The chocolate colored she wolf hadn't quite made it from the den Valentine had offered on her first night. She felt drained, and was sure this was the most isolated she had ever been. When she'd accepted Valentine's request she had every intention of spending much of her time as she did when in Abaven, with Shaye or Motif. The simple thought that she'd lost her niece along with her tiny brothers was crushing. The real torture was that she couldn't get her mind off the perfect little girl. Eventually those memories would drive her from the hole in the earth she was calling a den. She'd hardly slept, which was probably apparent in her disheveled appearance, her eyes were droopy and her ears wouldn't quite perk forward. Listlessly her mahogany frame would move over the knolls. Rhythm remembered the territory like she was here with Valentine on their first date. Though the winder had made the place look slightly different she knew where her feet would take her. She could almost see the cuts of their hooves into the dirt and snow that surrounded the preferred place of Imperium's alpha. Not that she anticipated his presence here, this place held a familiarity that drew her in. She'd try to fill her mind of thoughts from that particular day, of the incredible experience he'd shown her with the buffalo as well as his amusing tumble down the hill. Not that she thought his pain had been amusing. A shimmer of a smile touched her lips as she lifted herself onto the mostly flat boulder, the sun warmed rock doing her good as she relaxed on its surface. A sigh would release from her dark lips, not of contentment but in sorrow, as she lay her head on dainty paws. What was she going to do with out her family in her life? ""

Rhythm was hurting and Valentine was at a loss when it came to easing her pain. He was holding out hope that Bass' resolution would weaken as his anger faded; not for himself, but for Rhythm. Normally he wouldn't concern himself with the inner workings of a family that wasn't his, but he had forced her to choose and the tension between his dear Rhythm and her family was entirely his fault. Did he regret it? Not even a little. And if it was asked of him, he wouldn't part with an apology. He followed Rhythm's trail from her temporary den to the boulder he'd taken her to on their first date. Reaching it, he tilted his head back to rest his chin on the rock, aiming to place it directly in front of her. His expression somber, Valentine sought to lock his gaze with hers. "I'm afraid the herd is on the other side of the knolls around this time of day, if that's what you're here for." He paused a beat, then, "I thought perhaps we could find you a den today." He wasn't quite asking, but the statement wasn't a solid command either. The brute just wanted her to get up and get moving. Sitting still and moping would do her more harm than good. ""

The fresh air and the change of scenery helped her spirit, she would find herself laying easily on the stone, still and oddly peaceful as the clouds rolled by lazily overhead and a gentle breeze played at the girl's earthy fur. Dark ears would twitch at the sound of footsteps approaching, the sound catching her attention as her bright blue and purple stare found Valentine's tall form walking up the knoll. The sight of him easily reminded her why she had accepted his offer so quickly. So rashly. If she'd waited would she have been enduring this loss? Her thoughts would scatter as he lowered his chin to the rock in front of her features, his gaze grabbing her own before telling her it was the wrong time of day for a repeat of that day. He'd encourage the amused curling of her dark lips with the memory before giving her the reason he'd sought her out. The thought would complete her smile as she lifted her head, nodding in approval. "I like that thought." she'd agree with him, though she found herself more eager to just be in his presence than the activity planned. She was so lost here, and right now he was her lifeboat. ""

"Perfect!" he boomed, injecting every last ounce of enthusiasm he was capable of into that statement. Removing his chin from the rock, he continued to peer up at her. "Alright, Miss Rhythm," Valenine made a show of eying her, as if he were trying to figure her out. "What is your ideal home like?" He decided to play tour guide. Taking a step back so that he wasn't craning his neck to look at her, the brute stated, "Over there," he pointed to his left, "We have fine waterfront land that overlooks one of the bigger streams. Bit flat, definitely bare, but it makes up for it with a perfect view of both sunrises and sunsets." Without skipping a beat, he pointed to his right. "Over there we have knolls, knolls and more knolls. You would be hard-pressed to find a more confused land. It doesn't know if it's rising or falling. Lots of little streams, lots of buffalo...and maybe ten trees." Valentine cleared his throat. "But fear not, if you'd prefer the shade of a tree, I can always show you the Range." ""

His enthusiasm wasn't expected, but she would take it happily all the same, her dark tail flopping amusedly behind her she wouldn't lose his gaze just yet. He'd address her with a nickname she hadn't heard from his lips in a while and he'd find he knew exactly how to help her forget, at least for now, her sorrows. He couldn't be with her always, though as she grew more aware of her separation with the rest of her family she wished he could be. Her heart had never hurt so bad. She didn't have to think of them though, this was her chance to start a new. Today was the beginning of her new life, and she was ready for it to begin. She spent so much of her time being sad, she'd make herself enjoy this time with Valentine. She would watch him as he pointed to the many places he had to offer, the different settings and homes she might be able to settle into. She still couldn't shake the feeling that they would never be home. Not with out Motif curled inside with her. She'd been too exhausted to dream the previous night, but once she was better rested what if her nightmares did come back? Motif would not be there to comfort her, would she even have the courage to seek out Valentine's comforting side? Her den in Abaven had been on the top of a small hill, she had a nice view of the distant rapids as well as the perfect view of the sunrise. Where would she bunk down here? What would make her feel most comfortable? "Do you think.. there is somewhere close to your den?" She couldn't help but ask sheepishly, was she being inappropriate for asking such a question, was she being weak? What if her nightmares really did return? ""

