circumstances that were forcing them to go to Abaven, but that wasn't the entirety of it. He just had a lot to think about and the bittersweet nature of their traveling had set him up for some very heavy brooding.

Theory answered the unfamiliar call once the entire party had arrived at the border. She was met with an array of familiar and unfamiliar faces. The young alpha scanned each face, dipping her head to Tyrian, Alarr, and Valentine. She recognized all of them from meeting at one point or another. The small, frail older female who seemed to be the source of the call made her heart skip a strange beat or two. It couldn't be, could it? But this was Valentine and this was a forwarding party from Legion. "Hello, I'm Theory, alpha of Abaven," she said slowly as she continued to assess the situation. The greeting was mostly meant for Rhythm and Torrent, both wolves she didn't recognize. "I see you've come from Legion. Is there something wrong? How can I help?" she asked, sitting down to hear them out. Try as she might, her eyes kept returning to the older female. It couldn't be...

Rhythm sighed softly as her family gathered around to await the leader of Abaven. Too long had passed since the old woman had walked over these borders, but she didn’t know weather to blame herself, Rhyme, or Valentine. The moments were bittersweet, she was saying goodbye to the kids who grew up around her, she was saying goodbye to her mate, but she knew that she needed to be in Abaven.

They didn’t have to wait for very long, Rhythm caught the familiar scent before she heard Theory’s paw pads. Rhythm hadn’t been in her presence since not long after birth, it would be good to truly meet her granddaughter. ”Hello, Theory.” She answered as the girl went on noting they were from Legion. ”Yes, I’m Rhythm. Your grandmother.” She sighed softly, still feeling the sting of their loss. ”I wanted to ask to return to Abaven, to be with you and the children after everything that’s happened.” She was hopeful about her future here, but that didn’t lessen the hurt of losing Shaye and having to say goodbye to Valentine and the yearlings.

Her heart leaped into her throat and beat there for a few moments. She couldn't get any words around it. Now that it was out in the open between them, she noticed the striking resemblance that Rhythm had to Eulogy. If she squinted and overlaid black fur, she had her father. How could she have not noticed? Silence stretched between them for a long moment. Her ears and tail fell into a more neutral position. "Y-yes. Yes, of course," she managed, her voice a little bit smaller than it had been before. The young alpha suddenly felt her age weighing heavily on her. Rhythm was marked by age and experience. So was Valentine. She suddenly felt impossibly young. Too young to help orchestrate this reunion. Theo pushed the feelings down. "You were always welcome here, I'm sure of it." Tilting her head to the sky, Theory let out a long and mournful call for her father and any other relatives who might wish to greet the matriarch who had returned.

After hearing Rhythm’s call Rhyme had made every intention of avoiding the border like he’d catch the plague. There was no way that Valentine allowed Rhythm to come all this way on her own, and if he answered the call he’d be faced with both of them. He hadn’t considered Theory would call for him specifically. As he heard her dark ears fell to his skull as he gathered up his willpower. He wouldn’t be sad if he never saw either of them again, but here he was. What one did for their children.

Reluctantly he appeared before them, removing all evidence of doubt from his features. He was still in pain and grieving but he was enough out of the fog to keep from showing his weakness to them again. However much he didn’t want to see Valentine or Rhythm it was good to lay eyes on his brother Tyrian. He could only assume the other two were from the same litter. With who was still a mystery, but Rhythm still chose him…

He didn’t let the anger take him, and instead he offered a quick nod of greeting to the group. ”Theory.” He greeted her by name. He wasn’t sure where to let his eyes rest, but he figured that Tyrian would be acceptable. He even managed to give the yearling a smile. ”What’s this?” He asked as though he weren’t being confronted by the estranged part of his family. Still, he could see the uncertainty in his daughter’s eyes and he tried to be neutral for her sake. In hushed tones he offered, ”Do you need help?”

Poem wasn’t far behind her father, but her face was much friendlier. She instantly recognized Tyrian and Alarr, that and her vague puppy memories of Rhythm, but that was mostly the scent of her when the yearling got close enough. She hadn’t met any of her Legion relatives besides the two of them, but like Theory Rhyme told her much of his history while they searched for Motif.

