Everything was finally normal again. Right? Poem was home, Rhyme was more lucid than he'd been in months, the puppies in the pack were almost old enough to decide what they'd like to do with their training... everything was blessedly regular. Theo couldn't resist the urge to celebrate. She hoped that hosting a gathering on the islands might help erase some of the negative feelings that anyone might be harboring after their forced exiled. Truthfully, they were beautiful. In the summertime everything had become lush and vibrant. Wildlife ferreted between the tall trees and little crabs seemed to be scuttling everywhere.

She'd asked Alouette to collect brush and small sticks and over the course of the day they had amassed quite a few. The raven was smart - the smartest creature that she knew - and Theory hoped to send off the day with a glorious bonfire. For now, the sun had just peaked in the sky. There was a long afternoon ahead of them filled with warm sunshine and the pleasant sound of the waves on the shores. Theory lifted her head and called for the pack to celebrate.

With a mighty pull Brandr finished hauling the elk carcass onto the makeshift raft. Blanda was definitely earning her keep, those deft little paws did wonders when it came to stringing the logs together. The raft was massive enough to support the weight of the young elk but not enough to support him as well. Blanda scampered onto the raft as Brandr worked to push it into the ocean. Thankfully the tide was coming in and soon the raft was floating. He watched it warily for a moment. There was still a lot to learn but he felt pretty confident that the raft would at least get the kill there. Ambi took to the sky as Brandr slipped into the water and carefully began to push the raft, nudging it here and there to encourage it along while Blanda took the rudder. It was exhausting work and the raft leaked and they needed to find a better way to buffer it against the ocean but thankfully the Ibis Islands weren't terribly far. They soon docked and Brandr settled down on the beach to rest for a moment. He was still resting when he heard Theory's howl. Uh oh, she was already calling the pack? He better get the meal to the gathering then. Seizing the elk by the throat he started dragging it toward Theory's call, leaving Blanda to secure the raft. When he arrived he let the elk down and sat down heavily, panting. He was too exhausted to say anything so he just nodded a greeting to Theory. "Talk" "You" Think

Desolate padded towards his alpha's bright call, telling himself he wanted to make more of an effort to meet those he'd ignored in Abaven. Perhaps he was a little salty that even when an orphaned litter was among them, that no adults aside from his cousin and uncle had sought them out. However Theory had offered him training and an apprenticeship, and so he felt he owed it to her to put in some effort. After all, a student reflected on their mentor and he had no desire to make his cousin look bad in front of her pack. It didn't seem like a formal gathering, and the mood was much more lighthearted then the recent meetings where talk was of death and moving and volcanoes. He tried to come in to it with an open mind, arriving early so he could greet people softly as they came and perhaps strike a friendship. "Hi." He whispered to the hunter, then to Theory, before sitting somewhat away from them both to wait.

Gloom wasn't exactly eager to be here, she hadn't really enjoyed the swim over and she wasn't sure the call was even meant for her. Theory had never been anything but kind to her but some part of Gloom felt she and her siblings had been allowed to fall through the cracks, maybe not even considered part of Abaven anymore. Still she dragged herself up onto the shore and then stuck to the undergrowth, trying to hide herself away, she was close to her full height now, nearly a year old but still considereably small for a nearly fully grown wolf. She snuck forwards, peering out from her hiding spot. It wasn't until the girl spotted her brother that she revealed herself, pelting across the space between them to quickly reach his side, imagining the feeling of the eyes of her cousin and the unknown older male on her as she ran. Gloom settled herself beside Desolate, ducking her head as she tried to avoid looking at anyone really. Speech Think Action

Image by AlienLion

"Oh, thank you Brandr!" Theory said earnestly, gaping at the impressive carcass he had brought for everyone to enjoy. The hunter was whip-smart and always going above and beyond - she had complete respect for him. She'd meant to council him on crafting some armor but Poem's return had sidetracked her usual train of thought. Although she was grateful, she couldn't let her regular duties slip through the cracks. Theory padded towards the carcass and helped move it the rest of the way towards the sticks that would become the bonfire. "Please keep resting - we've got some entertainment queued up," she smiled. She gestured towards Alouette in the trees and the raven swooped down to the sands and began to chirp rhythmically. The raven returned to the trees with a caw, then brought back a small weighted stick and a woven circle of flexible twigs with a dried hide stretched over it. Once she returned to the sands, the raven began to beat the tiny drum in a steady tune.

