Sparhawk had been thinking about Poem a lot. More than a lot, really. She was in his every waking thought. The man was... more than a little enamored with the dark marked woman. She had thoroughly entranced him and he couldn't bear to be away from her for any longer. So he prepared their next meeting. He only hoped that she would say yes to coming away with him for a night. Just one little night, then he'd take her back to her family.

In preparation, Sparhawk found the perfect place. He Cut down a circle of grass in the center of one little clearing. He built a small ring of rocks and prepared wood for a fire. He stacked extra wood nearby because he knew they'd need it. He didn't have dinner for them yet, but was intent on finding something on their way back so it would be fresh. The man spread out the thick bearskin that he used to cart his belongings in. Everything looked perfect. All that was left to do was get the girl.

The redwood man went to the borders of Abaven and howled for Poem. He was ready to see her and tell her of his plans. He was ready to spend the night with her again and touch her and kiss her... Okay, he was getting way ahead of himself. Time to reign it in.

With the howl released, Sparhawk sat patiently beneath one of the trees lining the border. It kept him out of the high noon sun. By the time they made it to the clearing that he'd prepared, it would almost be dark. The perfect time to light a fire and talk.

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Poem was kept busy, her new little siblings were very demanding but she didn’t mind at all. They were cute and sweet and having their innocence and smiles was well worth the work. They brought a new hope to Abaven that seemed to have disappeared for so long. She was certain that her mother would have loved to meet the little spit fires, especially the sweet and innocent little Suspense. Poem loved all four of them, and was grateful to Samara for being there for her dad. She’d almost lost him too, and had the small healer not been there for him she wasn’t sure she could have helped him out.

She had hope that Abaven’s misfortune wouldn’t last forever. The land was recovering and she had no doubt that they would make their return to Abaven’s ancestral home soon. She was just about to start a patrol when she heard a familiar voice on the border. Her heart nearly stopped when it reached her ears. Besides her new siblings Sparhawk was almost always on her mind. Despite the small amount of time they’d spent together he had made the biggest impression on her. Her mind touched on Dominus and Eligos, both of whom she thought of as well. Neither seemed to sneak into her thoughts as much as the Russian man.

She was quick to answer the call, her features all smiles as excitement raced through her. She felt like it had been so long since he’d come to call on her. Poem was beginning to wonder if she’d ever see him again. He was a true gentleman and he kept his word. Blue and lavender eyes fell on his huge form, shaded by one of the trees at the border. She was already smiling but she brightened even more when he came into view. Her icy white paws carried her eagerly to his side, her tail already wagging as she suddenly felt shy before him.

Poem’s heart beat heavily in her chest, but she wasn’t sure she’d ever worn a smile so big. ”Sparhawk!” She greeted exuberantly, dark ears restin at her skull as she came to a halt before him. Without much thinking she reached out to offer him a gentle nuzzle in greeting. Should she tell him how much she missed his vibrant presence? Or that she’d not stopped thinking about him since he’d brought her home?

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She came. First he heard her call, and he closed his eyes, absorbing her sweet voice. Then she was there before him and, gods... she was more beautiful than he remembered. The redwood mans maw instantly turned up in a smile as she drew near. She came in for a nuzzle and he returned it eagerly. One big foreleg wrapped around her, pulling the woman into an embrace. He didn't hold her long in case it made her uncomfortable, but he did want to hold her for at least a moment.

Sparhawk had been working on his vernacular while he had been away from Poem. She made him want to speak more...better. All of that went out the window though in his excitement. "Miss Po-em. I have so much been missing you." He admitted it aloud, his ears flicking forward as red eyes inspected her pretty face. "I was hopink that you might want to come away with me for a night. I have a very fun plan for you." He hoped that she would agree. If not, he'd drag his feet back to the thicket and curl up in the bearskin all alone. He didn't want to do that. He wanted to immerse himself within her. He wanted to rub his scent all over her and rub her scent all over him. They'd been apart for far too long.

The man nuzzled the top of Poem's head, his eyes closing for a moment. "What do you say? You come away with me?" One of his paws hooked one of hers and he raised it up, giving her toes a kiss before meeting her gaze. He wanted to tell her how much he had missed her. How much she was on his mind. He wanted to tell her that he had turned down women for her, but that would be a little too outlandish. It had happened though. Sparhawk practically vibrated as he waited for the woman to answer him.

