Tyrian was on a mission. He'd just left his father, who was preparing for a trip to Abaven, and the boy was now looking for Rhythm. It seemed she was going to go stay in Abaven. She didn't know it yet but Tyrian was on a one man mission to change her mind. Rhythm was not his mother and except for a slip up or two he'd never called her as much, but he loved her with all of his heart. Maybe it was silly and juvenile, but he didn't want to lose his auntie to a pack and a people who were so far away. If she left who was going to fix him up when he got into trouble? There was Alarr, sure, but something told him Alarr wasn't going to take on the role of mother hen in situations like that. Tyrian was as rough as the rest of his kin, but it was really nice to have a gentle spirit to lean on every once in awhile. None in Legion could fill that role.

Ah, her scent was stronger here; he was getting close. "Where you at, Auntie? I've got a bone to pick with you!" His tone was a mix of humor and playful brusqueness, but his heart was in his throat and beneath the good-natured facade he was upset with the turn of events.

Losing Shaye was one of the most difficult battles she’d fought during her many years. Rhythm had known a lot of tragedy, but outliving her niece was devastating. Knowing all the time wasted avoiding Abaven, would anything have turned out differently if they were closer? Already she knew she was overthinking everything, she couldn’t take on the guilt of still living. There were too many gone before her to do that.

Rhythm didn’t have much to gather or prepare before such a journey but she did have a small amount of medication for her arthritis so Valentine wouldn’t be forced to carry her. She didn’t know what awaited her when she arrived, but knowing she was headed that direction soothed her if only slightly.

”Tyrian?” She called back, sightless gaze looking in his direction as her silver marked ears perked. ”I’m sure you don’t want any of my old bones.” Rhythm returned softly, the humor not quite reaching her expression as she shifted to allow the boy to come sit close with her. She was going to miss the boys a lot, they were turning into wonderful gentlemen and she was immensely proud of them even if she couldn’t call them hers.

"I'm sure you don't want any of my old bones." At this his bottom lip poked out in defiance. He did though. He wanted all of them in Legion where they belonged -and that singular thought was enough to propel him forcefully to her side. Even though he was a foot taller than her, when Tyrian settled down beside her he shoved his head and shoulder into her chest in a rough hug. Unless she made it clear the gesture was unwelcome he was going to stay glued to her chest for the time being. "Dad says you're leaving," he said quietly.

As she moved to allow him to be close to her Tyrian was swift to take to her side. She could feel the tension in him as he managed to mostly settle down. He was so big now, and very much a growing yearling. She held onto him as he pressed himself further into him and he admitted why he sought her out at this moment. He knew she was leaving. She wouldn’t have gone without saying goodbye, but it was hard if she went to him or he came to her now. ”Yes, I am.” She admitted sorrowfully. ”I lost someone very dear to me. My niece. I’m going to go to Abaven to be with those affected most by her loss.” She told him just as quietly while she held tightly to him. ”I’ll miss you though, maybe your dad will let you visit.” She tried to sound hopeful while not trying to give away the unlikelihood of her return to Legion.

He drug a clawed toe through the dirt as Rhythm spoke. It was a good reason to be leaving and he hated it. Why? Because he couldn't argue against family, could he? If anything bad happened to any of his loved ones he'd be there in a heartbeat and there wasn't a person alive who could stop him. So even though he wanted her to stay he couldn't in good conscience argue for it.

...Or could he? Tyrian was quiet for several seconds as he stewed over the problem. Surely there was a solution that let him have his way without him having to stumble all over his stupid conscience. Why did someone have to up and die? That was so terribly inconvenient.

A sigh left his lips as he inwardly admitted defeat. He couldn't think of anything. Anything good, anyway. "I understand," Tyrian said quietly. "I would want to be with my family too." Gently he extricated himself from Rhythm's embrace and stepped back. The cool air on the warm places their fur had meshed chilled him in what was perhaps a taste of what it would be like once she was gone. Tyrian rubbed at one of the spots bitterly. Finally he admitted, "I'll miss you too. And I will visit - you can count on it."

Rhythm didn’t want to leave, and even more she wished that Shaye had not been taken from them so early. The old woman would have gladly given up the rest of her short days so that Shaye could have remained here with her children and family. The world was cruel though, and she was forced to deal with the heartbreaking loss. The young boy admitted his understanding, even if he didn’t like it anymore than she did.

”You’re a very good boy, Tyrian.” However much she couldn’t really call him a boy anymore. He was a huge yearling and growing just as fast as his older brothers and sisters had. ”I love you,” she admitted gently offering a nuzzle to him as he promised that he would visit her. Maybe the awful tragedy would bring the fractured family together. A silver lining to an awful storm cloud. ”I’m glad you’ll come and see me, I’m sure your cousins, nieces, and nephews will be happy to see you too.” If he was so open to her, maybe he wouldn’t harbor the disdain for Abaven the rest of Legion held close to them. Just maybe the wound would be healed.

There wasn't much more he could say or do, was there? It was a bitter truth he was going to struggle to accept fully right up until their good-byes were said. Though he recognized it was silly he wanted to be mad at the woman who had died. She was the reason Rhythm was leaving now. If she hadn't died this wouldn't be happening. But allowing that feeling to take root and blossom would have been the height of stupidity and if he would have voiced such an opinion he wouldn't have been able to fault anyone for mocking him. It was dumb but that truth didn't make him any less sour.

"I love you too." His gaze settled on the ground for a moment as he debated whether or not this was the moment. It was, wasn't it? It was time to let her go. "I guess I should let you get back to dad, huh," he said quietly. Tyrian reached out to hug her again. It still surprised him how much bigger he was than her now. How small and narrow her shoulders felt under his chin. "I'll come soon, okay, so make sure they've got the best den warm and waiting," he teased humorlessly.