the boy who fell into the sky

Visiting with his sire was part of his ritual, some kind of rite of passage that granted him safe access to the northern and southern halves of Boreas when he made the migratory trip with the seasons. This time around, he was more interested in checking up on the old man. He'd returned to pack life, which somewhat assuaged the young titan's worries. There would be many other eyes to ensure that the old man didn't keel over in some ditch, never to be seen or heard from again. Today, they were enjoying one another's company in amicable silence. At least for a time. When Deion spoke up about his joining the pack as well, the nomad couldn't help the way his lip turned up in a grimace. To be tied down by border and duties.. he hardly relished the notion. The mention of his sister- no specifics to which sister, in true Deion fashion- he did perk up somewhat. Neither of the girls were the type to align themselves with a leader, not without a great deal of consideration (and intimidation).

And then, of course, the bastard had to make it about feelings. Obviously, Valerian had no interest in thinking about his father's age, or his health, or the inevitability of death. He was still young, and he didn't want to live his life without a father. That grimace turned to a scowl, one which might have put his father's to shame once upon a time. He cast a furtive glance towards his sire, golden eyes tracing the ever-growing patch of silver that stained his muzzle. "I spend plenty of time with you already," he grunted, trying to cover the tension in his voice with the growling baritone tombre itself. "and you're not decrepit- there are plenty of older men out there, with far shittier bones than yours." he added, matching the gentle prod of hind paws with a light kick of his own to his old man's ass. What a bastard. Now the thought of his dad dying was going to haunt his every waking moment while he tried to enjoy his adventures.

"Why don't you impart some wisdom on me, then. If you're so ancient, there must be a story or two in that old head of yours that I haven't heard yet." he teased, teeth and tusks flashing in the mid-afternoon light as he grinned.