”Hello,” her voice was welcoming as she offered each of them a quick nod, but remembered her grandmother’s blindness. Did she recognize her voice? The others she could make the educated guess they were her father’s family. ”Welcome to Abaven.” She offered to Rhythm warmly before extending it to her relatives.

Rhythm might have corrected the girl a long time ago, and maybe someday soon she would tell Theory the history with herself and Abaven. She couldn’t forget the day that Bass banished her even if she tried. Her granddaughter was somewhat uncertain and Rhythm couldn’t blame her. She didn’t expect for her son to be called and she wasn’t sure how the reunion would go.

Rhyme was first to appear and though she couldn’t see him Rhythm could feel the man ignore her and put all of his effort into his daughter. The old woman tried to smile, and wanted for Shaye’s sake to renew their relationship. ”Rhyme,” she offered softly, almost pleadingly as Poem welcomed her. That was when Rhythm truly smiled.

”Thank you, Poem.” She recognized her scent as well. Though she hadn’t seen either of them in nearly a year they were unmistakable.

Like her brothers, Torrent remained silent as Rhythm conversed with the wolf who'd appeared - who introduced herself as Theory, the alpha, and therefore Torrent's... niece? Yes, that was right. Niece. The conversation was brief before Theory agreed for Rhythm to stay, and one would think that was it, ok they were done and they should go home, but then Theory called out for someone else and no one seemed quite ready to move so Torrent stayed quiet.

Her gaze sharpened with interest when the call produced an older wolf, around the age of her older brothers, the tell-tale marks of the Imperialis bloodline clear beneath markings almost identical to those Rhythm bore. This, then, was her infamous disgraced brother Rhyme.

Who then proceeded to ignore both his mother and their shared father completely.

Torrent's first instinct was to slam into the old man, put him down in the dirt and force him to apologize for disrespecting the wolves who had raised them both. As it is she leaned forward with her hackles bristling, a low growl vibrating her chest before she forced herself into stillness. "You don't need to stay here," she rumbled to Rhythm in a low voice that would nonetheless undoubtedly carry the short distance if someone chose to listen. "You can come home. Wolves treat you right, there. Our wolves respect you." Her chimeric eyes were narrowed, focused hotly on the form of her older brother.

Her gaze flicked only for a moment to the newest arrival, who while lighter colored than Rhyme and Theory, clearly bore the same markings that showed her lineage as clearly as Torrent's own did. Poem, Rhythm had called her. She, like Theory had been at first, seemed friendly and welcoming, so Torrent dismissed her as a likely threat, instead remaining focused on the clearer threat - Rhyme. She didn't care one bit that they were on Abaven's home turf, that they could call in an unknown number of reinforcements in moments. If she felt for an instant she needed to protect Rhythm she wouldn't hesitate to throw herself in.

Álarr glanced at Valentine then back at the Abaven alphess who introduced herself as Theory. Rhythm stated that she would be joining Abaven and he frowned but didn't say anything. Obviously he knew she was going but he didn't really know how to feel about it. He felt sorry for her family but he was sad to see her go. He swallowed sharply and stared at his paws. He was ready to say goodbye but he didn't really quite know what to say or when to say it. He glanced at his father again. As he turned back and studied the alphess for a moment he realized he recognized her. "Oh! Hey, I recognize you. You were at the firefly festival! You're alphess now?"

At that moment a strange and rather grumpy male appeared. Álarr squinted at him. He looked too old to be the alphess' mate. At least he hoped this man wasn't her mate. Poem appeared shortly after and he dipped his head in greeting to her, wondering if she remembered sparring with him.

Rhythm spoke the grumpy mans name. Ohhhh so this was Rhyme? Álarr didn't know the full story but he knew there was some sort of falling out with the man. He meant to ask his dad more about it but never really got around to it. He was far more absorbed in his studies. Torrent suddenly growled, her hackles raising as she addressed the man. One of his ears flicked back as he gazed between her and the man then to Rhythm and Theory. He had no idea what to do or say.

