One thing she didn’t particularly miss in her absence from home was the damn biting cold. When Mariah finally did venture out, she had an additional fur draped over her shoulders and across her back. It didn’t take long for the chill to reach her bones as bare as they were- but at least the extra layer did help. With each step echoed a crunch of fresh snow- even still, the skies were fairly clear for now.

The garden was nestled between a group of sturdy pine trees, their snow-laden branches drooping low under the weight of winter. It lay dormant now, stripped bare by the harsh weather. But Mariah saw beyond the barren landscape. In her mind's eye, soon the beds would be lush with spring herbs and vibrant flowers; their aroma wafting through the air, intertwining with the scent of pine and sea salt. The bitterness of the cold was merely a precursor to the palate of nature's renewal that would soon awaken in technicolor exuberance.

The bulbs and seeds were dormant now, awaiting the soft thaw of spring to stir them into action. It was an annual cycle of rebirth, and she couldn’t help but be excited for life to return to the north. But just as much so for the god-awful chill to recede at long last.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Cerberus was steadily making his way back into pack routines. After his short visit with his sister he didn't know exactly how to feel. Scylla had babies here... She left. She had a pack now. It left him wondering where he truly wanted to be. Without Scylla and Albion he didn't know who he was. He was the oldest but he always ran for them. He had so much on his shoulders from a very young age.

He was out of work for the moment, but usually that would have him hunting or gathering herbs. Still work. He was trying to take it easy, not be such a stiff. A stiff? Not the best defining word for him but he never knew how to have fun with anyone but his siblings. Must have been a family trait.

He came across Mariah staring out through the pines, at least she was draped with a warm pelt. He didn't know too much about any of the Mendacium's at a personal level. He did remember their youngest sister having some concerning health issues though. He wasn't one to stick her back inside. She was old enough to make decisions for herself. His paws crunching across the crystal snow should have been enough to alert her of his presence. He wasn't really good at introductions despite his Prince upbringing. "I heard you had a trip of your own.", it seemed they were all getting into some sort of trouble, "I hope you have been well." He asked with a sideways smile as he made himself a seat near her. He could be quiet and look out at the vast pines ahead of them as well. Even if he sat here for a while and they said nothing to each other before he walked off he wouldn't complain. He was pretty easy going. But for now he'd take the moment she seemed to find.

"Cerberus"

Hearing the crunch of Cerberus' approach, Mariah turned to greet the large wolf. While she knew of him- knew his name and had seen him around plenty of times before, Mariah had never really spoken to him. His presence was calming, his quiet confidence soothing as the winds. She studied him a moment before replying, her crimson markings stark against her dark fur. "I did," she admitted, her voice casually light, and friendly. "A long journey, but fruitful nonetheless."

She tucked her fur cloak around her more securely, huddling against its warmth as she glanced back out at the barren garden. "And I have been well, thank you." It was a half-truth; physically- well, she didn’t need to explain. That was a truth she couldn’t hide. But mentally she felt stronger- more prepared. She'd gained valuable knowledge and experience from her journey, which made her feel like she could be a worthwhile asset to her family without physical strength. “I’m sure you’re glad to be home too,” she added, her silver eyes glancing at him sideways. “Or is this home for you?” She asked thoughtfully. It wasn’t her intention to imply that he didn’t belong in Elysium. But she didn’t think she had really seen any of Cerberus’ siblings around. Or perhaps they were just busy and she was merely unobservant. But if it hadn't been for her family, she certainly wouldn't have returned to the god-awful frozen north.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Cerberus had noticed as she pulled the pelt over her shoulders some more but wouldn't interrupt as she went to respond to him. It seemed their trips had been uneventful which for her physical health was certainly a good thing. He could definitely view her as different but weak wasn't the way he would describe her. He believed the Mendacium lines were strong and could overcome, just like his family. Just like him.

His head crooked a little as she had asked him if this was really home for him which he couldn't say for sure. "Well," he trailed a little as he thought because it wasn't easy on the spot. He hadn't made his mind up yet, "My sister is no longer here, and I suppose that means my brother will follow after her as well." That wasn't an answer of if he would choose to stay or go. Though that wasn't much her problem. Just her curiosity. "I can say I do miss Auster quite a lot." He hummed with a soft chuckle, she may have understood after visiting though being born here in the more northern areas of Boreas this may have been something she was accustomed to. Though maybe not given the fact that she was covered and he was not. "Are you cold?" He offered a paw out through the generosity that was Cerberus. Oblivious, but he wouldn't think of Mariah as much a stranger as they may have been to each other. He was probably a little too trusting and that may have been fine for this moment. Just a kind man looking to help a young woman who wasn't ever in full health.

