She'd take a deep breath as dark paws brought her to the edge of the territory, bright eyes taking in the sights as her nose took in all the scents. Valentine's was the strongest, she'd notice as she brought her haunches beneath her. Motif was on her mind, her sister was well fed and sleeping. Recovering from the taxing birth she'd just endured. Rhythm had to guess that she'd be like that for a few more weeks at least. Even if she had told her about this date it was unlikely that Motif would have been able to comprehend what it was she was up to. Better to save the story until after she recovered. 

She could feel the butterflies enraged within her gut as she reclined back onto her haunches, tail curling around her delicate paws. Her form would remain still there for many moments as she willed the confidence to tilt back her head and call for the tall wolf. Licking her lips Rhythm would tilt her head back slowly, finally finding her breath was able to be released. No matter the nerves her voice was still beautiful, calling melodically for her date. Her litter's musical nature coming through in her howl. 

Her song would finish, and her features would return to a more neutral position as blue and purple gaze would seek out the form of Valentine through the gentle snow showers. The precipitation would fall gently around her, the light of the sun unable to filter down through the thick clouds. It was likely the temperature would turn icy by the end of the day. 

The sweet angelic voice rising over the knolls brought the brute at the run. He couldn't believe it. She'd actually done it. They'd talked about a date, but part of him, the part that wished to keep his inner workings from harm, had just been joking. That's she'd actually done it (come to pick him, the alpha of Imperium, up for a date) astounded him. For once he was unsure of how to handle himself. Nearing her (and still out of sight) the brute paused to collect himself. He took a deep breath and shook out his coat, psyching himself up for the battle ahead. Being with Rhythm was different than being with anyone else. He felt like he needed to be better, to do better. Not for her, but because she made him feel capable of it. When he was ready (well, as ready as he could be) he set off again at an easy pace. Reaching Rhythm, Valentine grinned. "You're here," he stated warmly, "Welcome to Imperium." ""

She'd feel like she sat there for an eternity, though her nerves would stretch the time barely a few moments would have passed before she'd catch his scent on the cold breeze. She'd perk up as blue and purple eyes found his form, strolling easily over the knoll. Her lips would pull back into an excited smile as her dark tail followed suit and padded against the dirt. She'd pull herself up from the snow laden earth to greet him, she'd tilt her head slightly, he seemed almost surprised at her presence. "I am," She'd say, trying to keep the shaky nerves out of her voice. She almost hadn't been, "Thank you." She'd dip her head in thanks as she calmed herself, finding too much pleasure in being reunited with his company. "Wanna show me around, or are you eager to get to our destination?" She'd release in a breath as she continued the battle with her over worked nerves, they were a bit easier to hide with the odd grin showing off her teeth. Somehow her erratic tail had gone unnoticed as well. ""

"Wanna show me around, or are you eager to get to our destination?" Um, both? Could he pick both? On the one hand, Valentine was immensely proud of Imperium...but on the other? Gods, he wanted to know where she was going to take him. Usually he was the one doing the taking. Very rarely was it the other way around. He sighed in mock exasperation. "That's a very difficult question to answer." Well, if he wanted to do both then they may as well start with the easiest. "How about I show you around first?" Perhaps she'd like to meet some of his pack? Or...take a romantic stroll across the knolls? ""

He'd take a long moment before he would give her an answer, the contemplation not quite so obvious as he sighed. She'd watch him amusedly, a mischievous grin playing on her features. Though he didn't seem happy about being made to choose she had to admit that she agreed with the answer. Her head would tilt in a confirming nod, eager to take a look around. "Where's your favorite place?" She'd ask with an innocent curiosity, her chocolate features tipping softly. "You know, if you don't mind showing me." Reminiscent of their first meeting she'd take a place at his side, her wagging tail evidence of the excitement she felt.

(sorry no table, couldn't access them cause net was being lame)

With Rhythm at his side, Valentine trotted into the territory. She asked what his favorite place was and the brute smiled at the thought of it. "Not at all. I'd love to show you." He changed direction, heading south instead of west as he had originally intended. For a moment he considered elaborating, but decided against it rather quickly. Surprises were much more fun. Pretty soon his favorite place in Imperium came into sight. "There it is." If she had been expecting some grand natural wonder, Rhythm was sure to be disappointed. Before them, laying butted up against a gnarled tree, was a wide, flat rock. Its surface was smooth and largely void of cracks and pocks, and its top was about a meter off the ground. All in all, it was unremarkable; a good place for sunning in the morning and when it was hot in the afternoon, the little tree provided relief. Flicking his gaze to Rhythm, the brute smirked. "Climb up there," he commanded, "And be very quiet and still." Preparing himself to turn away, a thought suddenly struck him and he glanced back. "Oh, and close your eyes. No peeking, okay?" ""