"Yes," Theory said amiably in response to Álarr, flashing him a brief smile. They'd sparred before as well. He was a competent young man, impressive in the depth of his knowledge. She had no ill-will towards him. In fact, Theo would like to get to know Rhyme's family better. For a brief moment she was filled with a quiet hope until Torrent shattered the peace.

Theory's ears flattened briefly as Torrent growled and she showed her own teeth reflexively. Perhaps this was why Rhyme wasn't close with this side of his family. She stepped in front of Rhyme almost instinctively. There would be no fighting on her borders. Not today. "I am offering you leniency once. Stand down," she said sharply, her voice much braver than she felt. This was her calling. It was her duty to demand the respect of strangers in her land and ensure the safety of her friends and family. Although they were surely related, Theory wouldn't hesitate to put the stranger in her place if she had to. "I was hoping this would be a peaceful reunion, but I see now that things are tangled much more tightly than I had anticipated. I still welcome any family of my father as guests, and if Rhythm wishes to stay, she may. The choice is hers." Her voice softened at the end of it. Would she still choose to stay? It was out of her hands now.

Though he'd known they were all here it was weird to see so many semi familiar, definitely related faces all in one place. He'd met everyone present - some more than once - so for him this would have been just a simple reunion as well as a good-bye. Tyrian certainly would have been comfortable (well, as well as he could be all things considered) leaving Rhythm with those he liked well enough and trusted enough to treat her right. He quickly returned Rhyme's smile and meant it. The gesture faded quickly, however, as the dark mood Rhyme had brought with him mixed with the low spirits of the visiting Imperialis party. Instead of taking offense he subtly shifted closer to Rhythm; instinctively offering her the comfort and security of his presence and bolstering the appearance of a united front.

His gaze slid between his father and Rhyme as he tried to grasp the totality of the situation. Torrent was quick to address the problem and more or less voiced Tyrian's sprouting misgivings. He hated the idea of leaving Rhythm with someone who could be so cold to such a sweet woman. Torrent was right. There wasn't a wolf in Legion who would be unkind to Rhythm. She deserved better than what Abaven appeared to be offering and she certainly didn't need the added stress of getting a cold shoulder from Rhyme whenever she had the misfortune of bumping into him - something that was inevitable no matter the size of the pack.

Theory's over the top response drew an incredulous noise from Tyrian. Yes Torrent had growled and made her aggravation clear, but she hadn't lunged for Rhyme or voiced her desire to do him harm. She hadn't even addressed him and had chosen instead to speak lowly to Rhythm. Theory throwing herself in front of Rhyme as though the old man was about to get mauled was the epitome of Destruction melodrama. The warning was just as goofy. "Oh, please," he said in exasperation. "Is that really necessary?" In all likelihood it was counterproductive as he strongly doubted any member of his family would respond well to a flex of any sort.

To Rhythm, whose shoulder he aimed to bump gently, he said, "Torrent's right. No matter how anyone else feels about you we love you and we want you around." With a reception like this could she honestly say the same about Abaven and its inhabitants? "And we can turn around and go home right now."

Inwardly Valentine cringed when Theory called for Rhyme. It just didn't bode well. For Rhythm he would behave as long as son his behaved, but he made no promises if Rhyme showed his ass in front of the family. They didn't have to wait long for the prodigal son to arrive. Valentine wisely chose to remain silent and while he disliked Rhyme's general coldness he appreciated his son's stance of avoidance. It didn't bode well for Rhythm having to share space with their wayward son, but if she wished to brave that cold front that was her decision. He would have been content to just let things go, let Rhythm decide, and then get the fuck out when she inevitably decided self flagellation via Rhyme exposure was how she wished to spend her last days.

