Location: Hermit's Cove Duchess was still enjoying and dwelling on all the moments she spent with Indigo. The beautiful nights they shared, or even the scary dungeons. They were all moments she knew she could treasure no matter what kind of emotions she found inside the memories. Scouting was still difficult. The weather still hadn't been letting up but there was still time until the next season came. Perhaps some hope, but Duchess knew Auster was moving into it's cold season. She just hoped that it would still be warmer than it was now. When they arrived at the cove, there was little to look at. The small pools of water had frozen over, there was no sign of life across the ice spotted shores. Duchess peered down into the solid ice of a small pool, seeing small holes that crabs had dug into through the glass. But there was no sign of crabs active through the area. At least they didn't find them dead across the shore, that was her only cheerful observation. She still found it in herself to look towards Indigo with a smile. The barren surface made her sad, sad for him really. But she still wanted to try and make their moments full of happier thoughts. Walk "Talk" Think

Indigo felt more free from his emotions when he was with Duchess, she cooled and settled him so he could be present and enjoy the moments together. He was finding excuses to steal away kisses and moments in dark corners as he went through his daily responsibilities. She was a warmth in his life and through the long winter they found themselves in. Despite the cold and snow the pair of them still found their paws wandering beneath them.

He knew they wouldn’t find any warm welcoming weather, even here on the coast the shallow waters had frozen and everywhere was devoid of life. Massive dark paws slowed as they reached the pond, his blue eyes shifted to the girl instead of the barren lands they’d come to. She was his flower, a glimpse of the spring that they should have had. Duchess didn’t have to try too hard to bring him happiness, just watching her take in their surroundings was enough to bring the corners of his lips into a smile.

”One day we’ll find the sun.” He told her softly as he lowered his haunches onto the ground. There wasn’t much in the way of life, but the cold still made the solitude beautiful.

Duchess found herself smiling to Indigo's promise, and she would believe him. Surely the ice age would be over at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later. She moved over to him where he had taken a seat, pushing her shoulder and cheek into his large frame while she settled down too beside him. "Everything will be okay with you here." She assured him as she looked out at the ocean in the short distance. They may have come out for scouting to come back empty handed, but with Indigo she felt like it was worth the time and trouble to be out here. She preferred being outside of the pack anyway, she typically didn't do well in big crowds. It may have shown, but she wasn't outward about her unsocial interaction. She would have done anything for Indigo, or to be with him. Even if that meant trying hard to fit in while she had grown up with only herself and one other. Walk "Talk" Think

The way she smiled up at him he could make himself believe his own words. She returned to his side, leaning against him easily just like she belonged. Indigo shifted slightly so she was sitting between his arms and against his chest. Everything would be okay with him here. Indigo’s brows furrowed but he wouldn’t let Duchess see the change of expression as they both stared out to sea. She was comfortable in his presence, and Indy knew she would easily put her life in his paws.

The idea had festered at the back of his mind for some time, but he hadn’t said much of it. He spoke now, quietly as he was uncertain even of his own thoughts. ”Would you follow me if I left the Hallows? To lead a wandering band?” His voice was deep but his words were a whisper as he questioned her softly. More so he was questioning himself. If Duchess followed him he could do anything, right?

The eastern shore here looked much different than the southern where she was from. But she couldn't tell if it was because of the harsh season, or maybe even because she was here with Indigo. The isle could be seen from the shore here, but there was not even a thought to cross the ocean to visit. Warmer weather would be a better way to determine another day for that. She still looked out at the beach as Indigo did, but her attention was still on him while he spoke. To the question, there was no other way for her to answer, "I'll go anywhere you go." Another reassurance. Her gaze moved to look up at him while her cheek was still affectionately pressed into him. It was her truth, whether he chose to believe it or not. There was nothing Indigo could do to make her turn away from him. She didn't really know how to feel about him wanting his own band and she wasn't expecting it. Maybe because he had grown up in a pack and even moved packs to be in The Hallows while she had come from nothing. She thought maybe he prefered the big group or family to surround himself in. There was still so much they didn't really know about each other. But she had nothing against his dreams and she would do anything she could to help him. "I'll be here for you always, Indigo." Walk "Talk" Think

The crazy idea that had been stirring up in his mind was said aloud, and Duchess didn’t pull away from him as he asked. He knew the reason she was even here was because of him, and he wasn’t sure how attached she was to the Hallows and the wolves here. Indigo looked down as she spoke and her bright eyes were brought up to his own blue ones. He couldn’t help the sudden thought of how cute she was pressed against his chest and looking up at him. Despite everything the corners of his lips pulled back in a grin at her words, she’d follow wherever he led. Indy didn’t realize it but the comfort of that simple gesture soothed the young man.