"Lou, that's wonderful," she said encouragingly. The ravens had worked together to create an interesting arrays of sounds - she was looking forward to when the other birds arrived. As the puppies showed up, Theo was sad to see that they were still quiet and removed. Had Eulogy rubbed off so much on them? They all seemed scared to just... live their lives. It broke her heart. Theory gave Desolate a friendly nudge as she padded over towards Gloom. She had asked him to be her apprentice recently and it had perked him up quite a bit. What could she do for his sister? "Hello, Gloom. Tough swim?" she asked, remembering how long it had taken her to adjust to crossing the channel. It was quite the work out. Maybe she could just begin to break the ice.

Making the switch from mourning to celebration was hard on the yearling, she missed her mother deeply. Shaye should have been there to welcome her home, and ever since her return Poem just wanted to feel her mother’s embrace. She tried to let go of her sorrow as Theory called the pack together to celebrate her return home. This was supposed to be a happy evening, she couldn’t drag her sadness along with her. Still, she felt as though her smile was forced as she made her way to the island and took in the forms of her pack mates and family.

Edgar joined his sister in the trees, his own woodwind instrument in his talons as he added his jolly tune to Lou’s gentle drum beat. Allen the caracal trailed behind her, his lithe form nearly full grown at this point. Poem continued to struggle to keep the smile on her face, but seeing Theo with their young cousins helped. New life would keep Abaven going. Poem needed to focus on her young cousins instead of missing her mother. She needed to embody her spirit and let them know they were loved.

Still her emotions were obvious as the young Destruction came up to embrace her sister. They were all they had of Shaye and Poem wanted nothing more than to cling to her sister. ”Hey Theory.” She greeted as she buried her head in her sister’s dark scruff, she breathed in her immense strength but knew she had to offer the same back to her. ”Thanks for doing this.”

Void quietly followed his siblings to the gathering, he was a subdued boy to begin with and even at a party he was no different. He towered over his two remaining siblings, but he didn’t feel any bigger than them. He held no fear, and very little emotion to begin with. Still, he picked up on the moods of those around him and he tried to decide if he could exhibit happiness or joy. This was a celebration but it brimmed on the edge of a funeral.

The young Destruction aimed to hold a smile on his features though, maybe if he forced it the pup would help to change the atmosphere. He liked the sound of the raven’s music and he liked seeing his brother and sister out and about. With a much more relaxed pose than his siblings the hulking boy quietly came to linger with the two of them as the alpha greeted them.

Rhyme’s recovery from heartache was slow, he was so focused on himself and his own sorrows that he hadn’t noticed Eulogy’s scarcity. The fact made him realize how useless he had been to his poor daughter and the pack. He was dragged further into depression, but his hallucinations disappeared when he fully accepted the loss that they all had to suffer through. He tried not to dwell as Theory called them together. This was a time for celebration. Poem was returned to them and the pack was recovering slowly.

The once alpha was subdued as he approached the gathering. Imperia and Solitude were much more vibrant as they took their place next to their children and took up their own instruments. The mood of the music was light as they tried to shift the atmosphere.

Rhyme did wear a rare smile as he observed his daughter’s embracing. He was glad to see his nephews and niece make an appearance. He just couldn’t overcome the feeling of the missing presence.

He tried to look around for his biggest supporter as emotions threatened to overwhelm him. Samara became his lifeline, were it not for her he might have perished too. Having her beside him grounded him and helped him to focus on the future rather than the difficulties of his past.

