Since his father was gone on some trip to see the other packs he had started trying his had at going on patrols. For the most part he had left that to some of the higher ranked wolves - mostly just because he didn't want to - but it was also the first time his father had been gone so it was the first time he really felt a sense of needing to fill in the gap he left. For the most part the few patrols he had done so far had been really boring and uneventful and it made him wonder what all the fuss was about or why his father had to do them so often. Couldn't they just do like one a day or something like that and that be enough?

But then he remembered the saber cats attacking the pack and the dire wolf attack and how strangers might try to come into their territory... And he decided there might actually be something to it after all. Still, even with all that justification, they were still pretty boring to just do on his own. Artorias was the only friend he had really made around the pack and since he had gone on the trip with his father that didn't really leave him with anyone to ask out onto a patrol with him.

As he was making his way out of the castle to go out to the border for his first patrol of the day with his armor strapped around his chest, he spotted Lilith outside and his ears perked. She had been sick for so, so long and now that she was out and about more it still surprised him some to see her up and moving around. He didn't know if she'd even be up to doing something like a patrol, but he had been trying to make himself spend more time with his siblings so this seemed like the perfect excuse.

Ezra trotted over to his sister, giving her a little grin. "Hey, Lilith. I was just about to go do a patrol. Do you wanna come? We don't have to do a whole lap if you don't want to, we can just go around the plains and come back."

WC: 377 / 1500

Ezra Adravendi

Ulric knew that Lillith appreciated him, if that wasn’t obvious it would be very much when he returned. Lil relied on him for almost everything, however much she was spreading her wings and recovering. She could take walks on her own now, she wasn’t tired at the end of a lesson, and now that Ulric was gone she was getting all of her own meals. The tasks were harrowing and she felt a terrible nervousness about how long their father would be gone for. That was enough to start effecting her sleep. The girl was already a light sleeper but with Ulric gone she felt like she hadn’t really slept at all. She knew it wasn’t good for her recovering but she couldn’t help it. She was alone and it wasn’t a good feeling.

Lillith tried to spend as much time as possible away from her room, being alone in there just intensified the feeling of solitude. Outside she could be under the warm sun, blue sky, and in the growing greenery of the gardens. The healers in the hallows kept a good garden and she was already learning so much. She was working on harvesting a particularly large dandelion as the day wore on. The girl was wearing the gift from her father, though right now it was less of a cape and more of a scarf with the warm weather. Lillith didn’t want to take it off. It felt like Ulric was always with her. Even if she didn’t really like hugs, this was an embrace she could wear always and think of him.

Sometimes that was a bad thing. She was also partially outside because she didn’t want to miss her father’s return. She counted the days and hours until he came back home. Lilith had lost a bit of condition, but she really was trying her hardest. Even that wasn’t quite as good as being cared for. However much she felt ashamed because of it. Lil tried not to think of her failures as she dug a little more, but was distracted by the sudden appearance of Ezra. He wasn’t often around while she was sick, not that she could blame him. Her own mother had left her after all, it was less of a leap to expect her big strong brother to think she wasn’t worth it either.

He surprised her with a grin and an invitation to a patrol though, surprise crossed her features but he seemed genuinely eager to accommodate her. Lilith nodded and hesitant stood at his shoulder. Her height didn’t even compare to his. ”I think i can handle a lap.” She told him mostly truthfully, but she also wanted to impress him, just to make sure she was worth this attention.

Wc: 463
Total: 840

He noticed how surprised she seemed to be at his offer and he couldn't really tell if that was because he had offered or if it was just at the idea of her going on a patrol at all. He knew he hadn't spent nearly as much time with her as he should have - something that his father often chided him for when he was younger - but it wasn't just her. For a large portion of his first year he pushed away all of his family just to get away from the expectations that he felt were set on him. In more recent months he had begun to feel differently about things, mostly thanks to Resin and Artorias, but he knew there was going to be some work he'd have to put in to build that relationship he had let fade. When she agreed and said that she could handle a lap he gave her a wide, toothy grin in response. "Great! Lets get going then. If you start getting tired or you wanna head back just let me know. I won't mind." He could always finish up the patrol later anyway and he didn't want to push her too hard.

He led the way out of the castle gates and off into the plains that made up the other half of The Hallow's territory, making sure to match his pace to his sister's. Not only did he not expect her to move as quickly as he did, he knew her strides would be significantly smaller than his and he didn't want to make her rush or leave her behind. It was a much more casual and easy patrol than he was used to, but that wasn't a bad thing. "So I saw you were looking at the herbs back there... Are you wanting to be a healer?" he asked curiously, casting his ice blue eyes down toward her with a small smile. He was quickly realizing that he didn't really know much about his siblings. He knew Emile was inclined toward being a healer cause his brother had been interested in herbs and stuff from basically the beginning of time. He had been in a hunt or two with Jane so he guessed that Jane wanted to be a hunter, but anyone could hunt really so he couldn't tell if that was her passion. Lilith though had been shut into her room for so long that he really didn't know.

