As he had told ?owyn he was making his way back to the west, at least for now, to inform his sister of what was going on. Aranya had a right to know, and, should she choose to come along, he wanted her to meet his new mate and know she was still a large part of his life. The brute would wander back to where he had last been with her, in the lands of an old pack, saying that he was going to take a few days to explore Alacritia a bit and then meet her back here. Well... it had gone on for longer than that, and Birch needed to apologize for that. Nothing would stop him, however, from finding Aranya again.

The brown and white brute would slow as he neared the area. He wasn't sure if Aranya had set up a den in these lands or not, or if she had claimed an old, unused one, but he was aware that Nuka's scent was no longer as strong as it once was. Had his sister been left all alone? Worry would nag at the brute and he would tilt his head back, a questioning howl, hopeful to get a response, asking for his sister's presence.

Her brother's howl was surprising, but welcome. It provided a break from yet another monotonous summer day. The heat was smothering, despite her light colored coat, and it had had her den bound more often than not. Between that fact and her new found apathy, she had dropped a bit of weight. Besides, her den still smelled of Nuka... With perked ears, she rose and made to meet Birch. They had parted ways for only a time, yet so much had changed. A sudden apprehension stilled her paws. Birch was a smart man, he'd notice the changes in her appearance and demeanor before she even opened her mouth. There was no hiding it, and she was certainly in for a lecture on caring for herself. With a sigh, she emerged into the bright daylight. She blinked at the vibrancy and it struck her that she had not been outside in some time. One day, perhaps two... She located her brother by scent first, and began walking with her head down, shielding her sensitive, icy orbs from the daylight. She did not speak, could not, simply waited to see what he might make of her. Speech,Thoughts,

Not a single word would come from Aranya as she approached. Immediately Birch would notice the changes... the loss of weight... how she moved with a sense of loss... her silence. Birch moved to her, giving a worried whine as he checked his sister over. What had happened in his absence? She had stopped caring for herself as she should... and... he would breath. Nuka's scent was so faint... had... had he abandoned her? The thought made Birch's stomach turn. How long had Aranya been alone? How long had she been suffering like this? The male would let out another whine.

"Aranya..." This was not a time for lecturing. Deep worry reflected in Birch's eyes. His words were pained with worry for her. "Oh Aranya... when did you last eat? Or drink?" He wouldn't mention Nuka... no he had to make sure Aranya was taken care of first before any sort of news was shared.