Chord would be lying if he said he felt any confidence as he trailed towards the borders of Imperium with the intention of seeing his sister. He'd originally intended and in fact promised her after their last meeting that he would be back to see her again after he'd spoken to Bass. That conversation hadn't gone particularly well, Rhythm still hadn't been allowed back to visit the family and ashamed then to go back to her having failed to talk any sense into Bass, the russet marked man had found another momentarily bright idea. He'd go back home, get some advice from their parents only he had gotten about half way to Ahlon before he'd realised what a terrible idea that was. Neither of them would want to hear that their children were fighting, that Bass had practically disowned Rhythm. He'd taken a slow road back, hoping for some other bright idea but unfortunately his mind appeared to have failed him and in the end he realised all he could do was simply what he had promised. Not to pick sides and to be there for his sister. None of that made this little trek feel any better though. Would she even bother to answer his call now that he'd been gone for so long? He could only hope she held no grudges as he stopped before reaching the pack's boundaries and let out a howl for his sister.

She missed her siblings, a lot. The whole reason she'd even left Ahlon was because she'd wanted to be with them. Now her brother had disowned her and her sister, who she had been inseparable from, had turned her back on the girl. It all made her heart hurt. She missed Chord and his level headed neutral take on the whole situation. He'd said he would be back after speaking to Bass, but he'd been gone the majority of the season. Bass hadn't done something rash to him too? She really didn't know what to expect from Bass anymore, but she knew how much she missed him too. Despite everything that had happened. He was still her brother, and she just wanted to be a family again. She'd spoken to Kyarst about them recently, and hearing his words on the matter had renewed her hope, that maybe someday their bond would be renewed. She would yawn, her lithe form was laid comfortably over the boulder that protected her den when her ears took in the sound of Chord's howl. An excitement would bubble up in her breast at the call, with no hesitation she would push herself from the rock and leap towards her brother. She hit the ground running, and wouldn't stop until he was in her sights. Even then her pace wouldn't slow until she was almost upon him. She had every intention of performing a flying tackle on her loner brother. "Chord!" Her voice held joy and relief as she yelled his name and leapt for him. ""

Chord wouldn't have to wait long at all to see how his sister would react to his return and it seemed at the speed she came bounding towards him at and from the cheery greeting she called out that he hadn't actually had anything to worry about. Well actually that wasn't entirely correct, he did have one thing to worry about as it seemed she wasn't looking to slow down or stop at any moment a realisation that hit him a little late, unable to dodge as she leapt and she would indeed impact his side, knocking him a little off balance. It was a good thing there were eight inches between them in height and even the life of a loner had left him bulkier than her or else they both may have gone flying and tumbling. "Rhythm." His own greeting was certainly rather calmer, though still expressed his joy to see her again, his pleasure that she wasn't completely mad at him for being gone for so long. "How have you been?" He enquired, steadying his balance and nuzzling her head softly in greeting.

Chord didn't seem to realize she was about to tackle him until much to late, but he still had enough time to brace himself. She wouldn't do anything more than kind of knock him off balance as he caught her. Lame. Why was she so tiny? There really was no throwing her weight around because she definitely did not have any. She wouldn't focus on the greeting though, her brother seemed happy enough to see her. Though even through his greeting, and long absence, she had no doubts that he would not have any good news to accompany him. He'd not been able to sway Bass. "How have you been?" She'd would nuzzle him before stepping back a little to give him enough room. Not that she wanted to, she might have kidnapped him and cuddled with him all day if he let her. She'd sigh as she leaned back onto her haunches. "I am doing a lot better, but I still miss them." So much. "What about you Mr. I'll-be-right-back?" There was a critical look in her eye, though her adoration for him still obviously there. She wanted to know what had taken him so long, he'd obviously not suffered any large incapacitating injuries. ""

It was certainly a far more positive reaction than he had anticipated when Chord had begun his journey to Imperium, feeling rather ashamed the entire way. No solutions had come to mind, he had absolutely no good news or ideas to share with Rhythm and he certainly felt a little bad about that. It was impossible for his mood to stay down though, now it was clear he'd been worrying for no reason and that his sister was cheery and happy to see him. She confessed that she was coping better now and it did seem apparent that was the case. Though she had been happy to see him last time the pain over the entire ordeal had still been very apparent. Now she seemed a little more like herself though of course she still longed for her family. Even he went through periods were he missed his siblings at least he always had the option to go back and see them. Sheepishly he would look down as she hinted at his rather late arrival upon the borders. "Ah, that." He murmured, a hint of a smile momentarily touching his lips. "I wanted to come back with some sort of way to help you. But I'm afraid I've still got nothing. Sorry" Green eyes would lift to look towards her again now as he let out a small sigh.

