It was the day after Asla had challenged for and won the rank or Reaper. He had realised before now that she was now his superior, ranking over the heir, and everyone in the pack but their parents. It was a huge achievement, and one she had earned and deserved. He felt nothing but pride for his sister, with a little tingle of sorrow at Magnus’s departure. He didn’t let it throw a cloud over the moment, as he made his way towards Asla’s den.

The scent of Naiche let away from her den, and he smiled. He had been pleased the golden boy had stood up and taken the challenge. If he hadn’t, Mortis would have, and he knew he couldn’t have given his sister and the pack as good a showing as Naiche had. He had held no punches, and fought like he meant it. It was something for Mortis to strive for and admire.

Shaking his head to clear Naiche from it, he stopped near the entrance and called out. “You in there, Reaper?”

"Speech"

The morning after a fight was always a little rough. Aches and pains made themselves known that would have gone unnoticed the day before. That was the blast that Asla was in now. Naiche had risen before her and had pulled her from sleep in a very Naiche way. He had bapped her in the face with his tail before heading off to meet with her father. How sweet of him...

After Naiche left the den, Asla lounged on the furs in her chamber for a while before getting up and starting her day. She ate a bit of dried meat even though chewing pulled at the wounds in her muzzle. She was going to have some scars, but at least Naiche would have some too. It was only fair.

A voice from the doorway of the spacious den called to her and Asla's expression brightened even if she didn't grin. Grinning hurt. "Just us sisters in here. No Reapers to be found, " she joked back, inviting Mort into her den. Their father had built it so it was tall enough for big wolves as well as small.

The Heir made his way into his sisters den, grinning at the scarred-faced wolf as he trotted over and scooted up beside her. Draping a wing over her, and leaning against her smaller frame. A content smile on his lips. He was careful not to jostle her too much. He had seen for himself how much Naiche had scratched her up. If he wasn’t so busy being proud, and knowing it was what she wanted, he might have been pissed the at the green wolf.

‘I take it that means you still have time for your little brother after making it to the big leagues” he teased the smaller, moments-younger and higher ranking wolf with ease. He buried his muzzle into her coat with a content sigh. He liked being around Asla.

"Speech"

The girl willingly went into her brother's embrace, giving him a little squeeze with one leg wrapped around his. Mort was so sweet. It was impossible to be upset or angry around him. Not that she was either of those things. Not at the moment, anyway.

Morts words brought a scoffing laugh from the cream and grey wolf. "Little indeed," she chuckled. "I always have time for my brother's." The winged brute buried his nose in her fur and she chuckled again, but something about the motion reminded her of Indy. A sudden frown tugged at her lips but she tried to brush it away. "What are you up to today? Training with Hika, maybe?" She couldn't help but give a little eyebrow wiggle. There was something there, but the two boys were both blind to it.

“Good.” Mortis said, looking up at her with his big blue eyes, one wing wrapped about her, the other tucked to his side, and propping him up a little. He felt like some distance that had grown between them had begun to close since the last time they had had a heart to heart. He didn’t intend to let time separate them again any time soon.

At the mention of Hika… he coughed and winced a little, looking away from his mentally-bigger sister for a moment. She had called him out last time, and been much more right then mortis had guessed at the time. “He… he kissed me. But, I don’t think i’m ready for anything yet, sis.” he confessed to her in quiet, embarrassed tones.

Asla continued to lean into her giant sibling but almost fell over with laughter when he reacted to her comment about Hikaru. Oh gods... it was so obvious! Why didn't he see it? Maybe he didn't want to. The embarrassment that crept into his tones when he admitted that Hika had kissed him confirmed the fact. Mort verbally confirmed it a moment later. He wasn't ready. Leaning up, Asla placed a kiss on her brother's cheek. "You don't have to rush anything, Mort, but don't ignore it if it happens, okay? You deserve to be happy. Besides," the cream and grey girl grinned up at him. "Who can blame him? You're so damn sweet, Mort."

It was terribly cute that Mort was going through this. Asla almost felt like a mom watching her son find love for the first time. It made her realize just how quickly she had grown up. Emotions, attractions, urges... this was all stuff that she was very, very used to. The girl gave her brother's chin a light tap with the top of her muzzle. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" Vibrant, galaxy eyes stared up at him, honesty and sincerity gleaming in their swirling depths.

He blushed, and ducked his head again at Asla’s sweet words. He wasn’t totally sure if it would happen again, what with the way he had freaked out on Hika. But, he wasn’t going to tell Asla about that. He was still embarrassed about the whole thing.

“Thanks, Asla.” he said softly. Asla was always one of the few wolves in his life he had felt comfortable talking to. His mum, Asla, Io, Grammy. That was pretty much it. His mum had her paws full with the new, wiggly litter. Io had gone South for her health. Grammy had gone south for better hunting grounds. But there was still Asla, even with her promotion, she was still here for him.

He leaned against her for a moment, quiet, content. Simply enjoying the moment.