thicker than water

He knew the scent immediately. It was his own, yet it was not. It was Laxago, yet it was not. It was faint but Deteste was sure of it's familiarity and upon the first trace of it in the summer wind he turned in it's direction. A thundering sprint blurring the redwood forest around him. It was a thoughtless decision and Deteste did not know what he would say or do once he saw Erebos. Nor was he sure what Erebos would do once he saw him and whether or not the young man was sure that he truly wanted be around him. But with his entire heart Deteste wanted to see Erebos. He understood that neither of his children particularly loved him but Deteste had done his best to raise them and he had loved them without doubt and he still did.


It wasn't long until he could see the wiry boy in the distance. His gait slowed. He didn't want his urgency to alarm Erebos. If he would leave upon is arrival Deteste would allow him to go and there wasn't much he could do to convince him to stay but he would take this small step at the least. Deteste had changed much since his children had left him. He had settled, found a respectable place for himself in the ranks of Amenti and Ludicael and he had found peace. His moods ere nolonger stormy and it had been a long time since he had had a vision. Deteste often worried for Erebos. Knowing that he suffered from the visions and he had noticed the unpredictability of his moods since he had been a young pup. He had desperately needed structure and it was the one thing Deteste could not give him. They were moving, constantly and Deteste's attention was always divided between the children and Laxago who at that time could not even feed herself. No pack wanted four extra mouths to feed. Especially when only one was capable of contributing to the community. So it was impossible for him to give Erebos and Marvo the one thing they so desperately needed him. It should have been impossible for Deteste to keep the children and his mate alive yet he did amazingly well. For only half the litter had died.


Erebos. he spoke. His voice was firm but his expression was soft and he spoke in a welcoming timbre. Deteste halted his gait only a stride or two away from Erebos and studied him carefully. He had expected that his son would want something of him. That he wouldn't just appear of his own accord considering the discontent his children had with their upbringing but he had not expected Erebos to be in such a soiled state. He wanted desperately to close the distance between them and to groom him the way he had groomed Laxago for years and his muscles nearly quaked with the desire. But he restrained himself, not wishing to scare off the young man and asked only, How are you my son?