The young Klein heirs were a year old now, Deathbelle couldn’t help but reminisce on the time passed. She had to admit that the length seemed much longer than a year, so much happened since she welcomed them into the world. Most of it was difficult to think about, but there were also many moments of happiness and hope. Time continued forward, and Deathbelle needed to look towards the future. Her yearlings were growing into fine wolves, but all of them still needed refining. That would be less her job and more the world. She instilled upon them Klein Values while their father their Abraxas heritage. Now it was their time, they would be responsible for their own paths and making themselves better for their family, the pack, and the future.

She needed to be able to say goodbye, but trust them to return to her one day and expand the Empire far beyond its borders. Deathbelle needed to get them out of her head, she needed to step away from the mantle of leadership. She needed some time to herself, to think more clearly. Though she was more than capable of caring for herself her vacation brought along the most trusted of Ashen’s pack. Hannibal. No other would do to accompany her. She’d left Harbringr mostly in charge and hoped nothing burned down while they were away.

The alabaster splashed Klein strolled through the forests that protected the falls, Hanni at her side when the sound of them reached her. For a long while she smelled the churning water but now the pair of them broke through the trees to find the impressive scene before them. The tumbling falls were gorgeous, and just as the name of the place the two of them appeared near sunset. They still had a few hours before, long enough to find a comfortable place to watch the changing colors of the sky. A gentle smile played on her lips as lilac eyes took in the waterfall and she leaned heavily against Hannibal as she left her mind rest. This was the relaxing place that she needed to recover and be better upng her return to the Empire.

The promise of another short vacation made the Klein's heart flutter. Watching the love of his life saunter before him as the gentle rush of falling water filled his ears. It felt almost too good to be true and he couldn't help but to think of their previous venture. Belle had experienced a fall and twisted her ankle. But, that mishap resulted in the two finding one another intertwined in love. The experience had it's ups and downs but wouldn't change a moment of it. Hannibal hoped that this vacation would be void of any injuries so the two lovers could truly enjoy themselves. Pink pads fell upon the earth with ease as he followed Belle closely. His head was high and eyes flicked around to consume their surroundings. He was always on alert but it was increased due to his company. Hannibal would never allow his Empress to be caught off guard by any baddies or territorial predators. He allowed his mouth to open slightly, tasting the humid air around them. The smells of small prey, stale indicators of travelers, and the floral aroma of his leader. After ensuring the coast was clear Hannibal allowed himself to relax a tad bit. He would be careful to not allow himself to be blinded by the desires that would arise on such a promising occasion. Thus, the albino beast turned to face the Empress and offered her a gentle smirk and a nip at her cheek. "Be mindful of your steps, my flower." A chuckle filled pause. "No more twisted ankles." The male then moved to take a seat in a spot where they could clearly see the falls and the landscape. "Beautiful." Speech

She didn’t like going far from the Empire for too long, a day trip here or there, but this one would be slightly longer. The weather was near perfect and she could breathe deeply without inhaling ash. The skies were clearing and even if the leaves were beginning to change it was still warmer than the volcanic winter. The night would likely hold a bit of a chill, all the more excuse to cuddle up with the one to accompany her.

Deathbelle was thankful that he was vigil and she didn’t have to be, she trusted her Daimyo completely. He remained close beside her as they travelled through the unclaimed wilderness. Belle wore a soft smile as she noticed his alertness, but ignored it as she approached the shoreline. Appreciating the beauty of the landscape was easier when you relaxed. Soon enough Hannibal joined her, lowering himself to the ground as he teased her.

She smirked at his touch, moving herself away from him playfully to prove that she could walk. ”You can’t tell the Empress what to do, I’ll twist my ankle if I wish to.” She chuckled, returning to his side as she returned his nips but to his scruff. A grin still playing at her lips she settled in close beside him as frogs and crickets began their chorus for the eventing. ”Thank you for sharing it with me.” She returned after Hanni made a comment on the land in front of them.

