The young Destruction couldn’t decide where to make a den. All of the little caves he’d seen so far were sub par at best, and at this point he resolves to digging his own specifications. That would have been the easy solution had the ground not been frozen. Eventually he would settle down in his new home of Winterfell, until then he was trying to choose an eventual location. Many naps were spent under different trees in the pines or rooms in the old ship structure.

The wind wasn’t as bad in the trees so Song resolved to make it here. All the while planning out his den he wondered if he would be able to convince Kirsi to join him within. He still dwelled on the memory of holding her tightly to his chest the first night they shared a den. The simple thought of her caused his heart to race excitedly in his chest.

He wore a half smile as his tall form weaved through the pine trees at dusk. His bright blue eyes searching the canopy as his slow gait carried him forward. Unconsciously he found himself searching for the she wolf that occupied his mind. Now that they pair of them finally made it to their destination he wondered what their future might hold.

Slowly Kirsi was beginning to adjust to life within Winterfell too, having spent some time conversing - finally - with a few members that weren't Song. Not that she minded his company taking up so much of her time. He'd been a much-welcomed reprieve from the dark thoughts that Ignatius's absence had left her with, and during the time they'd spent together she'd grown quite fond of him. The thought of making a name for herself in these lands, in this new pack, with him at her side.. well, it didn't sound half bad. Part of her was still slightly unnerved that a wolf from her homelands was here, and she feared what she knew and what she believed - both which were two very different things, as far as Kirsi was concerned. But those thoughts seemed to slip away from her as she sought out Song's presence tonight, peering through the trees as the sun began to sink below the horizon. Daylight was slowly fading, and she was reminded of just how short the days were, despite the fact that spring had started to sneak in. The seasons changed much more slowly this far north, though she was used to the way winter seemed to keep hold on the world like this. Her homeland wasn't much different. Slowly she moved through the pine trees, trailing after his scent. When she found him, she slowed and began to creep quietly through the underbrush, trying to remain stealthy. When she thought she might've gone unseen, she waited for a moment and then sprung out, attempting to tackle the much larger male... which didn't amount to much of anything, but it earned a soft laugh as she collided with him, burying her face in his side. "Boo."

Song had mostly stayed to himself within Wnterfell so far. He was trying to get himself established before he went out and introduced himself. Song was taking his rank seriously, it was something he hadn’t expected but he couldn’t help but admit he embraced it. He was going to have to step up his game to prove he deserved the rank. The task would be a bit easier once warmth returned to the lands, and he had many plans on scavenging the ship to help him start his weapons crafting.

The young Destruction continued his business, completely unaware of Kirsi’s approach. He had become quite content with her presence, and though he didn’t want to take her for granted the man was more than fond of her. His thoughts were quite caught up in her as she snuck up behind him. He didn't expect the sudden tackle, and startled only slightly as she barreled into him.

Song aimed to grab hold of her with his long arms and bring her with him as he fell to the ground. ”Hello, beautiful.” He returned her startling entrance with a bright blue gaze that was only for her.

Her own rank was something she was taking seriously, though she wasn't fully sure what her responsibilities were. Dealing with other packs - though combined with Acere's full disclosure that they intended to raid packs for resources, that sounded like quite the interesting field to focus on. Kirsi had no doubt she had what it took to be an ambassador for Winterfell once she settled in.. though it might take some time to get there, learning precisely the kind of wolves that inhabited Winterfell. What their ambitions and dreams were, what they feared, and what they treasured. All important parts of the equation that helped paint a picture of her role and how she fit into the greater picture of Winterfell.

Though she had no doubt her attack wouldn't really land, she also didn't expect to startle him even a small amount. Silently she thanked her small stature, quite minuscule compared to his own. Without hesitation he wrapped his forepaws around her and brought her to the ground. The physical vulnerability made her heart briefly lurch in her chest, but she reminded herself that she'd grown to trust Song. If he had any mind to hurt her, he would've done it by now, surely. And yet her own tricky mind always worried he had some deeper plan, one she'd been blind to.. not that she'd ever let her fears show to anyone, even Song. "And where might you be going at such an hour?" It wasn't quite night yet, the sun just barely beginning to sink below the horizon, and she truly wondered what he had in mind for tonight.

