Strai waited for Spider to return to him. Feeling oddly protective of the smaller wolf when they returned to his size. How the tables had turned from the cold shoulder he had once given Spider that had tethered on hatred once. He didn't need to storm any castles, and the wait was short enough that he didn't consider it. Too much.

He led Spider back up to the pack, now called Hemlock. Perhaps he was flexing powers he shouldn't be, attempting to take Spider by force, and assuming all would be well for them to enter the packlands. But really, Delphi was the bigger idiot for giving him power in the first place.

They arrived at the borders of Hemlock and he glanced over at Spider. “Perhaps we should have Delphi meet us here.” He suggested, she was the alpha after all. He tipped his head back and called for his mate.

Spider is largely silent as they trail Strai, wrapped up in their own head and worrying about Bas. how has he taken the letter? is he angry with them? as the pair reach the border, Spider swallows past a lump in their throat and determinedly fixes their attention on the present. they’re in brand new pack territory, after all - haven’t they always wanted to see where Delphi and Strai live? maybe they ought to be seeing this as an adventure.

“good idea,” Spider murmurs, settling back on their haunches. “do you think she’ll mind?” there’s a touch of anxiety to their voice; although they’re on relatively good terms with Delphi, last they checked, it’s still kind of a big thing to bring an outsider for a visit. and she’s still a new alpha, finding her footing. hopefully Spider isn’t adding any extra stress on top of that.

"Araneae Fatalis"

Delphi knew that Strai had gone off on a little adventure. Those types of things didn't bother her about her pack members or even that it was Strai himself. Honestly, she was rather busy with everything else going on (including the planning of her birthday party) that wolves being gone for a few days was barely on her radar. Usually, he would come back with a new fur or some meat to show what he'd been up to, but when his howl rang out from the border, it was safe to say she was quite surprised.

Dropping everything she was doing, Delphi hastily made her way to the border. Her brow furrowed in confusion as her brain rattled off the many reasons why he would await for her presence there instead of just coming straight to their den. It doesn't take long for her petite frame to make it to where they stood awaiting. Her eyes widen slightly as she looks from Strai to Spider. Her steps slow, tail wagging, but confusion is still clearly upon her expression. This didn't look or feel like a friendly visit so what was going on?

She is quick to wind herself through Strai's legs for a quick greeting before she leans over to pull Spider into a big, warm embracing hug. "Is everything alright?" Delphi speaks softly, leaning back to look into Spider's gaze. Worry creases her features, the confusion dissipating. It didn't take much to tell when someone was having a rough go of it - she would know.

“She'll be happy to see you.” He said. Delphi cared about her friends, and this was about what Spider was going through. He felt that he had the right of it. All the same, he felt a little trepidation when the small alpha trotted into view. He smiled when she wound between his legs, and he patted her side in silent greeting. When she pulled Spider into a hug, he knew he'd done the right thing. “Spider's going through some things right now. Are you cool if they stay with us for a little bit?” He asked her. Leaving spider to fill in the gapes if they wanted to.


He'd walk Delphi through everything later, but he was working on his manners and it seemed a little crass to talk about Spider in front of them.

thankfully they don’t have to wait long, the new alpha appearing in the distance and quickly growing closer. they scarcely have time to feel nervous before they’re pulled into an embrace; Spider relaxes into Delphi’s hug, feeling the tension drain from them as they sigh in relief. it’s warm and fierce, and it settles some of the weight sitting heavy on their shoulders. “hi…” they rasp, smiling into her fur. she pulls back, and Spider lets her look her fill, unwilling to consider just how ragged they must look.

when Strai prompts, they look down at their feet and draw in a breath. “my…mum left.” it feels woefully inadequate, but they don’t currently have the energy for a complete explanation. “and my Dad is playing happy families without her.” they lift their chin, fixing hopeful eyes onto her. “would it…be okay if i stayed here for a while? just a little bit?”

"Araneae Fatalis"

Delphi listens to Strai and understands the want to leave the gritty details for later. Continuing to hold onto Spider tight, Delphi refuses to let go even as the other leans back and speaks. “Hi,” Delphi murmurs back, laughter in her tone before it quickly dissipates.

Finally meeting Spider’s gaze, Delphi feels the seriousness of the situation. She could relate to Spider a lot more than even she realized. “Welcome to the club,” Delphi says, her tone dipping down into its own ring of sadness. “Of course you can stay. Stay forever if you want,” her wavering smile is cheeky as she finally removes herself from Spider’s embrace.

“My da is also playing happy family, but at least my mum is dead so he has an excuse to move on and be happy,” Delphi’s expression scrunches, teeth grinding together as she realizes that probably was abrasive. Filters and beating around the bush were never her thing. “C’mon, lets go warm up and get something to eat,” she urges, nudging Spider with her snout before leading the way back to her and Strai’s den.