Tempo hovered beyond the very edges of the growing gathering, he'd become a ghost in Abaven even more withdrawn at Beat's disappearance. He knew his aunt was heartbroken over it but as much as the boy wanted to comfort her he dared not. Now more than ever he was convinced of the curse and of his own lack of self-worth. Beat had gone to escape him, escape the misfortune he brought of that Tempo was sure. His heart longed to join the celebration but he dared not. Instead, he sat the mouth of his den, he'd tried to pick a place away from the bulk of the pack, and from this vantage point, he could see shapes moving through the trees, hear the gentle building of music coming from some source he did not know. But he dared not join them, a silent, sullen observer. "Cursed Lines" & Innocent Thoughts

Art by Risketch

Octave had taken some time to consider some things to bring with him to the celebration, in the end he'd decided on some basic ones. Agrimony for upset stomach, Valerian root for headaches and some dried elderberry bark just in case. Though he hoped no one would need it. With Noko tucked happily on his back the man set off to attend the celebration, his small bundle of herbs carefully clutched in his companion's paws. The swim was a bit difficult with Noko clearly nervous the whole way there but they'd both eventually make it safe and sound. Octave approached his cousin first, giving Theory a respectful nod of his head then Noko poker herself up over his head to speak softly to the alpha. "Miss Theory, Octave and I have brought some basic supplies in case anyone parties a little too hard. Hopefully, we won't need it but Octave figured it'd be better to be safe than sorry." The lemur held out the bundle of herbs in her forepaws to show what they meant. Once he was satisfied that Theory was satisfied Octave would move off to the bulk of the group, despite his nerves he knew Abaven was full of good wolves, and he really ought to get to know them better. It was a small step, he wasn't introducing himself to anyone yet but choosing to sit among the group was a step. "Ocatve" "Noko" Think You

Art by EquestrianJade

Samara was glad for the occasion to celebrate, even if it seemed to have come so close on the tail of a tragedy. The small woman detoured try swing by and make sure Rhyme wasn't missing the celebration of his own daughter's return. She was pleasantly surprised to find his scent trail leading towards the island, while she knew it was still rough going for the man, especially as he started having to grapple with the guilt of his depressed actions, but she was glad to see he was able to motivate himself enough to go the celebration at least. Getting there was a bit of a process for the tiny woman, her short limbs didn't exactly make swimming easy, by the time she hauled herself to shore she was soaked through to the bone and panting intensely. She gave herself time to breathe, catching the gentle sounds of music floating towards her on the wind. When she arrived Samara instantly searched the crowd for Rhyme, finding him searching as well. She flashed him a grin and beelined it for the man. She was still damp and shivered a bit. "Mind if I steal some warmth stranger?" She asked playfully, she didn't wait for an answer before seeking to push herself into his larger frame, both to try and warm herself but also in a playful attempt to spread her wet chill. "Speak!" Think!

Table Art by Vhitany

Twig heard the call and despite how much she worried about Beat and Pitch she started heading that direction. She couldn’t help but think of little Tempo though, and she knew deep down he would not approach without some help in that direction. At the least she wanted him to know that she was thinking about him. She followed his trail up a little path, however she was careful to stay far enough away that she didn’t scare him off completely.

”Tempo?” She called out softly, she knew he was close but couldn’t quite see him. ”Would you like to come to the party?” She knew the answer was no but maybe, ”You know curses don’t affect anyone if there’s music playing.” Probably. Twig had never met with a witch or shaman but at this point she was seriously considering outside help for her poor nephews. She had already convinced herself of the fact though, maybe it was enough for Tempo too.

As if his thoughts summoned her Samara appeared in the clearing, the bright smile on her lips working to banish the sorrow of his thoughts. She made her way towards him, obviously still soaking wet from the swim over. He’d been on the island for a while so he was dried by this point. ”Of course,” he offered too late as Samara closed the distance between them. She was obviously chilled as her shivering form was suddenly pressed against him. Rhyme was just as quickly alerted to the proximity they shared in such a public place.

He wasn’t ashamed of how close he’d become to Samara or how much he was still dependent on her presence. Or how much he was coming to care for her as well. His heart beat quickly in his chest as his cheeks flushed. For the first time since he’d met her Rhyme would give in to the feelings that so desperately wanted to be shown and explored. Letting go was one of the most difficult challenges of his life, but as he returned to reality and managed his goodbye he could feel relief.