As they walked along the border his ear flicked at the sound of a growl and he slowed his steps, lifting his gaze to look at a cluster of trees just over the border warily. "Did you hear that?" he asked uncertainly, slowing to a stop as he eyed the trees and tried to listen and see if maybe he had just been hearing things or if there was actually something there. A few moments later he heard another growl and the brush and bushes around the trees began to shift until a large saber cat shifted out of the shadows of the trees and started stalking toward them.

WC: 552
Total: 1392 / 1500

Ezra Adravendi

He was sweet, Ezra always had, in their few moments together, reminded her of their father. He was patient and even offered to turn around if she started to get tired. She nodded her head and accepted his offer as the two of them started on their partnership patrol. It felt good to have him by her side, like she was supported by him despite everything.

Lilith didn’t often make it out to the plains, she still wasn’t entirely confident on her ability but she had to try and hide the majority of her weakness from her brother. She couldn’t become a burden to him, she already felt like she was throughout their childhood. ”A healer?” She kind of questioned him, as though the thought hadn’t really touched her mind. ”Yeah, I guess.” She went on dismissively. She wanted to be more useful, but could she really remember all of those plants?

She didn't have to explain herself further as Ezra directed her attention to the bushes. Her silver tipped ears perked towards the sound of growling. She froze, startled, her attention fully on the foliage as the creature stepped forward. The Hallows had a problem with the saber toothed cats for as long as she could remember, and this moment was no different. Lilith raised her hackles and tried to fend the massive creature off with a bark or five.

Wc: 235
Total: 1627

Ezra bristled immediately when the saber cat started stalking toward them, a snarl pulling at his lips. Gods, it felt like they had been fighting these damn things off since they moved down to Auster! How many of them were there?! His first instinct was to block Lilith off and protect her, but he gave her a quick glance as she puffed up and started trying to intimidate the saber cat instead. He was too proud of his sister for even just that little moment to keep her from having it even though he was worried so he just took his place beside her, adding his deeper, growling barks to hers to continue intimidating the saber cat as well.

He noticed it begin to falter, its steps slowing and watching the pair warily. His ice blue eyes remained locked onto the feline as he slowly advanced on it a bit to tip the balance in their favor. The moment that the cat started to back away he charged forward with a deep, snarling growl and the cat went running, disappearing back into the trees. He waited for a moment, watching the trees to make sure it was actually gone, before he turned back to his sister with a wide grin and a wag of his tail. ”Good job, Lil!”

Ezra Adravendi

She didn’t really have any time to feel scared, there was a threat and Lillith reacted. Despite her illness and despite how weak she still was, Lil puffed up beside her big brother. The thought didn’t cross her mind, not when Ezra didn’t act on his impulse, but she would have been sorely disappointed if he had stepped in front of her. She had armor from their father just like he did and she was ready and willing to step up in defense of her home and her pack. Lillith followed her brother’s lead, taking a step forward with him as the two yearlings faced off against the long fanged feline.

Lilith was pleasantly surprised when the cat began to relent, wanting to keep its hide intact more than mess with a couple of angry wolves that were very much aware of its position. Maybe if it had remained out of sight and dropped a sneak attack on them it could have been successful. Probably not though. Ezra put on a burst of speed as he charged the cat and it turned tail and ran. Though she really didn’t do much Lil was proud of herself, and more so her brother, for standing ground and getting rid of the beast.

Ezra looked back to her and returned to her side, his own pride evident in the way he praised her. ”I didn’t do anything,” she returned quietly, naturally taking on a more humble tone especially as she felt the aftermath. A surge of adrenaline had gone through her and now it was subsiding, making her realize just how much they had been through together. ”Ooh,” she mumbled softly before falling back onto her haunches clumsily. She blinked her eyes as fatigue stole the focus from her vision. ”Ezra,” she whispered almost ashamedly, ”Will you help me back to my room.” It had been too much and with the nausea feeling she felt tears prick at her eyes with the realization. She was ashamed of herself for reacting like this after such a small task.

Ezra was about to insist that she had done great despite her humbleness and tell her how proud he was of her for not backing down, but just as he was about to do so he noticed her expression start to change. He could see her visibly get more wobbly and his ears flicked back with concern as she fell back onto her haunches, his brow pulling together with worry as he hurried over to her. "Lil? Are you okay?" he asked, dipping his head down to be level with hers as he examined her expression and saw how her eyes didn't really seem to focus on him right away. He immediately felt guilty for bringing her out here and wondered to himself if she had pushed herself too far just because he had asked her to come out with him. He should have known better and picked a shorter patrol route for her or maybe just done a lap near the castle walls.

