Plague moved through the wilds with ease. Weaving through the trees with calculated pad falls and flowing alabaster fur. Forest green eyes were nearly hidden by slanted lids. The hefty adolescent was mindful of his breathing as he moved. For such a large Wolf for his age Plague had good endurance. He was not the fastest runner like a true scout would be but he was good at keeping a quick pace for a long time. His goals were to get acclimated to many sorts of biomes and to imporve his stamina with physical exercise. As the male neared the Shrine he slowed his steps. After a good patrol and an exhilarating exercise he desired nothing more then a drink and a short rest. As paws hit the earth his abdomen pressed inward and outward quickly. But, his breathing seemed to be well under control for someone who had just ran for as long as he did. His jaws were parted to take in the scents around him, quickly realizing her should be alone for at least a few moments. Plague moved towards the pool, shaking out his fur in the mean time.

The Empress found herself lingering by the shrine quite often, though not as much as of late because of all the work needed to be put into the palace. There were bridges to be built and specifications to uphold. Whenever she needed to clear her mind from it all she retreated here. Here or to Hannibal’s strong embrace. Belle wondered if she scared him off with her behavior after twisting her ankle so she found solace at the shrine. She was still, her limbs and tail curled up against her body as she meditated near the pool.

Her polar bear cape was draped over her head and shoulders, hiding her form against the pale bark of the trees. She tried to calm her quick paced mind and find some peace in the chaos around her. The sound of heavy foot falls caused her lilac gaze to open and find the form of her son. He seemed to believe he was alone as he paced softly with quickened breath.

Deathbelle ceased her musing and found her feet before slowly approaching the prince. ”Plague.” Her voice was warm as she came to a halt before offering her affection. After having so much trouble with Pestilence she hoped he would welcome her.

Soon a strong scent of flowers filled the air while being accompanied by light pad falls. Plague turned his head to witness the approach of his mother and Empress, Deathbelle. His breathing had slowed from his exercise as his sharp green eyes studied her form. He stopped his pacing as she moved closer to silently welcome her closeness. Mother had been the only Wolf he truly allowed to express affection towards him. Plague did not enjoy physical contact with really anyone but he had a soft spot for Deathbelle. Venom had also been weaseling her way into his good books but it was a slow build. As she stopped Plague stepped forward in attempt to nuzzle into the dame's scruff. It was a brief expression of his love for he moved away after only a few moments. Green eyes aimed to connect with her own purple pools. His facial features were void of any expression. Plague was growing to be a very closed book, locked and sealed. The large adolescent moved to take a seat at the water's edge and gestured towards the spot next to him for his mother. As she would have sat or perhaps chosen to stand, he didn't care either way, deepening vocals would leave his jaws with a distinct lack of inflection. "Is Hannibal your mate?" Straight and to the point. The scent of his uncle had been clear upon the ends of her delicate fur. Venom had also noticed the amount of time that their mother and Hannibal had been spending with one another. Plague did not care that Deathbelle had moved on from his dead Father but he did care for her well being. He desired to only make it clear that he would aim to protect her and was aware of her affairs. If she ever needed help or felt uncomfortable Plague would step in without a second thought.

Plague stepped forward to nuzzle into her embrace and despite how emotionless his features were a mother could feel her son’s love. Of course her growing child couldn’t hold onto her for too long and her tall son stepped back to capture her gaze in his own. She was always astonished at her boy’s eyes, it was like staring into Archon’s once again.

The pair of them settled near the shrine’s edge, Deathbelle folding her paws beneath her as she leaned against Plague’s side. The Empress found her gaze drawn to the luminous water, but as he spoke she looked back to her son. She hadn’t been near as subtle as she thought if her own child questioned the relationship since their return after her sprained limb. Did she lie or admit the truth? Hannibal asked to court her and their relationship took its natural next steps. There were no words of commitment yet.

”All but officially.” She answered softly, though she loved Hannibal she’d never forget Plague’s father. ”Are you upset?” She followed up, having planned on waiting a little bit longer before publicly revealing the heights her relationship with him had reached.

Perhaps the boy had been a tad forward, but he knew no other way to present the question. There was no good time to ask your mother if she was in a relationship with her half-brother. He did not care about the taboo nor any sort of stigma that may hang within the air. But, he just wanted to ensure his mother's happiness. If she were to keep it a secret then how could Plague be able to ensure the woman knew she could rely on him. Despite his desire to remain out of the limelight, unlike his siblings, he would ask those hard questions when necessary. It was not for the sake of drama, after all. Deathbelle's response came with a gentle tone and a question to follow. Plague allowed his forest green eyes to land on her purple optics. He offered a small shake of his head, "I am not upset." The male moved to nuzzle very gently into his mother's scruff to offer unspoken reassurance. "I care for only your happiness, mother. As long as you know I am here for you that is all that matters." Plague ripped his eyes from her own to stare into the waters. "Venom knows as well, by the way. You two are not very sneaky." The smallest of grins played at the corner of his inky lips.

A soft sigh of relief left her dark lips as Plague admitted to her that he had no hard feelings towards what he’d discovered. His question was more forward than she expected, but she didn’t hide anything from him. She leaned into her son’s affection, the corners of her lips pulling up into a comfortable smile. ”My wonderful boy.” She returned as he hoped for her happiness and also mentioned Venom’s astute observations. Deathbelle couldn’t help but chuckle at his last statement.

”No I suppose we aren’t.” In all honesty she hadn’t been trying to keep them a secret, she just hadn’t been vocal about the relationship yet. Things were progressing faster than she anticipated, but it was an exciting ride that she was thankful to be on. ”Was that all you needed?” She asked pointedly, hoping there was something else she could do for him. Training, questions, advice?