Rhyme felt love, from Samara and for her. Not only did he owe her his life, but she was becoming a staple in it. The self named wolf shifted slightly so he could better embrace her tiny wet form. His cheeks flushed and for the first time in a long time he was entirely submerged in his current moment. A genuine smile slipped over his features as he embraced the tiny Klein woman.

Samara was also highly aware of how public it was, in regards to her own actions it was a bit of a gambit. She was pushing things maybe a bit more than she should considering the man's condition, but she was also desperate for even a shred of that feeling she'd had before she left, that he was in fact not totally immune to her advances. If he rejected her contact here then well... that would be that wouldn't it? But as Rhyme not only leaned into her but moved into a proper embrace she was suddenly aware of how public this was. His children were around and yet- well there was satisfaction there but more than that she felt some relief, like a tension she didn't know she'd been carrying had suddenly disappeared from her. For a few minutes, she allowed herself to be comforted by his embrace. Then a thought entered her mind and a mischievous grin flashed across her face. She gently detangled from Rhyme and spun around to face him. "We'll never get properly warm like this." She said, keeping her tone innocent. "So, Mr. Cavaliere, will you join me for a dance?" "Speak!" Think!

Table Art by Vhitany

Rhyme enjoyed the embrace much more than he ought have, but there was a soft smile on his face and a beautiful woman in his arms. No matter how much he wanted her there at his chest he still felt guilt tug at his elbow. Was this the right thing to do? Should he jump in head first when he had just suffered so heavily? She was like a balm against his pain, the tighter he held her the less of it he was forced to feel.

They lingered there, he wasn’t sure for how long. He held onto her as long as she’d let him, unabashed in the face of the pack as they mulled about the festival. He wondered for a moment what his daughters might think of their proximity. Far too soon Samara slipped from his grasp, her dainty form quickly shifted to face him. Their size difference was astounding, but as she looked up at him Rhyme was sure they became the only wolves in the world.

”No?” He questioned softly before she began to explain herself. ”A dance?” A season ago he could hardly keep himself on his feet, and now Rara wanted to dance with him. ”That.. That would be lovely. I accept this dance, Ms. Klein.” He relinquished, dark lips pulling back as he rose and followed after his partner. The ravens continued their music and as he followed her to the clearing they began a slow and sweet melody.

For a moment the woman was scared his response would mean he'd refuse her and Samara steeled herself for that rejection. But Rhyme responded positively. Maybe not with total confidence but he matched her playful language all the same. She beamed up at him for a moment before taking the lead out into the open space. The song the birds were playing turned slow and Samara couldn't help but chuckle a bit. The woman whirled around to face her dance partner, flashing another smile before she extended a delicate foreleg towards him, then she lowered her torso in a bow, her upper chest dipping towards the ground and her head tucking slightly, her foreleg stayed even as she did this. Long hours of practice to perfect a pre-dance bow that had been used in a foreign court having paid off years after she'd last used it. She'd lift herself back up to her full height and watch the man carefully but gently for Rhyme to take the lead. "Speak!" Think!

Table Art by Vhitany

While he wouldn’t admit the emotions that swirled up inside him Rhyme felt love swell for her vibrant smile. He returned the expression as she led him out into the main clearing under the raven’s performance. The Cavaliere man’s blue and lavender eyes fell on the dark woman as her graceful form turned back around to face him. Rhyme felt himself stunned for just a moment, despite the crowd around them and his reservations. Samara was a gorgeous woman, and Rhyme was ashamed of how little he’d appreciated that fact. Even after she’d seen him at his lowest point here she was.

His grin managed to reach his eyes, and it was all for her as Samara bowed elegantly. He caught her bright blue eyes from under long lashes and further fell under her spell. The problem was, Rhyme was no dancer. A slave had no reason to know how to dance and Valentine certainly hadn’t taught him the skill. He felt his cheeks flush, ”I’m not very good,” Rhyme warned her as he stepped forward, finding he had better control over his limbs than he expected.