"Cerberus"

Mariah nodded at Cerberus' response, her gaze returning to the scenery in front of them. It must have been hard for him, she thought, having his siblings scattered like that. She couldn’t imagine being separated from Malico. With a soft sigh, she responded, "I can imagine how you must miss it. Auster is... different." Her voice trailed off, filled with emotion as she recalled her recent journey and the contrasting landscapes of Auster and Boreas. “I suppose home doesn’t necessarily even have to be a place. I guess my home is with family.” She mused aloud, looking out at the snow-covered landscape. Her voice was soft, but carried a tinge of contemplation. “I just wish they hadn’t chosen northern Boreas to make their home.” She finished with light humor.

Mariah's eyes flickered in surprise towards Cerberus as he extended a paw, his offer catching her a bit off guard. She was about to dismiss his concern, but seeing the raw sincerity in his gaze made her reconsider. "A little," she admitted, flashing him a grateful smile before she nestled a bit closer into her cloak. A gust of cold wind whistled past them and Mariah involuntarily shivered in response, but she was quick to try and quell it. “But I'll be alright.” She tried to reassure him, her tone light and appreciative.

As a quiet pause came to settle between them, she cleared her throat to speak once again. “Elysium has been invited to attend the Hallows bonfire festival.” She began, searching his expression for any indication of what he was thinking. “You should come.” Of course, he didn’t need an invitation from her to visit Auster. But perhaps it would be an excuse worth acting on.

"Mariah Mendacium"

He hummed through a chuckle as she agreed that family should be where home is. But he also wouldn't hold that against anyone. Had Scylla chose to run off away from him and Albion, he definitely would be sad but would give her what she wished. He hoped Mariah's family would feel the same. He had parted ways with a lot of his siblings and even his father even though Chimera was back here in Elysium. He'd do it again to be with the ones he cared for most, as favoring as that might have sounded.

When Mariah had subtly denied his offer he still finally took the moment to lay down close beside her and make himself comfortable though in a way careful not to touch her. His tail stretched and bent slightly in her direction though his eyes wouldn't stare her down in the process. His offer still stood.

He looked back out at the trees that Mariah had originally intended to spend her moment here for and he again showed her a warm grin as she had mentioned The Hallows summer bonfire and that he should come with them. "It wouldn't be the first." He explained, though he never really had any notable memories aside from the good food and chatter. He wasn't much a social man but it was nice coming from royalty himself and sharing generosity with other packs. "It'll depend on what happens in the next few days." He wanted Albion to have a chance to see their sister before he had a real discussion with him, but he was worried for Scylla. He knew at heart he probably couldn't stay here. And again he'd be pulled around like a dog on a leash just to feel relief of guilt. He had always held high expectations of himself. "I can leave you to your afternoon then?" He offered to let her sit and admire the snows that while cold was one beauty Auster left them missing. The crystalline trees were definitely something he could stare at for hours.

"Cerberus"

Mariah watched as Cerberus made himself comfortable beside her, his large frame radiating warmth that cut through the chill in the air. She noticed his tail stretching out towards her, a silent offer of comfort. Yet, he was careful not to physically touch her, a gesture she appreciated and understood as respect for her personal space. His actions were comforting and sincere without being intrusive. Cerberus was a gentleman, and she admired him for it. The cold wind swept through again, nipping at her nose and ears. Mariah shifted slightly closer to the heat radiating from Cerberus. She was careful not to touch him, but his proximity was comforting enough to lessen the bite of the wind. Her silver eyes focused on the snowy landscape, the setting sun casting long shadows that danced around them.

Heaving a soft sigh, Mariah turned her gaze from the snow-covered trees to Cerberus. She noted the lines of worry etched on his face, a stark contrast to his warm grin earlier. His words about depending on what happens in the next few days didn't go unnoticed. She perceived that there was something bothering him- perhaps about the siblings he mentioned. “Well, I would like it if you went with us.” She said lightly, pausing slightly as she carefully chose her next words. "But if there are things you need to sort out, I understand." Of course, he was a grown man- perfectly capable of making his own decisions.