She'd easily match his pace, though she had to take more steps than he in account to the difference in the lengths of their strides. She'd find that she'd put an easy smile on his face as she made the request to seek out his favored place in the knolls. What she expected she wasn't sure but she would smile at the acceptance of her suggestion. Easily the pair would change their direction, and he would refrain from saying anything more about it. Rhythm wasn't sure what it was she was expecting, nothing incredible she was sure since these lands seem fairly similar no matter where you'd run off to. Still, being able to peek into Valentine's personal preference was enough for her. He would have to tell her where it was once they'd reached the destination, her bright eyes coming to rest upon the simple stone and aged tree. She'd grin at the revealing, "It seems rather peaceful" she'd whisper as her tail would flick softly behind her as she took in the rather humble place. She'd look back to him as they drew more near, catching his smirk as he nudged her upon it. She didn't see much room for argument, and her lithe frame would ascend easily to the top. Her luxurious frame would recline upon the stone as her dainty paws would come to hang over the ledge. Valentine would turn, one last request leaving his lips before though, a curious grin would cross her maw as she eyed him curiously, but obediently her gems would close as she awaited his next plan. Hopefully it wasn't reminiscent of his crypt prank. ""

The brute waited until Rhythm was situated on the rock and her eyes were closed before he moved off. "No peeking!" Valen commanded from afar, his voice booming across the knolls. He glanced back several times before she was out of sight, making sure her eyes remained closed.  She better not peek and blow his surprise. Once out sight (not that it truly mattered as long as she listened to him) he took off running, making a wide circle around a large swath of territory. There was a reason behind his movements, one she would feel soon enough because in that patch of land was a giant herd of bison. Once behind the beasts, the young ruler began to sow terror into the hearts of the nearest creatures. He ran at them bellowing and biting, snapping at heels and at tails and noses until the whole herd was moving away from him. Once the back of the herd got started, the front couldn't help but get swept along and pretty soon an unstoppable stampede with Valentine hot on their heels was headed straight for Rhythm. ""

He would repeat again to keep her eyes closed, and trusting him foolishly she would comply. She'd sit for a long few moments, listening to the sounds of everything around her while at the same time taking in any scent that might give away this little.. surprise. She'd hear the thundering first, and incredible sound that reverberated through the ground up her rock and into her bones. Startled she'd open her eyes to see the first of the bison to make their way to her. Gasping in surprise she'd jump back, no longer hanging off the front of the rock she would push her rump against the bark of the tree. Great giant beasts would begin to fly by her, massive animals galloping at tops speeds on either side of her. Jaws quite agape and her eyes wide the girl would watch, mystified as the creatures blew past her. There were so many individuals in the herd, bright blue and purple gaze would try and look at every one, but the masses were too big and too fast. She was amazed at how quickly so many animals went past her. At the very end she'd catch sight of a very tall wolf. Grinning widely at his approach she'd keep herself perched on the rock, breathlessly she'd adress him jokingly, "I'm sorry, I opened my eyes!" With a deep breath she would slip down from the boulder, tongue rolling from her mouth as she panted, her heart was absolutely racing! She'd shake her head at him, obviously quite impressed with his display. ""

Ridiculously pleased with himself, Valentine followed the herd until the last of its members raced by the rock Rhythm was standing on. Every inch of him proclaimed his delight as he pranced up to the rock and threw his paws over the edge. He grinned up at her, his tongue lolling out of the corner of his mouth and giving him a slightly demented expression. "I'm sorry I opened my eyes!" With her statement, the brute features shifted immediately to convey mock disappointment. He sighed and hung his head as if she'd wrecked the whole thing. "You should be." Nah, not really. With one eye he peeked over the edge of the rock at her. "So..." he drawled, "How was that? Better than getting left alone in a dark cave?" He hoped so. ""

She wouldn't miss how pleased he looked as his form would return to her side, his massive front paws seeking purchase on either side of her delicate frame. A smile would beam from her features up to him, her heart still beating like mad from the crazy adrenaline rush he'd just offered. He'd hang his head as she confessed, joining in her play as he feigned disappointment. There was no way that she would have been able to keep her eyes open anyway, not with those giant beasts running by her. She'd watch as he'd sneak one brilliant sapphire gem open, questioning the validity of this surprise to the cruel act he'd done to her in the crypt. Rhythm would glare at him playfully, "Much more enjoyable," she would assure him, adding a chuckle at the end. As the last word left her lips she'd realize their proximity, a light blush would cross her features subtly as she would refrain from retreating this time. With her Adrenaline rush high she'd find herself that much braver as she lay displayed there before Valentine. Butterflies would erupt in her gut as she took in a deep breath, obviously a tad bit flustered. Clearing her throat, but making no effort to move she'd ask "So, about this date.." She'd start, tilting her head slightly, "I don't really have a specific place I had planned on." It seemed like this would be as good as any, "But I wanted to take you sledding!" She'd reveal, excitement evident in her voice, not the adrenaline rush that he had put her though, but still incredibly fun all the same. "Have you been before?" ""

