Cerberus had waited some time after the bonfire was started before he went to pull Mariah to the side. She wasn't hosting the event, but her invite gave him one last reason to relax before he fully joined Scylla in her new pack. The opportunity to come back to Auster even though he had just returned from here was one he would always take. And he certainly wouldn't abandon Mariah while she had showed that she wanted him to join them here.

He walked her to the stream that ran through the Starlit Plains, the light from the bonfire illuminating behind them and soon the darkness of the plains would reveal the bright, twinkling skies. Cerberus would lay along the bank, laying his paw out to invite her beside him, "I hope you've enjoyed your time so far." Cerberus wasn't much of a huge social type, but when he came to large events like this it may have seemed otherwise. Maybe just some of the royalty in his blood.

He turned his attention to the skies, watching as stars flew across the scape above. "It's one of my favorite places in Auster." He had seen the plains once or twice, but he was the kind to admire the beauties of nature. Strange for a man of his stature maybe. His gaze moved back down to Mariah, "I'm not sure if you have anyone to remember for the festival?" As far as he knew, the Mendacium hadn't had any loss in her family. Though he wasn't sure of anything beyond her parents, or maybe aunts and uncles. She didn't need the reason to be here, if only for the good time. Or the experience. Or maybe it was just because she wanted to have the excuse to come back to Auster just like he had.

"Cerberus"

Mariah watched as Cerberus made his way towards her, his imposing silhouette standing out against the backdrop of the flickering bonfire and the twinkling starlit plains. As he sat beside the stream and extended his paw invitingly, Mariah’s heart fluttered, but she accepted his offer. Coming to settle at his side. Her crimson accents seemed to come alive in the soft light reflected from the water, blending subtly with her jet-black fur. Her eyes sparkled with an intensity that matched the brilliance of the stars above them. "Yeah, I’ve had a really nice time,” she answered lightly, her gaze steady on the stream as it shimmered, reflecting the myriad of stars overhead. Beside her, Cerberus’ warm presence was comforting. Just as she was about to thank him for coming once again, he himself spoke again.

Mariah followed Cerberus' gaze upward to the stars. Their glow showered down on them, making the open plains appear like a different world. "It's beautiful," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as if she feared breaking the tranquility of the moment. Her eyes remained fixed on the celestial display above them, but she was acutely aware of Cerberus' gaze on her. A shiver ran down her spine at his question and she turned to look at him, meeting his silver gaze with her own.

"I’m fortunate enough that I don’t really have anyone to remember," she replied slowly. It was a strange thing for her to think about— the idea that she had been spared the personal loss that so many of her kind had endured. She appreciated it, of course, but there was a twinge of guilt, too. It felt wrong to admit that, surrounded by those who were here to remember. "Do you?" She asked, her tone politely curious in turn.

"Mariah Mendacium"

As Mariah looked up at the stars in awe, he couldn't help but think about how beautiful she was himself. That wasn't much coming from him, he was too kind for his own good. But it could have been a sweet compliment none the less. Mariah heated by his close presence and his eyes on her. He was easily oblivious to the idea she may have been full of butterflies or anything of the sort. He just wanted her to have a nice time with the festival.

He hummed as she had asked if there was anyone he had lost, still a soft grin on his maw even as his eyes moved across the waters of the stream. "I've been pretty fortunate too, as big as my family is." It was true, Chimera maybe wasn't in the best of health these days but he still had Siren, Dalila, Aliana, and as far as he was aware all of his brothers and sisters were doing okay somewhere. "But my mom." It had been a long time since he thought about Viper, or more what happened to her. He was the only one that really saw the soft sides of her even if they weren't exactly proper for a mother. It was the only thing he wanted to focus on rather than what happened to her. He just had to remember her in her best light.

"Cerberus"

Mariah looked at Cerberus as he spoke, her silver eyes warm with understanding. She could hear the love in his voice as he spoke about his mother, and it tugged at her heartstrings. Her paw, resting beside his, gave a gentle squeeze of comfort. "I'm sorry about your mom, Cerberus," she murmured softly. Mariah might not know what it was like to lose someone that close, but she could imagine. And the thought alone was enough to make her own heart ache with sympathy.

She allowed silence to fall between them once more as they both got lost in their thoughts. Mariah couldn't help but admire Cerberus all over again for being so open and trusting to share his loss with her. She felt a tender intimacy in this moment, sitting side by side beneath the stars, sharing thoughts and memories. His honesty made her want to know more about him, drew her in.