The look of surprise on Kirsi’s features as he pulled her over and onto the ground with him made the Destruction man grin. He had nearly let himself forget about Ignatius, but he knew the thoughts of him likely still remained with the woman. Maybe earlier he would have felt bad for their closeness, but with her scent swirling and her warmth at his chest he couldn’t. Song couldn’t imagine hurting the icy marked woman, she was his closest friend and he only wished to see her happy.

She asked about where he was heading at the late hour and he teasingly nudged her cheek in answer. ”Still working on my den.” He offered a little exasperated. ”Haven’t even decided on where it should be.” Song chuckled softly, wondering if she expected something more exciting than that. ”Where is a respectable lady like you going at this hour?” He countered with a raised brow.

The initial worries that bubbled up in her chest seemed to fade away quickly, thanks to Song's charming grin. Maybe she should be agitated with herself for being so vulnerable, but it was hard to not get lost in his brilliant blue eyes and the unabashed expression that lingered on his features. Instead of fighting her obvious attraction to him, she'd decided to lean into it.. albeit slowly, and carefully, knowing that getting completely lost in Song would be a dangerous thing for her. She'd done that once before and she wasn't willing to let herself go so easily again.

"No?" She was partially surprised he hadn't found a suitable den yet, though.. she might be equally as surprised if he'd found one and she hadn't heard of it first. "Have any contenders yet? Maybe I could help you decide. Just so happens that I haven't found the perfect spot yet either," Kirsi added, sounding quite casual despite the obvious implication in what she was saying. "I was looking for you. Obviously," she teased him, grinning slyly herself now as she wiggled in his grasp, leaning to night lightly at one of his paws.

Song had never been in love before, never delved into another wolf like he wanted to with Kirsi. He was hesitant though, he knew Ignatius and knew how devoted Kirsi was to him. Song hoped that she might take a chance, the two of them were already so close. There wasn’t another wolf he trusted more than her, and he didn’t have the same hesitation that she did. He was a patient man, and he was fully prepared to let her slowly make her way to him. When she was ready he would welcome her fully into his life with open arms.

Kirsi was the one he was sure he was in love with though, as evidenced by how excited he felt with her in his arms. She asked him to elaborate his current choices before teasing him about her whereabouts and nipping at his paws. He couldn’t help his care free amusement in the sound of his laugh. If there was anything he’d experienced close to bliss was this moment. Song knew how hard it would be for her to say yes to him, but he enjoyed every moment she gave him.

”There are a couple abandoned polar bear dens I’ve found myself fond of.” He blushed as she insinuated their shared space. ”If anyone can help me, it's you.” Song returned somewhat shyly. Reluctant to get up, but also excited about choosing a den with her he allowed her to find her feet. If she did the tall wolf would follow behind.

”The first one…” He trailed off as he gave her a sly smile and led the way to the first contender. This one was probably his favorite so far. Between a huge cracked boulder grew one of the largest pines in the territory. The roots of the massive tree created an elegant entrance to a large den beyond.

If Kirsi was anything it was exceedingly patient too. She knew what she wanted, sure, but she knew from experience that hurrying nto anything wouldn't do her any good. She wouldn't rush headfirst into whatever feelings might be brewing for Song - and admitting that they were true feelings, rather than simply a product of convenience - was something that would take even longer to come to terms with. After all she'd gone through she was determined to never let her life be so heavily influenced by another. She would love Song because she wanted to, when she was ready, and she'd never completely depend upon him for her livelihood. She'd make a name for herself here in Winterfell and prosper, with or without him - though with him sounded much more enjoyable to her.

A shared den didn't sound too much like codependency. In fact, it was sounding like quite a nice idea to her now. The nights in the north were still cold and his warmth was something she found herself thinking of far too often these days. She didn't hesitate long in pulling herself to all fours and starting her trek after him, eager to to see what he'd found. Polar bear dens? That sounded spacious, and she let a faint grin tug at her lips, pleased at his suggestion. It wasn't long before he led her through the pines, the two of them pausing to face one of the more massive trees she'd ever seen, its roots and a neighboring boulder creating a den easily large enough for the two of them. "Not bad," she murmured, feigning a calculating look as she peeked inside, studying it. The truth was that it was perfect, and unless he wanted to look further, she was content with his choice. "Now, the real test - is it big enough for visitors?" She'd gladly play with the idea that this den was solely for him, despite knowing fully well his intentions as well as her own. Continuing to study it, she slunk inside and into the darkness, scoping it out further.

