The tiger marked she wolf slipped through the greening foliage of Abaven, her lilac gaze searching for her one and only. She was still trying to figure out the whole being together thing. Twig adored the Destruction man, and now that they were both on the same page with their feelings she could think about what was next. They were moving along in the natural progress of things, but she still wanted to focus heavily on Beat. He was doing so well, but he had a long way to go. Beat deserved all of her attentions, but she knew that Corvus would understand, and help her wherever he could in seeing Beat to prime condition. Physically and mentally, but she knew they’d taken a hit when Tempo..

She shook the boy from her mind and made her way back to the den area after a quick morning patrol. Twig was on the lookout for Corvus now, the two of them could take a few moments out of the day to hunt as well as speak on sensitive subjects like the uncertainty of the future… Twig shook herself. She had Corvus to lean on and charge ahead with. Everything would be alright. ”Corvus?” Twig called out lightly, lilac eyes searching for his tall chocolate form. ”Would you like to hunt with me?”

Corvus wasn't entirely sure what Twig and him being together really meant. Surely it meant they'd spend more time together, that they'd plan to have a long-term future together... in a way that went beyond just being packmates. But what else? Should he ask if she wanted to sleep in the same den as him? Would his be alright, or did she have a better one? He honestly didn't know how to navigate this kind of thing but it didn't worry him as much as he thought it would. Not knowing the answers, when it came to their future, felt more exciting than terrifying... and for once he was okay with the uncertainty. He looked forward to see Twig, even if he didn't know entirely what their togetherness meant.

What he did know was that it meant she was on his mind now, a lot, even more than before somehow. That was why it wasn't overly surprising when he caught a whiff of her scent, and then her voice, not far from him. Apparently he was on her mind, too. A grin nearly enveloped his features completely as he redirected himself toward her voice. The plains were now blooming with life, and he nearly got his paws tangled on some vegetation beneath him as he spun around and searched for her. Seeing her, his smile only intensified - and he picked up his pace as he neared her. "A hunt sounds good," he agreed easily, leaning to lightly touch his nose to her cheek. Affection was good, right? He wasn't sure who in Abaven knew about their blossoming relationship, but he wasn't concerned with them finding out either. Mostly he was just focused on doing the right thing, overly worried he might do something he shouldn't be. This whole relationship thing.. well, it felt harder than he thought it would, but it was a challenge he was willing to take. "What are you hungry for?" He had no real preference beyond hunting with her; anything else just felt like it didn't really matter at the moment.

Twig felt the excitement of the budding relationship she had with Corvus, there was no doubt about that fact. Every moment apart she felt like she was thinking about him, but she wouldn’t let them spend too many moments alone. Going slowly, figuring everything out together, suited her just fine. She knew what the obvious next steps were but the way they got there was a mystery that she was enjoying watching unfold alongside Corvus. Should she call him her mate? Her husband? Should they say vows, were they just dating? Did they need to move in together? There were so many uncertainties and questions to explore with each other.

Her bright lilac gaze searched left and right for the Destruction man when his voice reached her caramel ears. They perked as her features were turned towards him. His bright smile was mirrored on hers as she visibly perked and her striped tail wagged at her hips. She leaned against his gentle touch, finding herself eager for his affection. Twig reminded herself that she enjoyed how slow they were moving. She returned his affection with a shy kiss to his own cheek before offering her answer.

”Something a little.. different.” Twig explained cryptically as she gazed up at him teasingly, her tail swaying mischievously. ”You’ve tasted honey before?” She asked curiously, trying to look nonchalant. ”Have you ever hunted honey?” Maybe it wasn’t quite where he thought she was heading, but Twig thought herself clever. ”We should try and find a hive together,” she smiled up at him sweetly with her long lashes fluttering over amethyst eyes. They could enjoy a sweet treat together after seeing to the stings she had no doubt they’d suffer.
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His recent visit with Ignis left him feeling all sorts of ways that he didn't understand, but Corvus wouldn't let those thoughts enter his mind now, no matter how much they threatened to. Living in the past, or even in the future, never seemed to do him any good. He needed to be present and enjoy the here and now, enjoy Twig and forget about all the rest of his worries. Seeing her made them fade away easily enough, especially as she answered him with that gorgeous smile of hers. He felt his heart skip a beat, and her answer to his question made him quirk a brow.