"Much more enjoyable." Good! Did he regret scaring her? Kinda. Sorta... Maybe a little. Was he going to apologize? Oh, heck no! ..okay, well, maybe not in so many words. In any case he was pleased that she found the stampede more entertaining. "Good! I'm glad." The statement was wholeheartedly sincere. Whether or not it was enough to convince her that he meant it had yet to be seen. "So, about this date..." His ears perked. Ah, yes. THE date. Rhythm suggested sledding and the brute's browspots rose. "Sledding?" he queried, "I can't say I have...what is it?" It was said like one might say 'fishing' or 'hunting' so maybe it was chasing after some kind of game? Whatever it was, it sounded interesting and regardless of what it was, since she'd suggested it, he'd do it without question. It was the least he could do considering how much faith she'd put into him already. ""

Valentine would seem rather pleased with himself as he declared his pleasure in her enjoyment. Though obviously his stunt had been incredibly dangerous and could have easily killed her more easily than leaving her in the crypt, she found it much more exhilarating. She enjoyed the edge he gave her life, even if she wasn't going to be able to top the activity he brought on their date. The giant brute would question her thoughts, seeming to have little idea about what she was about to take him on. She didn't know if he was worried or excited but it didn't seem like he was ready to back down. With a mischievous grin she would refrain from explaining. "It's better if I showed you I think." She'd nod, confirming her own suspicion. She couldn't do much with him in her way, so playfully she'd nudge at his shoulder, eventually slipping between him and the rock. He would be incredibly close for only a few moments, though wherever their fur touched she felt an quick shiver run over her skin. The feeling was odd and foreign but not all together unpleasant. Rhythm couldn't focus on them though, and quickly she would slip to his side. Giving him a quick wink she'd bound away, her delicate paws carrying her to a rather perfect tree. With practiced skill she would remove a giant chunk of bark from the side, she would easily fit on it when the time came. Motioning for Valentine to do the same she would again leap away, this time in search of the best hill. By now she was sure Valen was burning with curiosity, but she'd keep herself focus as her form would scale her selected hill. Looking back over her shoulder she'd look to see if he'd found an acceptable piece of bark, satisfied she'd grin like made before hopping on her chosen sled. With ease the momentum of her leap was enough to send her over the hill. With her paws distributed evenly over her board she would crouch as low as she could before gravity would catch her and bring her zooming down the rather tall hill giggling all the way down. ""

She'd refuse to give him the details, claiming that it would be better to show him. He had to wonder who exactly it was better for. While Valen was perfectly content to keep others in suspense, he himself wasn't too fond of surprises. No, he liked to know what he was getting into before he got into it. Nevertheless, he would allow himself to be strung along, for once (somewhat) content with not knowing. Rhythm would push against him in an attempt to get him to move and the brute found himself playfully resisting. Finally she slunk passed him - a move that he counted as a personal win because it required her to further invade his personal space. Wordlessly he followed her. She reached a tree and deftly pulled a huge slab of bark from it and Valentine, not knowing what it was for, grabbed a similarly sized piece from the opposite side. His ears flicked in confusion. What could you possibly do with a big hunk of bark? He then followed her as she hunted for...something. If not for the tree bark distorting his mouth into an odd shape, the edges of it would have been turned down in a befuddled frown. Cresting a hill with her loyal boy slogging after her, Rhythm cast him a quick look before flinging herself onto her bark and disappearing from his sight. Stunned, Valentine raced after her, skidding to a halt once he was on top of the hill. There he looked down and watched as the fae glided down the hill on her little makeshift sled. Hm. Well...he now understood what the bark was for...but was faced with a dilemma. If he had known that his rump was supposed to fit on it he'd have chosen a bigger piece. Instead, he'd grabbed one that was Rhythm-sized. Sensing that his little bit of tree bark wouldn't work, the brute began to think of an alternative. Perhaps he could slide down the hill on his rump without a board? At the very least it was worth trying. He abandoned his bark and after backing up a couple of steps, threw himself down the hill....and immediately began to roll. And roll. Androllandrollandrollandroll. End over end he tumbled down the hill until his momentum left him and he lay in a jumbled up pile of blue/black confusion at the bottom. ""