Song didn’t want to build his life around Kirsi for the wrong reasons, but they had similar goal and staying close was convenient. He was growing very fond of her and preferred that they remained close. Or more than close. Song was getting used to having her at his side, and he couldn’t say he didn’t hope their relationship would blossom. She continued to tease him, making it seem as though she wouldn’t share the place he finally decided on.

He watched her as she took in the first den he showed her, this was very close to being a winner and they hadn’t even seen all of them. She moved inside, her eye critical but he had a sense that she liked what he offered. Song’s huge form followed after her. He wasn’t quite as tall as a polar bear but he was close. If he was comfortable they'd be nice and snug once he wrapped around her smaller form.

”I don’t think there will be enough room for a visitor.” Song offered seriously in his deep tones. ”A room mate however would fit rather perfectly.” He reached over gently to offer her hip a teasing touch.

Though it was a rarity for Kirsi to let go of her thoughts, so careful and calculated, she allowed herself to let them slip away for the moment. Though she'd gotten to know Song pretty well these last few seasons, there was much about him she didn't know, and she was curious - intrigued over his intentions and just how plainly he'd reveal them to her. He seemed content to go along with her teasing, which certainly pleased her. "No?" Kirsi responded fluidly, twisting her considerably smaller body around to shoot him a pointed look, her brows raising in question - feigned disappointment visible on her features.

But he clarified, saying it'd be perfect for a room mate. "So will you keep looking? Or do you think this one's the winner?" One of her brows quirked even further, faint amusement dancing across her delicate features. "It's a shame you don't have someone to share it with," Kirsi added, as if an afterthought, leaning lightly into his touch before sliding a few steps further into the den. For her it was spacious - with him added it was becoming considerably less so, but their closeness was cozy rather than stifling.

Song was thoroughly amused by her teasing and their game kept a sly grin on his features even as Kirsi turned to offer him a disappointed glance. He didn’t want her as a visitor, she wouldn’t be just some girl to warm his den. He wanted more, he wanted her, but he knew he couldn’t force anything. Their relationship had to flow and come together on her terms no matter how much he wanted to speed along. He’d have given her his heart the day Ignatius left, but he knew she wasn’t ready for that.

”I think this might be the one.” He answered her, however much he wished he could say that she was the one. They were carefully avoiding the words, like the first one to suggest she move in would lose. However much Song wanted just that, the anticipation causing his skin to prickle. ”Unless someone claims it first.” He offered instead, his gaze unable to break from her gorgeous form. He couldn’t help but imagine the two of them sharing the cozy space every night..

Her reaction to his playful words had been a careful one. Kirsi wasn't the type to openly admit her feelings, often even trying to keep them hidden from herself, pushed back and masked by her more calculated and analytical side. Opening up was a risky move - framing it so that he was the pursuer, even if she wanted the exact same thing as he did, was somehow preferable to her. Kirsi had never been comfortably just going with the flow; her actions were meticulous, carefully planned, all a means to an end, regardless of how she felt. Song was no different - though truthfully it scared her just how much she was beginning to care for him.

But hearing validation he felt the same was certainly helping things along. "And if someone - say, me - tries to claim it before you, what will you do then? Fight me for it?" Her expression was even more playful now, her lips twisting into a full-on smirk as her eyes sparkled with something like a challenge. The thought of sparring him was interesting to her in more than one way and she wondered just how he'd react to her suggestion.