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Only once before had she been so fully excited to see another wolf, when she was reunited with Motif after so long thinking she could be dead. These emotions were different but were only rivalened in intensity by that moment. Poem felt a lot of tragedy in her short life, but she also knew happiness. This was a highly contrasting moment to her dark days. Sparhawk was bright and vibrant, he was exactly what she needed but didn’t realize how much she wanted.

He wrapped her up in a huge as she initiated contact and the young woman hugged him back, her worries melting away as she relaxed into his brief embrace. She closed her eyes tightly, enjoying the moment that the two of them had looked forward to. Poem couldn’t help but think that he’d missed her as much as she had missed him. He released her, but she wasn’t too sad for it as he told her as much as she’d expected. She smiled sweetly up at him as her ivory tail swayed at her hips.

”I’ve missed you too, Sparhawk.” His garnet gaze met her bright eyes as he revealed his true intentions, was he asking her on a date? Her pale cheeks flushed as she reminded herself they hadn’t known each other very long and already she wanted him to steal her away for more than just a night. ”Of course I want to.” She grinned, tail wagging a bit faster. ”I can come away for a night.” Sparhawk kissed her toes and she couldn’t help the giggle that fell from her blissful features. None of her problems mattered with Sparhawk beside her. ”Lets go, I can’t wait forever for your surprise.” She chuckled as she closed the distance between them and placed a sweet kiss on the end of his nose.

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She wanted to go with him! Internally, Sparhawk crowed with joy. Externally, he just smiled like an idiot, his tail wagging back and forth like a pup. She excited him, this woman. When she joked and kissed his nose, the man felt his entire body go red with heat. Gods above, the things she did to him... And she didn't even know it. Sparhawk took the opportunity of having her muzzle so close to place a quick peck upon her lips. He just couldn't help himself.

"Come, come. I have a nice surprise planned for you, Miss Po-em." The man ushered her along, falling into step beside her. As they traveled, he kept close, enjoying the feel of her nearness. Enjoying her scent. Just enjoying her. Poem brought the man joy. A joy that he hadn't felt in... well, ever. They were so new to one another, but already he was beginning to feel the pangs of love. Not that he had ever really loved before, but he knew of it and he knew what it was supposed to feel like.

As they walked, Sparhawk's ears perked and suddenly he was dashing off into the weeds. A loud honk and some squabbling sounded, but soon stilled. Stiff legged, the brute came back out of the tall weeds dragging a grey and brown goose with him. "In-urr," he said with his mouth full. He would feed her, then tell her stories by the fire. Hopefully she would feel comfortable enough to tell him some in return.

Dragging the bird back to the area that he had prepared in the thicket's clearing, Sparhawk motioned for his lady to enter first. They would have to dip beneath a tangle of branches to enter the space, but it was large enough for them, their meal and the fire that he had ready to be lit. The area was enclosed and there was only the one entrance, which gave the place a sense of safety. It was their own private get away.

Dropping the goose, Sparhawk came up beside the dark marked woman. "I wanted to do something nice for you," he admitted. He nuzzled behind one ear and motioned for her to join him beside the goose. They could eat first and by the time they were finished it should be dark. "Begin eating. I make fire." He then moved and began striking flint and steel at the pile of sticks and kindling. Soon he had a small but happy fire crackling away. It would be their light in the dark during the night.

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She was sure that she blushed as his lips met hers, it was much easier to tell in the daylight but at least the dark fur of her ears would hide the worst of it. Poem enjoyed the buzz of electricity that raced through her when he touched her. She was easily distracted as he mentioned his surprise and he led her away. She followed along beside him with excitement in her eyes and adventure in her heart. She was thrilled to be back in his presence and even more eager to have another night alone with him. Poem trusted Sparhawk, and she felt perfectly at ease scouting the wilderness with him.

Except it wasn’t the wilderness. The thicket, Abaven’s old lands, where the wildfire happened and where Noir had tried to… She blinked her eyes and shook herself mentally and forcefully rid herself of the thought. She couldn’t associate the thicket with that moment forever. From now on this was going to be her and Sparhawk’s place. She wouldn’t allow her brother to ruin her experience tonight.