To her request for him to carry her back, he smiled, feeling a little better just hearing her talking. "Of course, Lil. Whatever you need." He saw the beginning of tears around the edges of her ruby eyes and guilt twisted at his gut again. "Oh, don't cry, Lil! It's okay! It's my fault, I'm sorry." He very, very carefully lifted his giant paw to her cheek and brushed away those tears. "I should have been more careful, I'm sorry. Come on, lets get you back so you can rest." He crouched down and helped her onto his back, scooping up his little sister like she weighed nothing. She was so much smaller than him and he never really could tell how much of that was just genes from other parts of their lineage besides their father and how much of it was from her being sick for most of their first year.

He carried her carefully back toward the castle, not going too fast so there wasn't a risk of her falling off. "You really did do really good," he insisted after a moment as they walked, getting back around to the insistent compliment he had begun to say before her near fainting stopped him. "I know it's all really hard, but... I'm really happy you're feeling better now, even if it's just a little better." Life had been pretty hard on their whole litter with their mother disappearing with Everlyse, but it had been particularly unfair to Lillith. But things could only get better from here now that she was getting back to normal life again - just with some slight adjustments. "Maybe we don't do a patrol next time. Maybe I can help you with the greenhouse," he suggested as he glanced back at her over his shoulder with a spiky toothed grin. He didn't know anything about plants, but if she could point him to what to collect or where to dig or something like that then he'd be happy to help!

They got back up to the corridor where their rooms were and he walked down to hers, pushing the door open and carrying her over to her bed. "Here we are," he said as he lowered her down to her bed, letting her climb off of him and get settled onto the furs before he turned to face her and sat back on his haunches. "Can I get anything for you? Some food? Water? Do you want me to go get one of the healers or dad?" He just wanted her to be okay and didn't really know how to make that happen, but whatever she needed he'd make it happen!

Ezra Adravendi

Ezra was right there even as she fell back onto her little bottom. His concern was obvious even if she couldn’t quite focus on his expression. ”Yeah,” she tried to assure him that she was indeed alright. She just needed to lay down, maybe get some water. That was the problem though, how was she going to be useful and lessen her burden when she was so sick. Azariah hit that point and she left her, so that meant anyone who loved her could choose to leave. Especially if all she could do was continue to take. Ezra’s guilty voice tried to encourage her as he took the blame on himself, but that just made her cry more.

”That’s the point though, Ezra. I should be able to do this with you.” Frustration, anger, and nausea, it all rose in her belly. ”Why am I still so sick, why can’t I be normal, and able to.. to..” She lost her breath as she passionately tried to prove her point, but she was just pushing herself over the edge. There wasn’t anything Ezra could do but scoop her up and try to soothe her as much as he could as he carried her home. She closed her eyes and shamefully let him carry her back to her comfy little room where she would continue to try and recover. When would she recover though? How much of her life would she waste here in these chambers?

She did eventually catch her breath as Ezra tried to suggest next time they work in the greenhouse. ”Yeah,” she agreed softly, but she didn’t feel the enthusiasm, not when even Ezra was sure she was as delicate as she felt. Eventually he let her settle into the furs of her bed and asked if she needed anything. ”Maybe some water.” If he was offering. ”Gwyn might want to know.” She said as an afterthought, but it was better if Ezra told her anyway, Lil would have just gotten too emotional to really talk about it anyway.

He felt so bad for his sister as she worked herself up just over her own condition that she had no control over. He understood the frustration though and he wished he could just make it better for her. It wasn't fair. She had been the only one of their whole litter to get sick and she had stayed sick for most of their lives at this point. He supposed it made sense that she would still be so weak after being sick for so long, but it didn't make it any easier. It was nice to think of small victories like her being able to walk around the castle and go on short patrols with them, but they were still just small things that she should be able to do anyway. He never minded making adjustments for her though and it pulled a frown to his features when he saw the defeat in her when she begrudgingly accepted his offer of helping her in the greenhouse next time. He wished sickness was a thing that he could fight off physically, but that wasn't how it worked, much to his irritation.

He nodded in agreement to both requests, saying, "I'll be right back!" before hurrying out of the room, moving through the corridors of the castle with long strides. Getting the water was easy enough just by going into their food and supply stores to get a bowl and water skin, slipping out to the barrels of water just outside the castle door to fill it. Finding Gwyn was a little harder since she wasn't in the Infirmary like she usually was. He had to go up to the wing of the castle where the Carpathius family resided, finding her in her room. He took a minute to fill in Gwyn on what had happened and Lillith's condition, making sure that Gwynevere knew to check in with his sister later before he went back to Lillith's room with the water she had requested.

He slipped back into the room and placed the bowl beside her, filling the bowl with water before sitting the half full water skin down beside her bed so that it would be there in case she wanted more later. "I told Gwynevere," he told her, pulling an encouraging smile onto his lips. "She's going to come check on you later so... maybe get some rest for now." He hesitated for a moment before leaning in to press an innocent kiss to her cheek, his ears flicking back with worry. "Feel better, okay? We'll go out on another patrol really soon." A promise he was going to make sure he held up his end of the bargain on. He slipped out of the room then, letting her rest and recuperate.

Ezra Adravendi