Somewhere Greener, Somewhere Warmer

A breath would be expelled into the cold silence. Night had fallen upon the realm that was known as Alacritia, and within it a young man moved. He moved with purpose, his gaze bright, alert, as he traveled. The grass that squealshed with mud underpaw was merely a reminder that he continued on, running back to a past that he never should have abandoned in the first place. It pained him, it did, how he had so foolishly left behind his home. His family. Were his mothers alright? Were his brothers still there? Would he have more siblings when he returned? There were so many questions buzzing about Vitus’ head. There were so many things left unanswered, and, quite frankly, he was desperate to find out what happened to them.

He remembered Fiori. The place his mothers had moved to in order to call their home. But after that everything was a blur. He had a nightmare one night, that much he could remember, and into the darkness he would slip away. Into the emptiness of the night, where nothing but air and the sounds of the evening met him. It was almost... Peaceful. But he had run. He had run away from that nightmare like one might run away from disease or war. What was in that nightmare? Some of the most gruesome images of his family he had ever seen... And Vitus knew.... He knew he had to get stronger in order to protect them.

Another breath would be expelled into the air. Vitus would pause, lifting a paw into the air as he checked for his bearings. Things were beginning to look familiar at long last. The guilt that stirred in his heart only grew deeper as he pressed on through the night. Above him Carlisle flew -- thank goodness for the barn owl’s companionship. Were it not for him Vitus was sure he would have kept running until those images, those dark thoughts and nightmares, caught and consumed him completely.

...Vitus would press on. He knew he wasn’t far now. Instinct drew him on through the mud. He looked a filthy mess -- mud coated his lower half, particularly his legs. Glancing at the sky as he pressed on he’d let out a small puff of air through his nostrils before seeking Carlisle. It seemed the owl was coming back towards him... Had they finally made it?

There... In the distance he could see the mangroves. Could scent his uncle Leo’s scent on the breeze. Vitus found himself smiling somewhat, quickening his pace as he made the last stretch towards Fiori.

Once at the borders the male would tip his head back, giving a short, low howl. It pained him, his throat cutting off awkwardly at the end. But it was worth the pain. His family had to know that he had returned.

"Burn Baby Burn"