They were close when Sparhawk suddenly broke away from her and grabbed their dinner. She gave him a victorious smile as he returned to her and led her to a smaller thicket entrance. Taking his cue and ducking inside first Poem was met with a cozy sight. They were surrounded on all sides with impenetrable brush, the familiar bear hide was set up beside the base of a fire pit. Poem felt her heart swell as she tried to contain the emotion that rose in her. Sparhawk prepared this for her, being the center of someone’s attention like this very nearly brought tears to her eyes as she settled by their dinner.

He sent a shiver over her entire body as he nuzzled against her softly, Poem hummed softly in return. Nearly purring with warmth as she basked in him. ”It’s so perfect, Sparhawk.” She said adoringly before turning her attention to the goose. Her father loved to eat fowl so as she broke the bird down, it was with practiced skill. By the time he had the fire going Poem had the goose tidily prepared for their consumption. "I'm so glad to be here with you," she admitted to him shyly, feeling the cool of evening coming on.

As Poem plucked the goose, Sparhawk made the fire. He hummed a little tune as he worked, then he joined the woman by her side. She expressed her gratitude and the redwood man leaned forward, kissing her between the ears. "I am happy too, Miss Po-Em. All time with you is good, happy time, yeah?" He pushed the goose forward, urging her to eat first. They were both big wolves and their heads would bump together over the little goose. He would eat only when she was finished. In the mean time, he sang her a soft little song in his home tongue.

Once she'd eaten, he at a bit, but this night wasn't about eating. It was about telling stories. It was about getting close. It was about the two of them being together and being happy. Once they were done with the meal, Sparhawk took the remains and wiggled out of the clearing. He deposited the carcass a ways off, keeping things from disturbing them during the night. Returning, he settled down upon the furs beside Poem and tossed another log in the fire.

"I want to tell scary stories. You want to go first, or me?" He sort of had a story in mind. Something that he could pull form his past. Give her a little insight as to who he was without actually telling her who he was. In the mean time, as he waited for her to answer, the man pulled her close with one big leg. He nuzzled behind her ear and gave a rumble of enjoyment.

Doing the little chore of preparing dinner while Sparhawk hummed and made his last preparations gave Poem an odd glimpse into the potential between them. A future where they lingered contentedly in each other’s presence. Each doing their own chore as hhis deep russian voice hung in the air. The young Destruction tried not to hurry herself along, but the thought of repeating a scene like this every day made her heart warm.

She grinned easily as his kiss as she reveled in it and his sweet words. She felt like she was on cloud nine while she was beside him. That somehow his jovial presence made up for the tragedy and sadness that plagued her life previously. ”Very happy time.” She agreed with him, leaning against his strong shoulder in a mock embrace before turning her attention to the bird. It wasn’t a huge goose, but it was plenty and then some to keep Poem content for the night. Their meal was consumed quickly, their mess cleaned up, and before she knew it she was in Sparhawk’s arms once more.

”You should go first.” She told him decisively as she melted into his embrace, a shy smile played at her dark lips. He nuzzled inot her ear and she giggled softly, he wasn’t very good at making the atmosphere scary, but she adored him for that. This was where she wanted to be, nothing else existed but their little hide away. Poem and Sparhawk. The thought brought a pleasant hum to her lips as she leaned into his affection.

As Poem leaned into him, the big man practically purred. He nuzzled behind her ear and settled into storyteller mode. Honestly, Sparhawk was a little nervous. He was going to divulge his past in the form of a scary story. Ro him, it was scary. To her, it might not be.

Lowering his voice, he began. "Once upon time, many, many years ago, there was a demon who lived in our world in the form of very big wolf. He was the worst kind of demon and held no regard for lives of mortals. This demon and his demon family ravaged coastline and town where the snow always falls. They steal women, children, strong men. They leave old and useless to die alone." Sparhawk felt that old pain and shame rise to the surface. Her could barely believe that this was what he had once been.

"For years there is killing and stealing and slavery. The demons make very many profit from the wolves that they sell. Demons live like kings. Life cannot get better for the demon man. Every day is rape, pillage, enslave and repeat. And then..." his voice became softer as the fire began to burn low and he held the woman closer to him, more for his own comfort.