But as he offered his own dismissal, why did she want to insist that he stay? Just as she opened her mouth, ready to insist he stayed for a while longer, she hesitated. Why was she doing this? Mariah reflected inwardly, her silver eyes staring into the distance, absently focused on the snowflakes landing on Cerberus' thick fur. “You don’t have to stay.” She finally answered- not that she was asking him to leave, or dismissing him. But also not asking him to stay if he didn’t want to.

"Mariah Mendacium"

He wouldn't quite catch the hint that she was inviting him out on a date to The Hallows, but that didn't mean he wouldn't consider. Maybe his last chance to hang out and relax before getting back into his work routines. He was quite the hard worker. Though his mind was stronger on other things so who knew what the future would hold for him. Maybe he'd find a girl, settle down. Maybe he'd be just like his dad. He never thought too hard, he just wondered if he was coming to a point of his life where he should have more sturdy goals. There at least was never a woman he was ready to sweep off their feet.

"I'll consider, for you." He mused, maybe not viewing Mariah as more than friend in this one true encounter just as he felt for Avacyn. She didn't seem so bad at least, though that wasn't much coming from him. He was too kind and trusting for his own good. She would offer him his dismissal as he had asked to leave her to the rest of her day, but he would catch that slight not yes or no. His eyes gazed out at open forests for a moment before he pointed a toe somewhere ahead, "Look," noting a couple brown rabbits that were chasing each other around and scratching at the snow looking for the greens underneath. The two of them were here long enough that the wildlife seemed to come out of their hiding. And maybe that showed Cerberus at least wasn't ready to run off from her. Generous man.

"Cerberus"

As Cerberus lost himself in his thoughts, Mariah continued to watch him from the corner of her eyes. He seemed conflicted, as though wrestling with his uncertain future. She didn't know him well, but she recognized that pensive look. It was one she was used to seeing when she looked into her own reflection— common ground in searching for a place in their respective worlds.

Unprompted, a soft smile tugged at Mariah's lips he answered that he would consider. But soon after, she would allow her attention to be directed to a pair of rabbits in the distance that Cerberus had spotted. For a moment, she forgot about their earlier conversation and allowed herself to enjoy the picturesque scene unfolding before them. Her heart throbbed with an inexplicable warmth as she watched the animals frolic in the snow, their carefree antics contrasting with the quiet intensity of their shared moment. This was something she cherished - this fleeting respite from reality, where all her worries could be temporarily set aside. Shaking herself from the reverie, Mariah turned back to him.

"Thank you, Cerberus. I think...we could all use a moment like this," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. In the midst of their own internal conflicts and uncertainties, the simplicity of the rabbits' play seemed to offer a momentary escape. Silver eyes watched him thoughtfully, a sense of camaraderie burgeoning in her chest.

For a long while, they sat in comfortable silence, each engrossed in their own thoughts yet connecting over the tranquil scene before them. As darkness began to creep in, extinguishing the remaining vestiges of daylight, Mariah rose to her feet. Her gaze was still fixed on him as she stretched her limbs. "Take your time," she said gently, her eyes holding an understanding warmth that was reflected in the mint glow of his own. She offered a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes but softened her features nonetheless. "Whatever you decide, it's your choice. Just remember, you're always welcome here."

-exit via fade-
"Mariah Mendacium"

He could admire how she tried to see the world for more than what it was. Not just walk over the lands without mindfulness. Truly take a moment like this to relax, think. It could have been her illness but he believed it was more than that. He hoped she could keep seeing the beauty it all had to offer. It was easy for him, but he had little worries of the world himself.

She had told him to take his time here in the clearing before she would stand to leave. He would wait as she had mentioned, but shortly after he'd rise to track her back to the common areas of the pack. Making sure she made it back 'home' okay. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't worried due to her condition, but there was no need to be protective of her and raise every paw and show her where to step. Just as he thought earlier, their families weren't much different. They were strong. She'd find a way to at least some form of happiness he thought. It's what he could hope for anyone he thought highly of.

-Exit Cerberus-

"Cerberus"