Invitation and Surprise

Sirius walked side by side with Io to the aviary. It seemed oddly fitting to the giant of a man, that they would find themselves heading this way. This was where he had first meet his sister, first realised what had been missing from his life and claimed it. Now they were here to claim the mother of his sister. If she so desired to be claimed. A twitch of a smile graced his dark lips as he thought of putting himself against the large, scarred woman. To take ownership of her by force, instead of invitation. He knew such a thing would set Io against him, and so he quelled the desire. Perhaps Resin might agree to a friendly spar, sometimes soon in the future. He could settle for that instead of a claiming, so long as her leaving did not upset his sister.

The clouds smelled of rain, and hung thick, and ominous in the sky above them. For this reason, Marshal had stayed in the pack, safe in his den at the Oasis. A hard storm could injure his winged companion, and there was no reason to risk the advantage his flying scout gave him, not today.

Instead, Bast walked beside the pair, a few steps behind and beside Io. It was obvious his leopard companion felt a fondness for the healer, a friendship even perhaps. Her head was held high, and ears swiveled this way and that. She would allow nothing and no one to creep upon this reunion that was not already invited.