"And then the mighty demon, he slaughter a whole family because they refuse to bow before him. Their blood paints the floor and walls crimson." Memories flashed through his mind and before he knew it, tears had begun to well in his eyes. He kept the sorrow from his voice though so hopefully Poem wouldn't notice.

"As demon leaves, he sees a small form hidden beneath a fur. Thrusting the fur away, the demon is confronted by the form of a small girl pup. 'You kill my family' she say, defiance in her eyes. There is something about the girl that bothers the demon. 'You took everything from us. I hope the gods take everything from you.'" Now Sparhawks voice became lower still. "Then girl takes out father's hunting knife and takes her own life even while the demon pleads for it not to happen. The demon hold the child as she dies and is covered in blood. Is changing point for demon."

"Demon finds his demon family and they know something is wrong. He tell them, 'What we do is wrong. We must stop!' The demon man tries to free the caged slaves. Seeing that he has lost his mind, the rest of the demons hit the demon man and put him in cage too. His own family sell him as a slave. He live for years, serving as slave. A just and righteous punishment, he think. Much abuse and many scars under his fur, the man sees how evil he was."

"Then suddenly, he is free. Master is dead. All slaves go free. He had choice to make, but it is easy. He will never again be a demon. He will never again be evil. He will only bring good. He will only bring happiness." Then his voice stopped. There was a thick sorrow within him. He couldn't tell her that he was the demon. Had been the demon. And yet he still needed her to somehow know. Sparhawk buried his face in Poems ruff at thre back of her neck, not yet ready to let her see his eyes.

Poem was beyond comfortable as Sparhawk settled against her and offered her one more nuzzle behind her ear. The girl was nearly buzzing as an excited thrill raced over her body before she leaned against his neck. Her bright eyes were focused on the fire as it burned and gave off light to their cozy camp site. She felt another shiver go up her spine as her baue began to speak, his voice was low and spooky to add to the mood that surrounded them. She listened quietly, taking in the tale of a demon and his family, as his accented voice explained a deeper meaning began to wiggle its way into her heart and mind. Every new scene he projected his memories, thoughts, and feelings.

He held her tighter as they reached the turning point of the story, the way he clung to her only solidified the feeling that this was no scary story to scare puppies. This was Sparhawk’s story. Poem wasn’t sure how to feel about what he’d said, but thankfully, he’d already shown her who he was now, he’d become a wolf to be proud of, instead of the monster he once was. How many lives had he ruined in his past? How many had he taken? Poem shivered lightly, suddenly uncertain of the man who’s arms she was in.

His voice changed, her features tipped up to look at his face. She could see his haunted visage, the way his eyes sparkled with emotion and remorse. Poem knew unequivocaly that Sparhawk was no longer that wolf, he truly regretted every moment of pain and terror he’d caused. There had been a fear in her for only a moment, but he’d proved by far and away, that he was the opposite of the demon he’d once been. Poem reached up to kiss his cheek before he told her of his turning point.

It was a tragic tale, one that hurt her heart to know of the pain he showed her. His atrocious behavior was returned tenfold as the man she felt so strongly for experienced capture and slavery. While Poem hadn’t been a slave, she had been a captive to Sirius and his pack. She knew the emotions that came with your freedom being taken from you. His story came full circle, the redemption of a demon incarnate to finally find his way to her side.

Carefully, with slow gentle motions, Poem reached one silvery white paw to his opposite cheek so she could bring his face to hers. She wanted to look deep into his garnet gaze as she began to sing. She didn’t know the words, and maybe she really had sung that he was the greatest in the world, but from her dark lips came that first song he’d taught her in his tongue. The meaning was clear as the shy smile that played on her lips. Poem forgave him, it was easy with how strongly she felt for him.

”Sparhawk.” She invoked his name quietly, her gaze filled with adoration before closing the distance between them. She closed her blue and lavender gaze as she offered up an innocent kiss that forgave every transgression he’d confessed.

With his story told, the man felt...empty. He had been a monster. A devil. A demon. Now he was just a wolf. Just a man. Just a man being comforted by a beautiful woman. As Poem held him close and began singing the very song that he'd taught her, something in the brute broke. He felt vulnerable. Exposed. Thick forelegs wrapped tightly around Poem and he held her close. "My Po-em," he murmured into the side of her neck as he held her in his embrace. That was the first time that he'd calmed her his. The first time that he claimed her aloud.

