What Desire Makes Foolish People Do

Walk | "Talk" | think

Allegro felt like he was playing a game of catch and Aranea continued to throw him curve balls. The romantic in him had hoped that this would give him a reason to be a part of his family in Abaven despite the animosity she seemed to have toward the pack itself, but when she told him that she needed him to protect them while still having an obligation to The Hallows he realized that wouldn't be. At least not yet. It was difficult to hide his disappointment, but he did his very best because this wasn't about him - not really anyway. Yes, he was part of this decision because these were going to be his children as well, but he wanted this. He wanted to be a father. In his ideal vision of the future, Aranea would be there by his side as well, but he wouldn't force her. He could never bring himself to make her do anything she didn't want.

He considered for a moment if it would be worth leaving Abaven to be with her, but that thought hurt him more than he had expected. During all the time he had spent away from his family, his only real motivation for healing and getting better was to be able to return to them. To leave them now so shortly after coming back, even if it was just to move next door, felt wrong. Besides, he didn't know anything about The Hallows. He was sure it was a wonderful pack if Aranea had taken to it so strongly, but what if they ended up moving at some point? Abaven shifted lands from time to time, he imagined they could do the same. They were next door right now, but that could change. Did they even have the space for him to join? There was too many unknowns and he didn't like it.

He was quiet for a moment while he tried to piece together a good solution, his paw idly rubbing her upper back while he was lost in thought. There didn't seem to be one solution that would solve everything, but he desperately wanted to make Aranea happy. Whatever he could do to make this easier on her he would do even if it wasn't exactly what he had hoped for. Refocusing on her, he finally replied, "If you want... If the pups live mainly in Abaven... we can ask Theory to give you access to the pack lands to spend time with them, so that you can continue to meet your obligation to The Hallows. I know she would not have an issue with that - family is very important to her. I'll protect them and if... If you ever decide that you want to join us in Abaven permanently then I'll do whatever it takes to make that possible for you." His ears flicked uncertainly as he added, "My mother disappeared when we were very young and was absent for the most part... I don't resent her for it, but I don't want that for these pups. I want us to be a family."