Something different? Quickly he found himself wracking his brain for the prey animals that could be found in the plains - maybe she wanted to try for something in the lands bordering Abaven? Quickly she clarified she meant something much different. Honey? He chuckled, amused at her idea. "I can't say I've tried it. It's sweet, right?" Truthfully he wasn't hungry enough that he'd be disappointed if they didn't find a more substantial meal. This idea certainly sounded interesting, if not a little reckless. Bees couldn't hurt that bad, right? Either way Corvus was intrigued, and he took off before even agreeing. "How do you think we'd even find one?" He asked, though his mind told him to head toward the nearest cluster of trees, hoping they'd get lucky.

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She felt light and airy in his presence, like she could more easily weather the hardships that surrounded her and Abaven. Life looked a little brighter with Corvus here beside her. Twig looked up into his verdant green gaze as he raised a brow with uncertainty before she explained herself. Her big reveal managed to bring a chuckle from him, the joyous sound was one Twig could revel in. Corvus had so much weighing on his shoulders, being able to make him laugh made her feel good.

Twig was slightly surprised he hadn’t gotten a taste of honey before, but she smiled brighter. If they could find a hive she would be there with his for his first try. A special occasion. ”I think you’ll really like it.” She assured him sweetly, knowing there was a very good reason honey wasn’t often on the menu. You had to get through the bees first. He was even more eager than she was and happily began to lead the way. She wondered for a moment if he might race her again, but no one would be celebrating a win to a bee hive first.

”I’ve been following a few honey bees all day.” Twig explained as she trotted contentedly beside him, not sparing her little glances in his direction. She felt giddy inside. ”I think they’ve built a hive in one of the hollow trees.” She motioned ot the copse that Corvus had already glanced towards.

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The laugh itself seemed to loosen some of the tension from his shoulders, like a weight that was gradually being lifted. Twig had a way of doing that so easily, far more easily than most wolves.. except maybe one, but he was determined to keep those thoughts from his mind now. That certain someone elicited just as many bad feelings as good ones sometimes, though he had a feeling that was more to do with his own mind than anything external. Focusing on their interesting little hunt would keep his mind rightfully occupied for now though, and he found himself grinning as she said he'd really like it. He had no doubt he would. Even if it tasted bad, honestly; everything he did with her he seemed to enjoy quite a bit, so he wasn't too worried.

But the bees? Okay, maybe he was a little worried about that part. "How do you think we'll get it?" If it was inside a tree, well... he really wasn't sure. "Maybe if one of us gets the bees going out of the hive...?" Twig was the faster of the two, but the thought of making her try to run off some bees wasn't a pleasant one to him. Then again, neither was having her stick her nose right into an angry beehive. He cringed at the thought, though padded toward the trees she had gestured toward. He really wasn't sure though, and he had no doubt Twig was craftier than he was in this regard, because he was at a loss.

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Corvus seemed to relax a bit more than he seemed distracted. Twig grinned up at him, feeling her insides swim with warmth and happiness. She hadn’t felt like this in a long time, it felt like home, like safety, like it was meant to be. They had a task at hand though, and Twig couldn’t allow herself to focus too heavily on his handsome features or the way her stomach played host to fluttering butterflies.

Her partner drew up the most important question, how in the world were they going to actually harvest the honey? This was the moment that Twig wished she had a better grasp of fire. She’d heard that smoke was one’s best weapon against stinging insects, but all she had was her knife. Still useful but it wouldn’t protect her against the stings. She hummed lightly.

”Thankfully honey bees are not overly aggressive. Well. Most species.” She returned her features back to Corvus with a wink. ”My father built a fire underneath the hive to smoke the bees out when i saw him collect once.” She suggested. ”He made sure I didn’t get stung but i’m pretty sure he wasn’t as lucky.” Twig smiled at the thought of her father, someone who didn’t often make it to her mind. ”I guess we’d have to know how to build a fire first.” Her tail wagged mischieviously. ”Well, I’m not afraid of a few stings.” She told him bravely, suggesting they just go with his plan of distract and steal.
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Honey bees weren't overly aggressive, she said. Maybe that would've been comforting for the fact that meant they still could be aggressive, or at least that was how Corvus was interpreting her explanation. So it was a risky operation either way, but Corvus wasn't going to back down from a challenge. Bee stings weren't crippling anyway, he'd survive, and he'd find a way to take the brunt of the stings if that was what it came to. "Great. Very reassuring," he said sarcastically, but he couldn't help but laugh anyway. Twig made him feel bolder, more brave - like he could conquer anything, especially a little beehive.