Breaking the silence, Mariah voiced her curiosity, "What was she like, your mom?" Her tone was gentle, careful not to push if he didn't wish to discuss it further. But she wanted to share in his memories if he chose to let her. She looked into Cerberus's eyes, her gaze filled with warmth in the fleeting moments they had left of their evening together.

"Mariah Mendacium"

When her paw laid gently down on his own, it was probably the first time he realized the sense of care she had for him. Easily he could just say it was the way she was, he was the same. But he felt something shift in him as she made contact with him. Saying she was sorry for the loss. He wasn't quite sure what to say next.

The silence that followed wasn't awkward, but he was feeling some kind of tension between himself and her. A good tension, like maybe he should reach back to her. But he didn't. Instead keeping his soft gaze and warm smile in her direction or sometimes on the waters and grasses in front of them.

He chuckled a bit as she had asked what his mother was like, maybe not the best response when talking about someone who died. But maybe that was show for how much he saw a greatness in her. Kept to the good about her. "Very unlikeable." He humored, but turned just a tad more serious for his next word, "Misunderstood." Viper wasn't an easy woman to explain, and he was so young when she had died. He wondered how he would view her today as a grown adult or how she may have changed in time. If she ever would have. "She wasn't a mother." Mariah may have thought it was noble of Cerberus to be so open about something so vulnerable, but it was easy for him to be comfortable around her. They didn't know each other too entirely well, but he trusted her. "Siren is who raised me." There was never a time Cerberus felt like he was missing something when Viper was gone. He was with Siren pretty much since his birth and saw Albion and Scylla as if they were his littermates. It's probably why family was so important to him. He could have been outcast, but he was part of their family like he was never anyone else's. Siren did well by him.

His gaze returned more intensely back to hers as he had finished whatever he could say about Viper. It wasn't much but at least he could remember she was real. Everyone aside from his father could probably forget she ever existed. It did hurt just a twinge, but he could forgive them. "Mariah," he lifted his paw to carefully caress over her back and shoulder, "Thank you for asking."

"Cerberus"

Mariah took a moment to study Cerberus as he shared, her eyes tracing the outline of his muscular form silhouetted against the starry sky. His voice was steady and calm, his words thoughtful and measured. She admired his openness, his ability to discuss the past without bitterness or regret. She found herself wanting to know more about him, to understand him a bit better than she did. But of course, she wasn’t going to pry.

His chuckles rang in her ears brought on a sense of comfort, and his mention of Viper being misunderstood sparked her curiosity further. The way he painted the picture of his mother was intriguing. She found herself drawn even more towards his story, his vulnerability making him all the more compelling. “Misunderstood...” Mariah echoed, her voice faint in the quiet night. The word hung in the air between them. “It sounds like you understood her fairly well- or well enough, I suppose.” Mariah mused, she paused, turning her silver eyes towards the inky black sky sewn with the glittering stars, her thoughts losing themselves in the overwhelming expanse. Such a misunderstood concept, she reflected – family. You were born into it, or you made it. It was precisely how Cerberus had with Siren; they had made a family out of their circumstances, formed bonds that ran deeper than blood. She turned back to Cerberus, her eyes searching his.

Mariah felt a flutter of warmth in her chest as Cerberus' paw gently traced the curve of her back and shoulder. His touch was soft, tentative, stirring emotions within her she wasn't expecting to feel. It was an intimate exchange, one that seemed to lessen the distance between them. She met his gaze, her silver eyes reflecting the pale moonlight. "Thank you," she said, her voice soft and earnest. "For trusting me enough to share." She smiled warmly at him, feeling a strange sense of contentment wash over her.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Mariah was true. Cerberus at least knew the side of Viper wanting to be a mother. Finding comfort in her son when she felt she had to turn from Chimera. But even Cerberus didn’t know who she really was. Hers was a sad, sad story, and he didn’t clip on to any generational traumas. He was able to live his life happy with a huge family. It ended with Viper.

The mood could be sentimental if only for that moment. But no where edging on hurt or angry. Easy for him to move on. "Im glad I was able to see you here." he spoke in a soft tone, keeping his eyes down on her more and more as the moments passed and they laid here by the stream. "I won’t being coming back to Elysium. I’m joining my sister in the pack she claimed." There was a part of him that felt bad, like he was starting to see that Mariah was enjoying more than just their shared liking to nature and quick talks. Perhaps just her age made her flutter on the inside but he had never had any relationship outside of his family. He wrote off flirting as friendliness, nervousness as struggling to know someone new. And yet here he was wondering what kind of fate he could be testing. For himself or for her, and their families. He knew if he came back to Elysium to see her over and over again, he’d only be hurting her in the end. His allegiance was with Albion and Scylla, he knew that despite wanting to change.