His attempt at bolstering the positive side of her mood with enthusiasm didn't quite work as he'd hoped. She seemed pleased enough, but where was the gentle smile, the soft quirking to her lips, that always managed to capture his gaze? Instead his cheer was met with what came across as a half-hearted wag. He disguised his disappointment well; he'd just have to keep trying. "Do you think.. there is somewhere close to your den?" For a brief second his mind stalled and he froze. He then blinked, his gaze darting away. "Well, uh, yes," Valen's gaze returned and he cleared his throat, an action that completed his recovery. "You're actually laying on it right now. My den, that is." Tearing himself away from the rock, the brute circled to his left until he reached the place where the stone met the tree it was butted up against. The entrance of a tunnel that was just a smidgen too small for his frame was there, right below the fused rock/tree crease. Standing in front of it, he looked up at Rhythm. "So anywhere around here. Of course, if you want it, you can have it." He wouldn't mind moving out if it meant making her comfortable. ""

Exuberance felt difficult now as Rhythm slowly overcame the banishment she faced and the family she'd lost. She hurt, and though try as she might to hide it, the emotional was all too obvious within her. Not that she could see Valentine's disappointment, he hid it well as his mood didn't seem to change as he stalled after her question. Though as he lost his words she'd become worried that she had indeed said the wrong thing, she'd panic a little before he answered her. If she lost him what did she have? It was a frightening question to answer and she didn't like the uneasy feeling it gave her even as the blue titan's words reached her dark ears. Still his answer was simple, yes there were dens near his own which happened to be underneath her. Rhythm actually found herself jumping in surprise of this statement. She'd lift herself from her seat as she watched him wide eyed as he pointed out the entrance, though it seemed almost small for his tall size. "I didn't even realize." her voice held a bit of wonderment within it as she looked from him to the entrance, still perched at it's peak. In the end he didn't so sound averse to the idea, even suggesting she take it if she really wanted. Though that seemed a bit much. Though the gesture wasn't lost on her either, "That's incredibly generous of you." knowing that his scent would linger for a long time after was more than enticing as well, a silent and subtle reminder that she wasn't alone. "You'd really let me have it?" His offer was more than generous and she visibly perked at the prospect. Ears forward and her eyes a bit more awake as an amused and eager smile played at her lips. ""

"I didn't even realize." At this a smirk quirked up the corners of his mouth. Few did. It was a rather large hole in the ground, but the rock and tree cast a shadow over it half of the day and roots hung over the mouth of it. Watching her gaze dart from him to the entrance, his smirk grew. "That's incredibly generous of you." To this he shrugged. Yes, it was. Was he arrogant for thinking it too? Yeah. Did that factor into his decision? Not at all. He was willing to give her his den not to boost his ego, but to give her a place that was comfortable. It was a good den. He'd had many a good night's sleep in it and the sunrise in the morning was fantastic. But if she wanted it, it was hers. "You'd really let me have it?" His response came without hesitation, "Yes, I want this to be your home as much as it is mine." Giving it to her didn't bother him in the slightest. Whatever made her comfortable was hers, all she had to do was ask. In the scheme of things it was a very small price to pay. ""

She wouldn't miss the smirk that played on his features, the expression lessening the emotions inside her. She would continue to feel less bad about taking the alpha's den even as she proclaimed his generosity. This had to be the best den within Imperium lands and he was offering it to her, with no string attached. She'd ask again if he was sure, and to her delight he would answer with no hesitation. Yes. Valentine wanted to make this her home as much as it was his, and she'd take those words to heart. Being barred from her family was the most difficult experience she'd had to go through, but she could see that the Imperator would only wish for her comfort here. Her features obviously brightened Rhythm would not deny such a gift, her dark tail would wag behind her, obviously pleased as she scooted to the edge of the boulder. "This has to be the sweetest gift.." her lyrics would sound with gratitude as she accepted, "I'd love to have it." Maybe she really would be okay here, maybe the nightmares might stay away now. She would still be alone within the confines within, but surely the familiar scent that lingered would keep them at bay. She'd find herself smiling excitedly as she leaned over to nuzzle Valentine in thank you, though she misjudged the distance between herself and the blueish brute. What she thought would be a sweet gesture would only cause her pain as she fell unceremoniously onto her face at his feet. The sound of air rushing from her lungs was audible as she tried to catch her breath, more embarrassed than injured as her ears pressed to her head and she looked up at Valentine. ""

Rhythm leaned out to kiss him and Valentine found himself leaning forward too, eagerly reaching for her...only instead of an affectionate touch, the little fae's nose clipped the end of his as she slipped off the boulder and face-planted at his paws. The contact stung, not quite enough to make his eyes water, but enough to click his teeth together. For a second he was too stunned to move, then, "Are you alright?" He leaned down, seeking to gently touch her forehead with the tip of his nose. He hoped it was like his graceful tumble down the hill on their first date and only her pride was damaged. ""

She might have gotten her first real kiss if she hadn't been quite so clumsy, her dark forepaws would slip from the surface of the boulder. It wasn't good enough that she was falling, she had to fall on Valentine's nose on the way down. She'd hear his teeth crack as the wind was knocked from her and for a long moment neither of them would move. Though both parties would look to the other to assure their fair health. The alpha's words came quicker than Rhythm's as her bright blue and purple gaze sought his stunning blue orbs. His words were worried but his touch was soft, and if she hadn't just lost her breath she might have again. His concern melted her heart and she'd find herself both leaning into his touch and laughing. Softly and uncertain at first, but it would increase in volume and amusement. Between her giggles she'd assure him, "My face hurts," another giggle as she rubbed her cheek with one of her paws. "But I think the biggest injury is knowing how graceful I really am." Obviously she was more talented than a swan. ""