Song took joy in how Kirsi showed her amusement in the game they played. With her here so close thoughts of the future were easier to grasp. Winterfell could be a place to lay down some real roots. If she wanted to share his den how much more of their lives could be shared? ”I think I’d try and take you,” he’d offer suggestively as she asked what he might do if she claimed the bear’s old den. He pushed the conversation further, taking a dangerous step forward. The look in her eye was more than intriguing, and he wondered what she was thinking. ”Should I get ready for a fight?” Would she go through with her threat? Part of him wanted her to, knowing the rush of adrenaline the spar would bring. Part of him wanted to end the game and come out and say what he really wanted. What he hoped that she wanted too.

The little game they were playing was something that Kirsi had been craving for quite some time - being on her own, without the affection of another, wasn't the way she preferred to live. The way they walked the fine line of saying what either of them wanted was thrilling, and Kirsi felt her heart begin to beat more rapidly in her chest at his response. "Would you really? Fight me, that is?" She knew he wouldn't hurt her intentionally, but the thought of a spar with him ignited a fire in the pit of her stomach, one that was far from unpleasant.

The way a slight smirk played at her features said everything - this was all in jest, and her intentions were pure. Well... mostly pure, depending on how you looked at it. "Perhaps I'd just let you win," Kirsi purred after a moment of thought, twisting around in the small space to aim a gentle bite at the crook of his neck, where his head met his shoulder. As much as she enjoyed their game and all its implications she, too, was beginning to grow impatient.

”Just say the word.” He added with a dangerous smirk. She was right though, he wouldn’t intentionally cause her harm but sparring didn’t have to be deadly. The thought of them turning tooth and claws on each other caused a surge of adrenaline to race through his veins. Song felt as though he were lighter than air in those few moments. ”You wouldn’t.” He teased before her teeth were suddenly at his skin. He growled deeply in response, sensing her impatience was growing with his own.

Any other time Song would follow her lead and even now he was as she was the first to cross the invisible line with the sudden suggestive touch. He couldn’t help the grin that spread over his features as he submitted to his desire. ”Kirsi,” he started hesitantly as he withheld his eagerness. ”I want you here. I need you beside me.” He aimed to wrap his neck around her own to coax her into an embrace. He’d never been so forward about their relationship before and he felt a surge of anxiety as the possibility of rejection lingered in the air.

While the thought of sparring Song was definitely intriguing, that wasn't exactly where her mind was straying currently. Maybe soon, but not at this particular moment. And though she teased that maybe she'd let him win, she knew that had little truth to it; she wasn't the type to let anyone win, not when it came to something like a fight, and just because she was attracted to Song wouldn't change that. No, they'd fight fair and square eventually, and she'd give it her all when they did, but she knew right now wasn't the right time for it.

The low growl that fell from his lips only further encouraged her. They were alone right now, out of earshot of everyone else within Winterfell's borders, and her patience had been drawn frustratingly thin. Luckily, he held back less than he intended to, vocalizing precisely what he wanted. His words earned a low purr from her. "Then I shall stay," she conceded, though the smirk that toyed at her lips proved she felt anything but defeated. "As long as you want me to." The way he'd wrapped his neck around her own made it even more difficult to contain what she truly wanted. "Make me yours, Song," Kirsi nearly whispered as she leaned even closer to his ear, her voice soft and sultry. Everything about her pose was inviting, loosening any leftover tension she might generally feel in his presence. She trusted him, she truly did, and she hoped he'd show her that she wasn't wrong to let her guard down around him.

-fade???-

They could take the time to train and spar later, a thought that only added to his excitement now. The thought that this was now their home brought him peace and a feeling of accomplishment. When he thought back to their first meeting he could barely believe that he was experiencing reality in those precious moments. Kirsi mirrored his reaction, his growl brought forth an eager purr from the ice touched woman. She agreed to his desires, she would share the den with him. Even more though, she would finally give herself up to him.

He’d never loved anyone like he did Kirsi, she was beautiful, she was smart, she was so independent. Song was head over heels for her. His heart beat erratically against his chest as he held her close and she returned his affections. Her body relaxed in his arms as her sweet words tickled his alabaster ears. After so long together they would take the plunge, to give each other their ultimate trust.

”As you wish.” He grinned, his skin alight with electricity as the whole world faded and it was only the two of them in existence. He held her tight and with great care gave himself up fully to her. Song wasn’t sure that he had ever felt the amount of love that he did in those moments.

-fade-