His gaze searched over her quickly before he was raising his other paw to brush gently against her cheek, maybe even lifting her face up to see him, "Mariah…" For once in his life he was so unsure. But he couldn’t help the curiosity to indulge in someone new, and someone beautiful if only for the moment. His smile was gone, but filled with a soft desire for her as he looked straight into her face without yielding. He didn’t notice her admiring him from time to time, he couldn’t know what was going on inside her head. But he was drawn to her the longer they spent together. He was really giving her the floor whether she thought she had a choice or not. He was there to catch her. Surprisingly new to what he was suggestion by the way he laid his paws on her, and the way he carefully pulled her chin up towards his.

"Cerberus"

Mariah blinked, taken aback. The news hung heavy in the air between them, turning their peaceful reprieve into a bittersweet farewell. She studied him for a moment, her silver eyes reflecting the poignant realization of his impending departure. A parting of paths she hadn’t anticipated. Perhaps it was for the better. She remained silent, mulling over his words, the weight of them pressing a cold hand against her heart. The prospect of Cerberus not returning to Elysium, of losing his sturdy presence and comforting voice- just when she was beginning to get to know it- stirred within her a sense of loss she hadn’t expected.

“I see,” she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. There was no trace of resentment in her tone, only a quiet acceptance. For a moment, she looked away, allowing herself to process the impact of his decision. Her gaze rested on the shimmering surface of the stream, her thoughts as fluid and elusive as the running water. "I...I understand," Mariah added after a long pause, her voice seeming as vulnerable as a leaf caught in autumn's chilling grasp. "Family is important. I wouldn't want you to abandon them for anything."

Despite her brave words, she couldn’t help the wave of disappointment, that washed over her, cresting and breaking within her chest. But she tucked it away neatly, folding it into the corners of her heart where it might be attended to later. She didn’t want to look at him- didn’t want her face to betray her.

"I hope your path leads you-” She was cut as she felt his touch gently brush against her cheek. Involuntarily, her breath hitched, and her heart pounded in her chest like a frantic drum. The warmth of his touch sent a current of unexpected emotion coursing through her veins, making it impossible to finish her sentence. With a gentle pull, he raised her chin until their eyes met. His mint gaze held hers steadfast, his expression unreadable. The silver pools of her eyes mirrored the soft glow of the moon, a blend of curiosity and vulnerability etched in them.

There was an unsaid question hanging between them, a silent plea for understanding, a bond forged by shared experiences. Her throat tightened as she swallowed the words she desired to say, the words that threatened to spill over in a torrent of emotions.

She blinked, her silver eyes shimmering in the soft moonlight, and dropped her gaze to his chest. She could feel the thud of his heart; a rhythmic pulse that resonated with hers. Was it the sound of longing? Pity? She couldn’t tell. “I’ll miss you.” She finally said softly, her voice barely audible, a whisper in the night that seemed to hang in the silence.

It was a simple statement, stripped of pretense and embellishment. It was also a confession, as raw and vulnerable as the emotions that welled up within her. She missed him already; not just his presence or his companionship but the essence of him — that sense of grounding calm and quiet strength that drew her to him. She simply couldn’t go on without Caedes- but she certainly would regret the absence of Cerberus as well, as selfish of her as it may be.

"Mariah Mendacium"

He could tell how sad she was to the news, a reaction he wasn't wholly expecting. He thought she should know in the heat of their shared moment. He wasn't leaving Elysium forever, some of his family was still there. His father was ill, he knew he'd be back from time to time. But if he was feeling like Mariah may have wanted an affection from him, he wasn't sure if he would be able to stop himself. And coming back to make time for her would just break pieces of each other. They really didn't know each other but Cerberus was too kind and giving to not feed into whatever she wanted. To become friends.

He lost her gaze as it dropped back into his form, and she stated that she would miss him when he left. It wasn't something he could have expected from anyone in Elysium. Ever since Fenmyre was disband, he always felt like a background character. Albion and Scylla were meant to be wed to the Mendacium twins, he was just there for the ride. To be there for them. Maybe Mariah felt that way too, being the third of her siblings. And maybe that's how they found each other. He wouldn't go out of his way to avoid her ever, and he'd probably be eager anytime he came through Elysium to see his father. Hoping they could see each other if only for a few moments.