She'd see him just barely as he crested the hill, watching as she slid down to the bottom of the slope. She'd smile widely before jumping from the bark and looking back up at the man. He seemed to have quite th eproblem, standing up there quite unsure about his next action. As he finally came to a decision though she'd go to warn him about going with out a sled, but it was too late. He'd leap from the hill, and for a moment looked like he might have had it. However almost before even starting he would begin to flail, legs going over his head and he would tumble unceremoniously down to where she stood. Of course she was powerless to do anything, and would stand awkwardly at the bottom of the hill, feeling quite helpless and bad as she cringed with each roll. He'd speed past her, eventually coming to a halt in the snow. She would whine worriedly and race to his side, hoping she hadn't just killed him. With great concern she would nose at his still form, panicking as she looked for any sign of life. "Valen!" She'd exclaim, needing him to be okay. "Oh I"m so sorry, be okay.. please be okay.." Another whine would slip past her lips as she prayed for his safety. ""

For several heartbeats he lay still trying to get his bearings. For the life of him he couldn't tell what was up or down. Everything was white and gray, either blindingly bright or lightly shaded. And good lord, his neck hurt! It felt like someone had grabbed him by the tail and was stretching his spine to its limits. On top of that, there was heavy weight pressing down on him. It felt like a big ole fat guy was sitting on his head. To top it all off, the world reeled around him, spinning every which way as if he was still rolling. If he knew where the ground was, the brute would have been clutching at it in an attempt to keep himself from falling off. As his wits returned to him, it suddenly occurred to Valentine that he was sitting on his head and shoulders with his rump in the air. He let himself relax, rump flopping to the ground so that he lay completely stretched out with all for paws pointed behind him. Somewhere above him, Rhythm begged for him to be okay. In all honesty, the only thing hurt about him was his pride, and even then, that he felt he could salvage. Adjusting his position so that his front paws pointed forwards (as they should), the brute groaned theatrically. If she was going to be sympathetic, then he may as well milk it for all it was worth. Rolling over so that he lay on his side, he whispered, "I think I'll live. Do you see my pride anywhere? I think it fell out somewhere along the way." He had half a mind to suggest that she kiss it and make it better. ""

He would be laid unceremoniously upon the earth, his whole form filled upside down. She would fret over him as he half righted himself, his rump falling from the air as she nosed at his shoulders. At least she'd be made aware that he had not broken his neck, the tall man would readjust, his paws returning beneath him as he verbally made her aware of the discomfort. She would kneel by his face, his words hoarsely whispered with reassurance that his life would still go on. Her form would visibly relax as she lay in front of him, easing herself to the ground as she let a smile overcome her features once more. Assured that Valentine was indeed still as his usual self. "Maybe sledding was a bad idea," She'd comment with her head on her paws, obviously still feeling a bit guilty about his tumble. "I should probably get you back to a healer, or your den or something? I imagine you wont want to do too much more activity after that..." She'd trail off, her conscious weighing quite heavily upon her shoulders as she looked up at him bashfully. ""

Mercifully she's make no comment about his pride. "Sledding was a wonderful idea," he said, disagreeing with her statement. "A wonderful idea marred by your choice of date." Rhythm's ride down the slope had indeed made it seem like a fabulous idea. She'd made it look effortless, and maybe with the right tools it was, or maybe, just maybe, he was truly just that graceless. "Nah," he said in response to her healer comment. The last thing he wanted was someone else knowing about his tumble. "I'm fine." To prove his point, Valentine climbed to his paws. He was a bit achy, but nothing felt too terribly wounded. All he needed to do was suck it up and shake it off. Maybe walk around a bit or something. Quirking a brow at her, he joked, "How about round two?" ""

She couldn't help the shy smile she sported as he disagreed with her, taking the blame upon himself for the mishap. Still she would feel like at one point or another his discomfort was partially caused by her. Not that she was going to push the issue, he would further admit that he was perfectly okay. As he found his feet she would step back, not quite trusting him fully this time the girl would walk around him curiously. Looking for herself if he had any wounds or physical abnormalities, having totally forgotten that she was in fact training to be a healer. She'd pull back around to his front as he shot her a curious look, she was quite satisfied with his recovery and deemed him at least fit enough to not go lie down. Was he really ready to try again? "Think you can handle it, mr. graceful?" Rhythm would find herself able to tease him now that she was assured he was alright. The bit of adrenaline pumping through her body was enough to startle her. Had she really been so concerned about his health? ""

Mr. Graceful, eh? Well, at least it had a nice ring to it. In response to her playful query, he snorted. "Of course." Did she really doubt him? He'd have to prove her wrong then, wouldn't he? Taking a teasing step forward, Valentine was on the verge of letting loose a sarcastic comment when his back seized up and the air was forced from his lungs in a single painful push. He grunted, transforming the unmanly squeal that threatened to break loose into a slightly more macho reaction. Oh, good gods below that hurt. Coughing, he cleared his throat before speaking sheepishly, "How about a rain check?" ""