For a brief moment in time Rhythm had been over worried that Bass had somehow convinced their other brother that she was not worth going back to. If she lost Chord though.. She hadn't been able to bear the thought and had forgotten it as she awaited her sibling's return. He had found his way back to her eventually. She'd experienced a lot in his absence, she'd been learning to survive with out her family. They'd been so close once, she still had trouble believing that Bass had so easily passed his judgement. Not that she had to look very far to see the reality. Her grief was still very much a part of her, but as the days went on hiding it became easier. She still wanted them back more than anything in the world, but there had been no other communication. Even Shaye had been scarce. "Ah, that." Rhythm would look up to him for a story, but all she'd get was failed dreams. There was no quick solution, there never was. She found herself sighing heavily with him, her gaze seeking the horizon over his shoulder. "I don't think they love me anymore," she whispered, still not able to meet his gaze. ""

Bass had made his points though there was nothing the man could have said that would make Chord pick a side in this chaos. They were both his siblings, he cared for them both and fortunately could see the points both made and wouldn't favour one over the other. Maybe that was what made him so desperate to find a solution, the one caught in the middle of the mess was it up to him to try and clean it up? He'd try but he certainly hoped that Rhythm and Bass could sort it out on their own anyway. Her words would sting even though they weren't aimed at him. He couldn't understand why Bass hadn't come to his senses by now and forgiven Rhythm but one thing he was certain of was that somewhere deep down even the Azat himself knew he still cared for his sister. "Don't say that." He pleaded with her. "You must know that can't be true." It didn't look very much like he did of course Rhythm must have had some glimmer of hope that her family still cared. If she gave up on that, well he feared nothing would ever be repaired. "He's just hurt about how it all played out, it wasn't exactly the greatest timing for you to realise you were ready to move." Chord pointed out, attempting to put a cheerier spin on the events. He really hoped there was one day they could look back on this, realise how stupid they'd all been and just laugh.

She'd never meant for events to pan out like they did, she'd only just really started to like Valentine when it had all happened, and during the battle the last thing on her mind was staying in Imperium. When Valentine had asked her to stay with him though, she hadn't been able to tell him no. She had ever intention of taking it slow. Spend a few more night in Abaven before slowly transitioning to her new home. Bass couldn't have that though. Why had he found it so easy to abandon her? How could she keep her hopes up when it seemed so obvious that he had forgotten the love they shared. If he really loved her surely he would feel just as pained to have her missing. Chord would do his best to disagree with her, though she knew the truth in his words. She had to keep that hope their, that somewhere in his heart Rhythm still held a place. She knew that she had hurt him with her choice, that it really had been the wrong time to spring it on him, but it shouldn't have mattered. Chord would explain what Rhythm already knew, yeah it had been terrible timing but, "It shouldn't matter. You know I never planned on staying here while we were at the battle. If I had known.. I never would have let him fight." Not that she would have been able to convince Hati to leave her brother alone. "If he hadn't barred me from Abaven I would have been there that night." She huffed slightly, her hurt was turning into anger, and she didn't like it. ""

Chord had certainly suspected as much and had even attempted to point those very same facts out to Bass though to no avail it seemed. His attempt to lighten the mood appeared to have helped very little here now though, Rhythm's cheery attitude still not returning and instead replaced with a rather bitter one. "I know." Chord attempted to console her, edging closer to her again to offer some form of comfort, nudging her lightly. "I said the same thing more or less. Perhaps with the same amount of attitude too actually" Though his previous attempt to cheer her hadn't worked he'd tease her playfully all the same, a small smile finding it's way to his lips, hopeful he might succeed in calming her this time. "I'm not making excuses for him, it's a pretty poor one anyway but I think he's just upset that you've left and his pride has been a little wounded by it all." Surely an apology would eventually arrive, Chord was sure Bass missed her and regretted his words.