He could have pulled her face up again, he wanted to kiss her. It all felt right to do so tonight. His biological need not to see someone so close beside him so sad or disappointed. But he didn't. Instead he was reaching around her to pull her into him, extremely delicate to handle her with care due to her medical conditions. He'd never felt as if someone was so fragile before. But he acted as if he knew how to handle her. Not against her will, and helping her to be comfortable as he went to cradle her back to his chest. It could at least give her the memory that he was here at the festival for her. Perhaps she didn't need anymore than that.

"Cerberus"

Feeling his strong, reassuring arms fold around her was something Mariah hadn't expected, but she found herself melting into his touch anyway. It felt right - natural, even. Despite the careful way he held her, there was a firmness and certainty to his touch that spoke of his quiet resolve and strength. It was comforting to her, providing a soothing balm to the chaos that stirred within her heart.

With her back pressed against his solid chest, she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeats, a gentle thrum that vibrated through her very core. It grounded her, kept her anchored in the reality of the moment as opposed to the whirlwind of emotions threatening to sweep her away. His scent enveloped her, a mix of musk and earth and something uniquely Cerberus. It was intoxicating, sending a shiver down her spine as she inhaled deeply. She found herself tilting her head back to rest against his shoulder, her gaze fluttering closed as she leaned into his touch. It was a moment of tenderness between them, a brief respite amidst the chaos of their lives, and Mariah treasured it. She could almost forget about the impending departure, the reality that their paths were diverging.

In the silence of their shared embrace, she could hear the whisper of the plains around them, the gentle rustle of grass swaying in the evening breeze, and the far-off calls of night creatures beginning their nocturnal routines. The world around them was moving, living, and vibrant, yet there was a sense of stillness within their shared bubble. It was as if time had slowed to a crawl for them, allowing them this brief moment of respite, and she couldn’t let it pass. Not without trying.

With a steadying breath, Mariah angled her face upward towards Cerberus. Her silver eyes, reflecting the faint glow of the moonlight, opened to meet his own. For a moment, she merely held his gaze - an unspoken conversation conducted in silence. Then, before she could change her mind, she closed the gap between them. Her head turned aside, her muzzle seeking his in a tender kiss. It was a show of vulnerability, an admission of the feelings that had been quietly simmering within.

"Mariah Mendacium"

His breath was soft and even as if he wasn't scared at all, and he wasn't. It was maybe a bit of confidence, but really had Mariah asked him to stop he wouldn't persist. He was really a good man and that was easy to see when he was open like this. He was pretty rough around strangers, Mariah didn't have the opportunity to see that side of him. Still he was pretty neutral and understanding. He never jumped without thinking.

He could sense the way he made her feel though, which is why he was so careful with the way he touched her. She seemed to fall into the affections he offered her, but he didn't want to push any boundaries. He offered her what he was willing to give, and mirrored with how she responded. His arm wrapped around the center of her, holding her close but lightly. Giving her room to move on her own. The sounds and chatters of the festival around them felt non-existent to him. Like it was just the two of them on the river bed, the nighttime insects chirping in the grasses. Even the other wolves that laid a ways nearby to enjoy what the plains were named after, nothing else was on his mind.

He met her cloudy gaze again as she turned to face him, he didn't shy away from her. Probably inviting her more into him. He showed her nothing to make her think she was doing something wrong. To him, she wasn't regardless of what she may have had back at home. As she closed the gap between their maws his eyes would close and he would lean forward to meet her, showing that he wanted it too. Gentle, careful almost at first. His paws flexed over her body, pulling her a little tighter. And then he would push deeper. Not so frivolously, but with a little more emotion as they stepped over the barrier. His head tilted lightly as he continued, tongue escaping to meet hers just at the edge of their lips. He'd let her set the pace, and he'd have no regrets.

"Cerberus"

Even in this surreal haze, Mariah's senses were acutely attuned to Cerberus. The warmth of his body against hers, the contrasting firmness and gentleness of his grip - every detail etched itself into her memory with vivid clarity. She was aware, too, of the rhythm of his breath: steady and reassuring, a calming counterpoint to her own uneven exhalations.