”I want you where I go,” He whispered back and lowered his features to nuzzle her shoulder. They hadn’t had too much time together, but even with all of the mystery still remaining between them Indy knew he needed Duchess. She eloped fill the hole in his chest and helped make him feel like he was really complete when he was still missing the heart within his chest. ”I’ll be here for you.” He promised her in return, shifting slightly to wrap one massive arm around her so he could pull her tighter to him. ”In the Hallows or not.” He smiled slightly feeling content for one of the first time in a very long time.

His own reflected promise meant probably more than he knew, Duchess seemed to be a lot more naive than she thought herself. Of course she didn't want to find herself in this deep relationship with Indigo that they had brewed, but once she caught the taste of the security and affection, she knew she couldn't pull back. She would have gladly stayed with Draco while he mentally and physically abused her. If he hadn't left her that was. She was loyal to an unhealthy degree, she didn't care of her own suffering and sacrifices. It wouldn't be any different with Indigo. She didn't learn the first time around. And she didn't see what was coming to her. Indigo was much more affectionate than her previous lover though. She wouldn't have imagined he would treat her the way she was before. But she would have let him, and that should have been scary for him. He also may not have seen what was coming for him. "Thank you, Indigo." It wasn't the first time she had thanked him, it definitely wouldn't be the last. She was very open with her feelings towards Indigo, even as much as they may not have really known each other. "I can't wait to go swimming when the weather is warmer." She teased, motioning out towards the ocean. It did sound like a fun and romantic thing to do when the time was right. She would always want to make good memories with Indigo, especially to make up for the one's she felt she messed up. Walk "Talk" Think

Indigo didn’t and couldn’t fully comprehend the level of devotion that Duchess held for him. Her words reassured him but Indy might never fully realize the scope of how she felt for him. The affection he gave her and received in turn was natural to a point of instinct. Duchess didn’t hesitate as he held her more tightly, she soothed him and eased the turmoil beneath. The boy wouldn’t do anything to intentionally hurt her, all he wanted was to see her thriving. If she could wear a smile on her face after everything he knew he could do the same.

”You’re welcome, Duchess.” He told her quietly as he nuzzled her cheek. She teased him with the future, he knew one day that the water would warm and life would return to the world. He chuckled amusedly, not really wanting to ruin her vision because of his aversion to swimming. ”I’ve never been in the ocean before,” he admitted. Trying to get the salt water out of his mane sounded like a horrendous experience. ”Maybe I’ll join you, if you promise to help me dry.” Indigo chuckled again, the sound was nearly genuine too.

He looked out over the frozen waves once more, ”Do you want to stay here a while? What else would you like to see?” Indy asked softly, content to allow her to be the one to lead him.

She giggled herself to his comment about helping him dry and rubbed her cheek into him again with affection. She would insist on the bit of fun though for another day. They were young after all even if somehow they both had hidden senses of maturity. She would help him dry for sure, they didn't have to go in the ocean, because yeah, that would be a mess for him. Not that she really thought of that, she after all didn't have his plush, comfortable mane. He asked where she wanted to go, or see, or do. And she tried to keep that smile on her maw even if it just dwindled slightly. Her gaze moved back to the island in the distance before them, but she still stayed locked between his legs. "It's warmer back at the castle." She didn't want to say it, but she didn't think they would find anything to take back while scouting. It had been the purpose, not that she was complaining for spending time with him. That was her own purpose after all. But it was true, the warmth of the castle and embrace of Indigo was a better idea than freezing out here on the shores. It made her want the summer so bad, and she wondered what Auster's cold season would bring them. Her mismatched eyes moved back up to his face, her smile regaining its genuine feeling, "We can go back and warm up by the fire." Walk "Talk" Think