That familiar smirk thickened as he heard the babe's response. ”You can’t tell the Empress what to do, I’ll twist my ankle if I wish to.” A monochromatic brow raised as he watched the love of his life prance. In that moment his heart beat fast with the pure admiration he hard for the radiant Wolfess. "Oh are we using the Empress card now?" Hannibal let forth a quick, light-hearted, chuckle before leaning into the flurry of playful nips she offered to his scruff. His eyes did not contain only lust in those moments but a deep love for her. He was slow to blink, as if to cherish the image of Deathbelle with the backdrop of the waterfall. An image that would be forever imprinted within his memory. They settled in together with the soothing noises of natured. Frogs, rushing water, and crickets singing their songs. Hannibal moved to nuzzle into her scruff as she offered thanks. He couldn't help but to smile at the little pleasantry. "I'd have it no other way, my love." Hannibal then reclined to lay on his side with his head raised slightly. A black and white tail flicked idly as he watched the Empress. "What have I said about distance?" His tone was playful yet deep with crimson hues, teasing Belle to join him. Speech

Hannibal chuckled at her words as he answered her teasing words and the ivory marked she wolf caught his dual toned eyes upon her. He leaned against her affections. Deathbelle felt at ease beside him as they shared the evening. She couldn’t help but smile at him as he lavished her with loving looks. The feeling of his muzzle at her scruff made her humm softly, enjoying their closeness but also the chase. Hannibal assured Belle that he didn’t want it to be any different, there was no other way. Deathbelle nearly swooned.

The Daimyo reclined back to get himself comfortable, his gaze still on her as those sweet words left his lips and he invited her closer to him. Her own smirk played over her features, ”But my dearest, don’t you know distance makes the heart grow fonder?” She didn’t hesitate to press herself against him despite her words. There had been plenty of distance between them in their lives so far. Having him here now, knowing he was so close and finally hers. They had grown a lot over the last few years, and Deathbelle wanted him beside her for many more.

She lay against him, belly to belly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. There was hardly any bit of fur not touching as she aimed to kiss him softly. The night was a dream come true, the weather was perfect and her company even more so. Her heart beat along with the sound of the falls and life all around them as the sky began to take on vibrant tones. She sighed heavily and relaxed into his arms, bliss written on her features.

”Don’t let me go, Hannibal.” Deathbelle whispered into his ear before finding his bright eyes with her own lilac gaze. She found love again, and someone to lift her up. Someone she could trust with her life along with the ability to push her to be better than she was yesterday.

Each inch of Hannibal's pretty pink skin was on fire as he witnessed the love of his life prowl closer to him. He focused on his breathing and not allowing the desire to control him in those eager moments. Soon, Belle slipped her intoxicating form into his arms. They were intertwined belly to belly. Hannibal consumed the sound, as well as the feeling, of Deathbelle's heart beating against his own. As they lay there eye to eye the male took a moment to peer into her beautiful gaze. Ensuring that he didn't see any sort of hesitation or reluctance. Nothing but a deep love poured from both of their gazes which made his lips curl into a smile before they kissed. Licks and nips were exchanged before he aimed to nuzzle into the thick of her scruff. Inhaling the floral aroma of his Empress with an impatient flick of his lush tail. Her words drew him in even more as his heart seemingly lit on fire. "We are eternal, Deathbelle." With those husky tones Hannibal pressed his arms against her slightly to give her a possessive squeeze. With that, the male would venture forth to expose to the true depths of his undying love for the woman wound within his arms. -fade to black- Speech

Being able to put a smile on Hannibal’s features after everything they’d been through made joy blossom in her breast. Deathbelle was filled with blossoming emotions and felt overwhelmed as she was wrapped up in his grasp. She felt nothing but love and adoration for the man, he truly became her sunshine. He teased her lightly with gentle nips and the feeling of his teeth against her flesh made her skin catch ablaze. The smile on her dark lips didn’t fade as he nuzzled into her scruff and held her tightly. ”We are eternal, Deathbelle." He whispered to her softly and waves of excitement raced through her body.

She squeezed him back, wanting nothing more than his closeness and his love. Belle didn’t stop him as the Daimyo took what she freely gave to him. She desired him, everything about him. Deathbelle wanted him by her side tonight and forever. ”We are.” She smiled softly in return, offering up every ounce of love she had to him as he did the same for her. She relished in the way their forms intertwined, so much happened to lead up to these moments together. Deathbelle would appreciate the intimate moments of joy in a life filled with disaster and tragedy.

-fade-