He had no idea how to start a fire so they'd have to just use their paws and brains for this one. She shared a memory of her father, which seemed to bring her joy, and he was content to bask in that memory for a moment. Corvus had so many fond memories of his own father that came to him often, though sharing his memories of his parents often felt difficult now. He hadn't quite fully gotten over losing them, though he wondered if even the oldest wolves even truly moved on from their losses. For a moment he thought of Poem and the moment they'd shared together, but quickly his attention was tugged back to the task at hand.

"Okay... if I get the bees going, maybe you can try to steal the hive?" Was that a mean thing to do? Corvus had no clue. Hopefully she'd be able to extract the thing from the hollow tree trunk. Corvus winced a bit as he got closer, inspecting it. Bees buzzed around the hive, zooming in and out while others rested peacefully on the outside. "Okay! One... two..." Inhaling sharply like he was diving into water, he shoved his head near the hive and nudged it. At first, nothing happened - but a few more nudges got the colony going and suddenly he felt a sharp sting on the side of his nose that told him they were zeroed in on him. "Ow! Shit!" It was hardly the worst pain he'd felt despite being quite annoyed. Giving the hive a good few more shakes, feeling the stings begin to arrive more quickly, he extracted his head and started off at a slow jog.. though once he realized the bees were definitely following him with a fury he began to run faster. "Grab it!" He managed to call out, hoping Twig didn't suffer the same fate as he currently was.

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Corvus teased her lightly but his smile and huge grin was enough for Twig to be emboldened as well. Their prize would be well worth the effort and the pain from the stinging insects. Maybe they deserved the stings too, with how they were stealing from them. ”We’ll be alright.” She promised before lifting herself onto her tippy toes to offer him a sweet kiss before the main event. Hopefully his lips wouldn’t be too swollen for more of them, or honey, after all was said and done.

”Maybe not the whole hive, but a comb or two for sure.” She told him confidently as she revealed her hunting knife. It would be easier if she had his help cutting the comb but she’d take distracting the bees. She grinned like made as go time finally came, and bravely her strong man moved forward and began to harass the hive. Twig stood back a little so she wouldn’t distract the wrath of the swarm. Poor Corvus would quickly suffer a few stings, but before she knew it he was off.

Twig swept in with her knife and after carefully dissecting a bit of paper on the outside she struck gold. More than a few stings after she started cutting Twig dropped her knife and grabbed the huge chunk of honeycomb and booked it away from the hive. She squealed excitedly through her teeth, feeling the few dozen stings around her face thrum as she ran. Eventually the bees would cease their pursuit, but Twig wasn’t stopping anytime soon.

Her little kiss definitely helped encourage him, but it was quickly forgotten as he was chased away by the bees. Occasionally he cast a glance over his shoulder to make sure Twig was faring well. From a distance it was difficult to tell what she was doing, but she was busy working inside the hollow tree and he had to hope she had some success. Even a few slivers of honeycomb would provide them a delicious treat, but he wouldn't get his hopes up that she could extract more than that. Though he'd pulled quite a few of the bees out of her range and onto him, he had no doubt some remained to protect their precious hive.

He continued running, feeling the bees slow their assault until only occasionally he felt a sharp prick that told him he'd been stung. He had no doubt his face was mildly inflamed now but it was merely an irritation that would die down, and hopefully their reward would make it worth it. Catching sight of Twig running behind him he began to slow, weaving through the grass and redirecting his path slightly to the side so she could catch up with him more easily, far away from the original hive now.

She almost dropped the comb a couple times as she ran, each sting like fire on her skin. Twig did her best to let them roll of her shoulders, she had a plan and was sticking to it. The painful stings weren’t going to ruin her day. They wouldn’t anyway with Corvus around. She grinned as he aimed to incercept her path, far enough away now that she hadn’t been stung since laying her eyes on her handsome boyfriend. Thinking of him like that was still so new, she quite liked it though.

Twig galloped after him, tail wagging as it flew in the breeze behind her. She threw her head lightly so she didn’t spill too much honey as she waved her victory. There was plenty for them to share and enjoy. The woman rubbed against him, grinning through her mouth full of honeycomb. Her bright levender eyes seeking his verdant gaze with all of the love and affection she felt for him. She raised her brows in silent question as she tried to mumble through the honey. ”Whr tuh?” She felt a thrill of excitement go through her as she wondered where he might take her.

They had emerged victorious, even if he was sure his face resembled one of those fat bees now. Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad but the swelling was no doubt visible, even to himself, who could see his swollen muzzle and cheeks. Oh well, it would go away soon enough and hopefully Twig would laugh at him in the meanwhile. Anything to get her to smile would be worthwhile, even through a low-to-moderate amount of pain. The bees luckily abandoned their pursuit before he calm to a halt, with Twig on his heels.