Chord knew very well her side of the situation, and would tell her so, seeing very plainly that she hadn't taken the humor quite as well. She didn't want to be bitter or angry at them, but it was hard. Hopefully she just had to be patient. He'd let her know that he had used those same defenses in his meeting with Bass, and she felt her heart fall a little. It just seemed so easy to give up that hope. Still the amusing feeling he caused would be displayed by her smile. She'd lean into his touch, sighing as he went on. "I didn't want to leave like this. I never wanted total separation like this." Why had everything turned so wrong? "I just want to be a family again." She'd close the rest of the distance between them, nuzzling into his neck softly. ""

Of course Chord wasn't quite telling the truth when he said his attitude had been poor too. He hadn't actually used the same angry tones in his voice, he'd remained calm but simply put things across in a rather blunt and risky manner at times. The jest had it's intended effect regardless, bringing back a small smile to her features if only for a moment. "Hey, even I've never wanted that, it should be a given that you didn't." He responded softly, tone still light. If anyone of the litter would have been shut out somewhere down the line to be completely honest Chord certainly would have guessed it to be himself, his lifestyle had definitely pushed him away from his siblings and whilst many had probably come to learn the names Harmony, Motif, Rhythm and of course Bass himself, Chord was still very much a mystery in the lands of Alacritia. He had no bonds to other wolves and had slowly been damaging the ones he had arrived here with. "I'm sure we will be again at some point." Chord responded though he knew it wouldn't offer much confidence. "He won't stay mad forever." He was stating it like a sure fact, though right now it all still fell down to a lot of ifs, and buts and maybes.

though they were all peaceful beings Rhythm knew well the stubborn way each one could act sometimes. They were passionate and fought for what the believed in. So much so that her own brother had barred her from his life and that of the family that stayed in Abaven. She would try not to dwell on her thoughts, and even Chord would agree he had never wanted their lives to take this turn. Even when he was miles away living alone he was still there brother. Rhythm knew Bass would never bar him from home, no matter his decision of where to live. He seemed sure when he told her that they would be together again, someday. Who knew how many years had to pass before Rhythm would be welcome in her brother's home once more. She'd sigh softly, she hoped maybe Valentine's planned talk with her brother mihgt do some good, but her little candle of hope was struggling to keep itself lit already. If Chord couldn't convince their youngest brother what could the Imperator do? "He won't stay mad forever." At this she found herself smiling like mad. "I don't know, do you remember that toad of his I accidentally killed?" She hadn't thought if this story in a long time. But when they had just started coming out of the den Bass had found himself a toad. He seemed proud of it and carried it around for most of the day. When they were all going to bed though Rhythm had accidentally stepped on it. "I'm pretty sure he's still made about that too." Even though the joke was amusing it made her sad. She'd sigh again. "I hope you're right." ""

Hopefully it wouldn't be years before they could act like a family again, Chord would try to remain positive though he had to admit he hated this turn of events and was already shocked and concerned about how long it had gone on for. His job for now was to do what he could to make Rhythm feel better and such confessions certainly were not going to help anybody. He was somewhat succeeding in lightening the mood now though it seemed, Rhythm mentioning an old memory from their early childhood. He would smile recalling it. "No that's it." He responded, a serious tone now to his voice, they'd gotten to the bottom of this feud now. "This is all about the toad. He's still upset about his dearest little friend and now finally has seized the chance to punish you for your crimes." It couldn't possibly be the reason of course, though would hopefully work in continuing to cheer his sister up.

If Chord was shoked about how long she'd been barred from Abaven Rhythm wasn't sure what she was. Already the majority of a season had passed, she knew they needed time but how much did it take to realize how much they missed her? Again, the hope she held was no more than a flickering candle that threatened to go out. Horrible thoughts jostled for the place in her heart where she kept her light, she wanted to give in and believe that they had no further use for her and that their love no longer held true. How easy those thoughts could take hold of her mind, it seemed only Chord's hopeful words would keep them at bay. At least she could still smile with her brother, but how she wished she could still say the same about Bass and Motif. Her heart yearned for them. She'd refrain from sighing softly as Chord's more serious thoughts broke in to her. "No, that's it." For a half second she thought he was truly serious and figured it out, but as he continued she realized what he was saying. Her heart really wanted to break but instead she'd chuckle at his humor. "The answer is so simple! I just need to bring him a new toad." Of course such a solution would never work, but she was incredibly tempted to try it either way. What would Bass say if she came up to his borders and offered him a toad? ""

The day that she gave in would be a heartbreaking one. Perhaps fairy tales had inspired Chord far more than that love of adventure and made him crave that somewhere down the line there would be a happily ever after whatever that was for the person in the story. In this case it was Bass forgiving Rhythm, for her to be allowed to stay in Imperium if she so wished but to be able to return back to Abaven and see her family waiting with open arms any time she liked. She would grow silent as he began his little joke, though soon as she realised what he was actually saying it would prove to be a successful attempt to cheer her and a laugh instead sounding. It was a good sound, to know she could still laugh even in such moments. Perhaps that candle still burned brighter than she thought and for now Chord would continue to remain perhaps far too optimistic. His green eyes would shine with a mischievous glimmer at her response and a grin spreading across his features. "I dare you." No joke at all this time. He'd accompany her to the borders as well, if only to ensure she didn't kill the toad again.