And then there was his kiss. It was not the passionate devouring she had half-expected- like it was with Caedes, but something far gentler, as if he too was stepping onto unfamiliar territory. A shiver of anticipation ran through her, followed by warmth that seemed to radiate from her very core, spreading outwards through her veins. She felt a strange and unexpected sense of symmetry, of two lives converging into one shared moment of intimacy. The world outside their embrace fell away to nothingness.

Gradually, she leaned into him further, tentatively deepening the kiss. She allowed herself to imbibe the sensation, her heart pounding in her chest as she explored the feel of his lips against hers. As Mariah surrendered to the moment, her paws moved along the length of Cerberus' body, tracing the outline of his muscular build. She felt the rhythm of his heart, its confident beat resonating against her own fluttering pulse. The scent of him swirled around her, intoxicating and all-encompassing.

But nearly as quickly as she had moved to explore his body with her own gentle touch, a particularly grounding burst of laughter erupted from another small gathering of wolves as they engaged in conversation. Oblivious to the intimacy that she was sharing with Cerberus not all that far away, but it still drove home the point that they were far from alone. With a deep sigh, she withdrew her touch, pulling back from their kiss long enough to draw a breath but to keep her nose near his. “You’ll visit Elysium sometime, won’t you?” She breathed, her silver eyes held an imploring softness as they searched his, seeking any reassurance he would offer her.

"Mariah Mendacium"

While Mariah traced along the form of his body with her small, delicate paws, he too carefully rode along her back and hips in unison. He only fed her in affection with no desire to push more barriers. Still, every bit of movement was filled with emotion. He knew Mariah wasn't thrilled about his leaving, and he hoped this could give her some sort of happiness. Even if it was a goodbye.

As she was popped back into reality, a breath left Cerberus from their extended kiss but he kept all his attention on her. He wasn't bothered by the groups of wolves nearby, that showed clear as day. Perhaps they both felt they didn't have anything to hide, but he wasn't bothered by the publicity either. That wasn't what was holding him back. He didn't want this to hurt her anymore than it already was. He'd give her this one good thing to remember him by, even as they passed each other back in Elysium when he came to visit his family.

"I have family there." He stated as she had asked, maybe even begged in a way without saying. "I'm sure we'll see each other again." He assured her, true to his heart. After tonight he could consider Mariah a friend, if that's what he wanted to tell himself. However to make himself feel like it wouldn't catastrophize her life. Their noses still nearly touching as Mariah held them there, he would reach forward to place a soft kiss on her cheek. Then leaned in a little more to nibble through the fur of her neck. Innocent, if she saw it that way.

"Cerberus"

Mariah's eyes fluttered shut briefly as Cerberus's touch trailed along her back and hips. Each contact was careful, respectful of the boundaries that yet remained, but laden with an emotion that made her heart thump erratically in her chest. His promise to visit Elysium brought a small smile to her lips and her eyes reopened, a gentle shower of relief washing over her. But it didn’t last for long, a near-silent gasp escaped Mariah's lips as Cerberus's mouth found the fur of her neck, his touch gentle yet laden with unspoken sentiment. She leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth that radiated off his skin as he nuzzled into her.

Her eyes closed once more as she tilted her neck slightly, allowing him more access. Her fur prickled at each nibble and she felt a shiver ripple through her. It was not just his touch that caused the sensation, but the anticipation, uncertainty, and undeniable longing that swelled within her. "Cerberus," she whispered, her voice barely above a breathy murmur. His name, spoken so softly, seemed to vibrate in the air between them, a silent plea echoing in the still night. His name hadn't been a question, nor an exclamation. It had been a whisper of quiet desire, a soft sigh lost to the wind.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Cerberus fed into every offering she gave him. He may have asked in the way he proceeded, the way he touched her. But her willingness to give into him made him push deeper into physical emotion. He loved the way he could make her feel, if it was attractive, wanted, loved, anything that made her feel good. It's why he moved forward. Just that subtle idea of what he could do for her had they kept pushing. It drove him to a euphoria that was indescribable. He wanted to give her everything.

He held her closer as much as that didn't seem possible, laid nibbles and kisses along her neck and chest, it was like he could feel her longing deep in the flutter of her chest. He wouldn't go beyond that though. Not now, if ever. Eventually he'd pull his face back up to look into her softened, ethereal gaze before leaning back in to kiss her. He could live with this, it was enough for him. Could it be enough for her? "I will see you again." He promised her between a breath and pulling her back into him again, only time would tell when.

-Exit Cerberus via Fade Out?-

"Cerberus"