As he vanquished the rest of the space between them Rhyme felt his skin tingle and his heart beat rapidly. So much time had passed since he’d felt anything like this. He tried not to conjure the painful memories. They didn’t belong here, these moments were for Samara and for him. He remained broken for too long, there was too much to live for to continue to wallow in his prison.

Rhyme mirrored her movements, his huge frame lowered into a bow. When he looked up to the Klein healer Rhyme wore a warm grin and his gaze was solely upon her. The magical notes swirled around them as the self named man positioned himself to dance. It wouldn’t be much more than a sway to the music, but he shifted his paws enough beneath him to distract himself from how close Rara really was. He closed his eyes as he wrapped his neck around her shoulders and enjoyed the intimate, yet very public, moment with her.

As the party kicked into gear, Theory settled in by the warmth of the fire to watch her pack. Her pack. Oh, it still felt strange. Most days she felt as if she could look over her shoulder and Shaye would be right behind her, waiting with a smile. But tonight her heart was so full there wasn't any space for grief at all. If she was here, she knew Shaye would tell her to relax and try to enjoy herself. Theo laid her head on her paws and focused on relaxing her muscles one by one. Once the tension she'd been carrying had finally dissipated, she scanned the gathering for her father. To her surprise - and delight - she found him pressed close to the small dark female who had saved his life. Samara. Theo was indebted to her. Against all odds, she had brought her father back from the brink of crushing grief and borderline insanity. A little smile crept across her face as she watched them move by the firelight. Rhyme deserved happiness. He had carried Abaven's burdens for so long - he had lost so much. The warmth of the fire made her body feel heavy. She couldn't help but imagine herself and Thalia, pressed close and dancing to the ravensong. A new warmth crept from the pit of her stomach upwards, flushing her from the inside out. Maybe she'd pay her friend another visit soon.

((Slight PP allowed by Kat for Samara to help lead))

Samara smiled as Rhyme responded. "It's a good thing we're not in a royal court then." She teased softly. "It's more fun that way anyways." She cast a quick glance around the gathered group as if to demonstrate her point. Rhyme copied her bow and she couldn't help but giggle, it was so easy to forget how much of her own mannerism simply didn't apply here, apply to Rhyme. And true to his word he wasn't very good at dancing. Though his embrace set a new flock of butterfly's fluttering in her chest. She gently laid a soft kiss on his neck, the closest place she could reach. Samara tipped her chin back to whisper in his ear, her voice full of all of her emotions even for something so simple: "Move with me." She said, she lifted her right forepaw and gently pushed it forwards, connecting her wrist with his left foreleg and applied gently pressure, gently leading him to take a step back on that side, keeping their physical connection as she moved with him. Then she did the same with the other side. "Step... Together..." She whispered. Then she lifted her right forepaw again and hooked it around his left ankle, gently leading him to step to her right, repeating the process with his other limb. Back, left, forward, right. In that gentle leading pattern, she guided him in a simple box step, repeating her gentle guiding mantra. Once Samara was certain he was starting to pick up that simple rhythm she planted another quick kiss on his neck. "See, easy. You can also turn with the steps if you want, but it's your call." "Speak!" Think!

Table Art by Vhitany

Rhyme’s blue and lavender eyes fell briefly on Theory as Samara offered him a sweet kiss after teasing him lightly. No, this was as far from a royal court as a pack could get. He gave his daughter a wink and a grin before letting himself immerse fully in Samara’s world. The music drowned out the gentle sound of conversation around them and Rhyme closed his eyes. He felt the dance as Samara led him.

He focused on her, he focused on the dance and her gentle guidance. Rhyme was able to forget everything else. Past, future, only the present was accessible and he felt himself relax and release a soft sigh as he took on the gentle rhythm. Rhyme nuzzled into Samara’s scruff lightly, his heartbeat jumping as the feeling of being alive was remembered. He hadn’t died that day, there was more life waiting for him. Rhyme embraced hope as he danced with Samara in his arms.

”Like this?” He asked and managed to perform the maneuver with relative grace. He learned faster than he expected. ”We should dance more often.” His words were a whisper as he nuzzled the back of her ear with soft affection. Now that she was this close he wasn’t sure he wanted to ever let go.