Rhythm definitely craved Chord's happily ever after, but she'd never really been one to believe the fairy tales their grandfather told them. No tale he spun had captivated her enough to be quite as optimistic as their tallest brother. Not that she didn't enjoy the stories or their happy endings, but her grasp on reality was much to tight. She had to keep believing that the happily ever after was possible, not only for herself but for her family as well. If she gave up, they really were better off leaving her forever. She'd missed Chord and how much he cared for her. She'd grown close to a couple other wolves while she ahd been in imperium but their presence was nothing like being with her brother. He'd been there since the very beginning, and he had never left her like Bass and Motif had done. Yeah he adventured and sought out the secrets of the world, but that was what he wanted to do, she could never fault him for that no matter how much she wanted him to live with her. Why couldn't Bass see her the same way? COuldn't he forgive her bad timing just because he loved her? Had she betrayed him so thoroughly? Surely by now his physical wounds had healed, surely she couldn't be so hated. She'd be stirred from her depressing thoughts at Chords much more serious words. He dared her to bring their brother a toad. Rhy's mouth would gape and her eyes would widen at the thought. "You know Bass would kill me." But the desire to see him, to look on Abaven lands was incredibly tempting. She also knew that Valentine had every intention of going and talking to her brother. Could they combine the trip? Would Chord be comfortable walking with her hulking boyfriend? "I'll do it if Valen comes too." ""

It made little sense to Chord really how Bass could accept one sibling's choice not to be part of Abaven but could so strictly punish another for making the same decision. Yes he had always wanted to wander, had never been tempted by the idea of being stuck in a pack and had never had Bass fight for him but that wasn't exactly Rhythm's choice now was it? Maybe this little gesture would force Bass to speak to Rhythm again, he could hardly ignore her turning up with a toad, the memory would hold both positive and negative reminders of their childhood but that was the point, it was memories of that close bond they'd had. He'd got over the toad thing, he could surely get over this too! Rhythm, far more sensible had her doubts about whether or not it was a good idea. "He wouldn't." He brushed the comment off quite lightly. "I think it's a brilliant plan. Seriously, let's get a toad and march right over there!" Only if Valen comes. Chord had never actually met this man himself. He had nothing against him though there was a part of him that had quite enjoyed the idea of this being simply he and his siblings. "Does he have to?"

She really had no idea if this plan was going to work or not, her doubting mind of course was quick to dismiss it, to tell her no this was an awful idea. She felt nervous about it, like going and seeing Bass was going to somehow make everything worse. What if he really was on the verge of forgiving her and she brings him another toad and he really was reminded of their time as children and decided again that he couldn't stand to be in her presence. He'd said he was done with her, he'd given his sister away. Why would this change anything? Chord seemed pretty confident in his answer, He wouldn't her brother had obviously missed the look in Bass's eye when he'd done the fateful deed. Though she knew he was right, as long as she kept her toes far away from that border Bass would do nothing to harm her. It felt like he might not hesitate to sink his fangs into her flesh if she decided to cross on the other hand. She felt kind of sick to her stomach, but Chord was so ready. They were going to find the amphibian and take themselves right to Bass's door... with out Valentine? Her ears would fall, as he said it she knew he was right. This should be just them. "He doesn't," she'd say with a little less confidence, "but I should at least let him know where I'll be, and even if it's not right now I think you should really meet him." She'd smile softly before tipping her head back. Her howl was still an endlessly sad melody, but it would tell Valen where she would be though she hadn't asked for his presence. Her eyes would fall back to Chord when she was done, were they really doing this right now? ""

There was a possibility that this wasn't as wonderful a plan as Chord was imagining it to be. There was a chance that Bass wouldn't see the humour and that more nasty things would be said though not for one second did he believe that his brother would actually attack his sister. He focussed purely on the positives anyway and whilst he had seen Bass fight, knew he could and would draw blood if he had to, there was a vast difference between fighting some masked lunatic for your sister and turning on that same sister to attack her. Rhythm didn't seem too keen on the idea, her already worried expression falling even further, ears dropping as he spoke. She would however agree all the same that Valentine didn't really need to come with them, she just had to let him know what was going on. Spontaneous, Chord probably would have forgotten that part but understood it was a necessary action. "I will." He agreed with a nod. He had no problems with that at all. "So are you ready, shall we go and find a toad?" He enquired with a light nudge, trying to inspire a little more confidence into his sister.