But that's not how it played out. Things went downhill rather quickly. He very nearly pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation as both sides got a little heated. For Rhythm's sake he decided to play peacemaker. Let that be his last gift to her. Gently but firmly so that no party would mistake his gentle tone to mean his resolve was soft, he said, "That is quite enough. I think enough has been said; we're all very clear about where each of us stands and I think we can safely leave it at that." And oh yes, Theory was included too. He was not afraid to thrash an alpha on her borders and he thought the Abaven wolves thoroughly incapable of mounting a retaliation that wouldn't make it worth it. His kids and his grandkids would both behave and say nothing else inflammatory. Or he would spank them. "We are here for Rhythm. Let's not forget that."

She sighed as tensions rose with Rhyme’s arrival, she shouldn’t have been surprised at the turn of events. Rhythm let the corners of her lips pull into a smile as she leaned into the support of the three yearlings. Their reaction was a little uncalled for, but emotions were high and their love for her made her heart warm. She was tempted to remain with them, having to hurt them by leaving wasn’t what she intended. However, Rhyme’s reaction, Theory’s passion, and Poem’s desperate welcome told her she was where she needed to be. Valentine’s children were strong, they wouldn’t need her nearly as much.

”May the Destructions and Imperialis forever be oil and water.” She chuckled softly, trying to find humor in the sad situation and dissipate the tension. A little awkwardly since she couldn’t see them Rhythm gave Tyrian, Alarr, and Torrent a reassuring nuzzle. She really did hate leaving them, ”I’ll be alright, young ones. To be safe though, you should come check up on me. Just to make sure I’m being cared for.” Not that her family here in Abeven would abuse her, she was too old to take anything too seriously. Yes it was a difficult time, yes she felt a million conflicting emotions. Yes, if she didn’t laugh she was going to cry.

”I’m sure Theory won’t have a problem with that.” The old woman returned her attention to the young alpha, her sister, and father. ”Rhyme will come around. Everything will work out.” She spoke assuredly, even if her son didn’t know it yet. Emotions were high and sorrow was abound. There was no need to judge them so harshly in these difficult moments. Rhythm wanted to mourne with them, but also help lift their spirits. Maybe lift a little of the heavy burden resting on young Theory’s shoulders. ”Yes, Theory I would like a place here.”

Tensions ran between the wolves present and Álarr's eyes narrowed at Rhyme. Everything had been going fine until he showed up. Either way it seemed Rhythm was determined to go. Álarr gently nuzzled her back. "Goodbye, Auntie Rhythm. I'll miss you." He knew it wasn't a permanent goodbye and he did plan to visit his aunt from time to time and he didn't care how Rhyme or any of the other Destructions felt about it. He felt a knot tighten in his chest but he didn't want to cry, not in front of everyone and so he held his feelings back and just waited for the process to be over. He made a note to ask his dad some time about Rhythm had said about the Destructions and Imperialis and to ask more information about this Rhyme character. He knew Rhyme had done something bad and had been stripped of the name Imperialis but now Álarr was really curious as to what.

Theory felt a hot rush of shame at her family's reaction to her gambit at assertiveness. She was just trying to do what she felt was right, and yet the prickling feeling of making a fool of herself wouldn't abate. The young alpha expelled a quick, heavy sigh and stepped aside. Her father could defend himself. He didn't need her treading her paws all through this... whatever this was. Clearly, as evidenced by Rhythm's comment, there was a history here that went far deeper than she could know. Theory's eyes darted between everyone's faces, trying to gauge their thoughts. If only she could read minds. As Rhythm mentioned visitors, she dipped her head in deference and respect. "As I said, I will welcome any family as guests in these lands. I hope you will visit often. Maybe then I could understand you all a bit better," she offered, a quirk to her brow as she tried to process the hodge-podge of personalities before her.

They were a strange, wry bunch. A certain cutting cynicism that she wasn't accustomed to seemed to be shared by them all. She'd met Valentine a few times and thoroughly enjoyed her time with him - this, in fact, made the whole situation all the more embarrassing. Theory stepped forward slowly, lowering her tail and ears as she approached Rhythm and Valentine. She offered a shoulder and spoke to only Rhythm: "Thank you for coming to stay with us for a while." Theo wouldn't acknowledge what everyone was surely thinking: Rhythm was choosing where she would die. Nothing less, nothing more.