"Hey, you got some!" He cheered with a grin, his face visibly swollen but not enough to make his speech muffled. Luckily his running hadn't given them much time to string close to his lips, something he was infinitely thankful for. Twig's question was hardly able to be understood, with her mouth full of honeycombs, but he had to guess she was asking where they were going. Hmm... he hadn't thought that far ahead yet. Definitely not back to that tree, just in case the bees found them again. "I think the river is close," he speculated, lifting his head to sniff at the breeze. He took off at a brisk walk, searching for a spot alongside the gentle stream to sit and feast on their spoils. Once they were close he picked up the pace a bit, angling himself toward a tree that overlooked the river - it was a picturesque, shady spot that would no doubt be a good spot for them to share a moment together.

Twig was certainly feeling the pain from the stings but thankfully she wasn’t terribly swollen. Yet. It didn’t matter though, her eyes were bright and flashing. The woman was excited to have spent the time with Corvus, even with the pain they’d both gotten the blood flowing she couldn’t deny the adrenaline she felt. Even if they hadn’t managed to get the honey she would have had a good time.

She couldn’t offer up anything other than her affirming nod and the golden comb in her mouth. The pair of them trotted on and the Memoire woman followed after Corvus easily. The river was where he’d decided and Twig couldn’t offer any disagreement. Soon enough he’d found the perfect place, a shady place under a tree by the river. Green grass spread out before them, birds singing, and a perfect afternoon for the pair of them to enjoy alone.

Twig’s ivory tail wagged happily at her hips, despite Tempo’s struggled she was feeling like life was real again. Like she could take hold of her happiness and not be afraid that it was going to be ripped from her again. She made herself comfortable as they slowed upon arrival. Twig settled the comb on the ground as she leveled the grass a bit with her paws. ”Oh, this is perfect.” She lifted her head to fully feel the breeze coming off the river as she praised his decision. The wind played with her pale fur as a smile played on her features.

Corvus was elated, even in the light of the little bee attack. There was really no other way he wanted to spend the afternoon than like this, whatever the cost. He just hoped that Twig could've see his swollen muzzle, but he felt like the swelling was already beginning to subside... or maybe that was just the tiredness seeping into his limbs from their little excursion. He heaved a content sigh as the two of them settled down together, glad to feel the cool grass under his belly as he lowered himself into the shade and leaned close to Twig and the honeycomb she'd so bravely extracted.

"Isn't it?" Corvus grinned widely, shifting into a more comfortable position as he moved to lean against her. Laying side by side was infinitely more comfortable, even if it made conversing a bit more difficult. It was a fair trade for a bit more physical contact, something Corvus was growing increasingly comfortable with... and found himself wanting more and more of. "You try it first," he encouraged her, grinning as he tilted his head to watch her reaction to their sweet snack.

Having Corvus so close and being in a place so perfect made her heart swell as they got comfortable in the shade. Twig couldn’t keep the smile from her face, it was like all of her problems just didn’t matter when they were together. He was a perfect gentleman, the handsome man of her dreams. There was a lot to be worried about, but she could be happy beside him. He leaned against her and she returned the affection as he prompted her to try it out first.

She almost made him do the honors but she knew he’d just fight her on it. She grinned, and without taking her purple hued eyes off him leaned down to take the most delicate bite of honeycomb. The sweetness mixed with the taste of the comb was different than anything she’d ever had. Twig managed to get rather young comb, it was pure and delicious. She wouldn’t need to enjoy much to be satisfied.

Twig wanted much more of Corvus though, with a sly smile Twig covered one of her toes with the sticky sweet substance and offered her appendage for Corvus to enjoy.

Now this was happiness. He'd never expected to find it in Twig but now that they were here, getting to know one another on a more intimate level, it felt like something he didn't want to live without. Even with whatever obstacles might stand in their way - from bee stings to... whatever else. He was too much of a realist to not expect that the future might bring them hurdles that would be far more difficult to face, things that he couldn't even begin to imagine now. He could only hope that they'd persevere through those things as they came to them.

But in the present, he was happy to bask in their little moment together, twisting around to face her a bit better. Rather than offer him a slice of the honeycomb, instead she offered her paw coated in honey. He only hesitated for a moment before lightly licking the honey from the paw, feeling a rush of warmth suddenly flood his cheeks at the surprisingly intimate gesture.