A moment later a paw gently turned his face to her. Poem bestowed upon him the sweetest kiss. Sparhawk didn't loosen the embrace. He returned the kiss eagerly but was careful to be sweet about it. "Miss Po-em..." the man spoke softly, his lips against her own. "I think... if we keep down this road, I could very much be loving you." He already knew that he loved her, but he didn't want to scare her off. Even to him it seemed too soon, but he knew. He just knew.

Pulling back slightly, one wide paw moved up to cup her cheek. "You are so very beautiful, Po-em. And kind. And lovely." He gave her little kisses in between each component. "Smart, a wonderful singer, caring, gentle." Red eyes stared lovingly into her own. "You bring a man to his knees." She should see what was within those claret orbs. He willed his love to spill from them.

Sparhawk pulled her close to him, his arms wrapped around her as her name slipped from his lips. This was the first time that she had been claimed in any way by him, and the soft words caused her heart to flutter nearly out of her chest. He’d told her who he had been, but he’d shown her what he was now. Poem believed actions over words, and she felt safe here in his arms.

His returned kiss only encouraged her excited heart, and she could easily forgive and forget his past transgressions. Poem could feel the affection for him as it grew in her chest. The way he held her, and the way his lips pressed against her own, Poem was ready and willing to give herself to this man. The strength of his arms and the purity of his feelings were on full display and all for her.

His whispered words reflected her own feelings, that she could love him if these feelings between them were further kindled. ”I think so too.” She spoke softly against his lips, feeling the speed at which they were moving. This was all so sudden, but Poem couldn’t say that she wanted to slow anything down. She was spiraling down with him and she was willingly falling.

Poem very nearly closed the distance between them once more as he pulled away, but he stopped her with a gentle touch to her cheek. Poem’s bright blue and lavender eyes searched his garnet gaze as he began to speak a soft confession. She blushed brightly as he told her everything he loved about her between soft kisses.

”Sparhawk…” she returned softly, uncertain of what she should say. She could very clearly see his emotions, and they reflect that of her own. ”I want you to stand next to me.” She didn’t want to force him to his knees. ”I’m falling in love with you.”

Could a woman be any more perfect? Sparhawk knew that Poem knew. The story hadn't been a work of fiction, but it had been easier to tell it as such. He could see the knowledge and acceptance in her gorgeous eyes. Again that hard pang entered his chest. Was this love? It had to be. The redwood man couldn't decide what else it could possibly be. He'd never felt this before, but he was so, so glad that Poem was the one that he was feeling it with. The beautiful woman seemed to enjoy his kisses as he confessed his feelings for her. He could see the emotion fill her features and he hoped that she could see the emotion in his own. He wouldn't say it for certain right now. He needed to take time. needed to be sure. He already knew though. He knew that he loved her. There was no harm in taking it slow and separating for a time to make sure that the feelings stayed. They would for him, but he hoped that they would for her. Poem's words stopped the man in his tracks and he stared hard at her. At first he thought that she was going to turn him away, that she wasn't ready. But she said that she wanted him next to her and that she was falling in love. That was all that he needed from her. Pulling her closer, if possible, Sparhawk kissed her again and again. He kissed her until the fire burned low and sleep began to claim them. "Speech"

She’d never felt like this before, the odd relief that she knew the truth and easily forgave him for it. He was changed, she could feel it in the way he returned to her. In the way that he treated her with the utmost respect even though temptation called to him that first night they’d met. Sparhawk made her feel loved even as she was falling in love. His attention, his kisses, his sweet songs and the smile he wore just for her sealed the deal. Poem was certain what she wanted despite the quickness in which they moved. Despite that they both felt like they knew where they wanted to go, but time would be the ultimate teller.

Words weren’t needed between them anymore, the emotions she was feeling weren’t describable anyway. Distance had made and would make her heart grow fonder, of that she was sure. Poem didn’t realize that they could be closer, but Sparhawk proved her wrong as she held her against him and pressed their lips together once more. The young Destruction woman would allow and ask for all of his kisses until finally falling asleep in his arms by light of the fire’s dying embers.