The silver marked titan used his time alone wisely, he’d spent longer than he wanted figuring out what he would do for his tiny love. She was with the Warlord and his Queen during the birth, and he knew that she would appreciate some time to destress. So even though he didn’t move extraordinarily fast he prepared the whole time she was busy. The time apart was hard, being alone wasn’t something Roan was used to. All of his energy was put into the next few moments.

He’d set up a tiny camp on one of Ashen’s island. He made sure to set up their camp facing the east and prayed that the sunrise would be as brilliant as he hoped on the day he led Iolaire here. Darkness reigned, and under the pretense of stretching their limbs he would lead his dearest to the place he’d readied.

Roan had never built a fire before, but eventually he figured it out. He’d spent too much time poaching ground bird nests for the eggs, and he’d taken a few select cuts of meat from a wild boar. The meal was set up, the fire was still alive, and the sun would begin its appearance any moment. As soon as they could see the light of the fire he looked over at the dainty woman at his shoulder. ”I actually might have prepared you a surprise…” He mentioned softly as he led the way to the tiny breakfast picnic.

They had a fur to get comfortable on that would protect them a little from the sand. There were stones heating up beside the fire to cook their eggs and bacon on, and after a bit of snuggling and digestion he had every intention of getting into the ocean with her.

The birthing of the pups had been a long, arduous process. Iolaire was thoroughly exhausted, not only from the birth itself, but from being away from her own home for so many nights. So, when she stumbled back to the den that she shared with Roan, she was more than a little surprised when he wanted to take her away from it. She went willingly, of course, but stopped at the den to dump her pack inside. She was off duty for a little while. No healing for her.

Io followed Roan along, curious as to where he was taking her. He was pretty tight lipped about the whole thing and that only made her curiosity rise. She trusted him, of course, and so she wasn't worried in the slightest about their excursion. Iolaire stuck close to his side as they traveled through the dark. She was always out and about at night, so it didn't frighten her. She simply enjoyed being close to him.

Roan led her into Ashen territory and then led her to one of the little islands. A silver brow arched as he presented her with furs and a little fire upon the beach. She was impressed and a little surprised that he'd taken the time for her. "You're just full of surprises." Reaching up, she kissed his cheek before depositing herself upon the fur. Inhaling deeply, Iolaire relaxed. She sorely needed this.

Roan was just perfect. He had anticipated her needs and went out of his way to do something nice for her. Not many in her life had gone to such lengths. In fact... no one had ever treated her like this. It made her love him all the more.

Roan felt bad dragging her away from the cottage so soon after she returned to their home, but surely the surprise would be worth it. She didn’t offer him any hesitation despite the exhaustion that he could see within her. He almost called it off, but just walked slowly instead. They could relax over breakfast. Strolling with her beside him gave him a deep comfort, and with every step he realized over again how much he loved the tiny woman.

They did manage to make it to his intended destination, and her look of surprise was worth every moment of labor he went through to create this moment. His scarred features beamed at her as she took in the beach front scene. He kissed her back, but didn’t stop her from getting comfortable on the furs. Roan followed her, folding his limbs and leaning gently against her as the sky began to change colors. There was a little cloud cover, just enough to catch the brilliant hues from the sun.

”I learned from the best.” He chuckled softly as he aimed to kiss her cheek lovingly before turning his attention to breakfast. Carefully he laid the thick pieces of bacon on the hot stones and they started to sizzle. The aroma was irresistible, he hadn’t experimented with spices beyond a bit of ocean salt. As their meal cooked he’d leaned further against her, he felt relieved at being close to her again.

He was hesitant to mention the birth she just supervised, he was well aware that she couldn’t bear them children. Roan just wasn’t sure how sensitive she would be. He had no big draw to reproduce and would be content living just the two of them his whole life. Roan wanted to comfort and support her though, and would do everything in his power to make her happy.

The pair lay together upon the fur and watched the sun slowly make its way over the horizon. The colors were breathtaking. Io leaned heavily against Roan as they took in the lovely sight, her head resting on his shoulder. The sunrise was gorgeous and soon the land was covered in mottled purples, pinks and golds. It was the perfect morning.

Iolaire was pulled from her thoughts by Roan's movement. It seemed as though he was taking a page from her book and was cooking for her. An instant grin formed on the woman's face as she watched him work. Head lowered to her paws and she waited patiently for the meal to come. As Roan settled against her, Io purred and leaned into him. "I missed you, you know." They weren't even apart that long, but she'd felt the distance heavily. "I don't want to be away from you again."

The smell of the meat was mouthwatering and she couldn't wait to eat. She might very well want to take a nap after she ate, but she would wait to see what Roan had in mind.

The morning was progressing beautifully, the colors were brilliant the smell of their meal aromatic. His company couldn’t have been more perfect. He caught the sight of her grin from the corner of his eye as he worked, carefully the silver marked titan would prepare the eggs to join the bacon. With the grease already covering the stone Roan cracked open the wild eggs. They sizzled delectibly as Iolaire spoke softly to him.

Her words weighed heavily on him as his heart felt the same emotions that she spoke. He had missed her more than he realized he would. Roan reached over to kiss her cheek lightly, love filled his jade eyes. ”I missed you too.” Distance really did make the heart grow fonder, but now he didn’t want her to leave his side again. He wouldn’t get into how heavy his heart had been or how dark his thoughts could get when she wasn’t with him. Roan felt keenly how alone he was for those few days, but being here beside her transformed him completely.

”I’m yours. I don’t want you to leave me again.” He confessed softly before his attention was turned back to their breakfast. Everything was finished cooking so he carefully transferred the items to a cooler stone at their paws. Roan motioned for his tiny love to begin as he watched proudly.

Roan confessed to having missed her as well and the small healers heart soared. They had mated, but neither of them had spoken the words yet. Even so, it felt like they were mates. They loved one another. They didn't wish to be apart. He'd said that he was going to bring her a bear skull as a marriage gift. What more was there? She would be mighty proud to be his wife. Would he be proud to be her husband?

Soon the eggs were finished and Roan placed the stone dish before her. Io's eyes closed and she inhaled the delicious scent of the offered food. Her stomach growled aloud and she released a girlish giggle. Taking a bite of first the eggs, then the meat, Io chewed slowly, savoring the taste. "Mmmph..." she murmured as the taste coated her tongue. Swallowing, she looked to her black and silver companion. "I think you're a better cook than I am." Wasting no time, she practically inhaled her half of the breakfast. She wouldn't tell him, but she really hadn't eaten in the few days that they were apart. She'd run out of dried meat the second night in and hadn't wanted to be too far from Zee, so she didn't get more.

Once she was nice and full, Iolaire did what she had done during their last picnic. She fell onto her side, back to him, and rested. "You're amazing, Roan. Utterly amazing." Curling her neck to look back at him, she smiled. "Thank you for this. I needed it."

Though it wouldn’t make the pain any different if he said it now or later Roan was waiting to call her his mate until after he found his revenge on the bear that killed his sister. He couldn’t help but wonder if it would take him too, and he wouldn’t leave Iolaire a widow. The silver marked titan wouldn’t voice the troubling thoughts either, he’d just focus on healing. Then he’d face the bear.

In those beautiful moments in the dawn Roan couldn’t think too deeply on what ifs. This was real and the present was perfect. Emerald eyes watched as Io sampled his first cooked meal. Her hunger was obvious, but her pleasure in his surprise even moreso. ”I wouldn’t go as far as that,” he chuckled good naturedly at her comment about his cooking before sampling his own half. She seemed famished so he might have let her enjoy a bit more than half.

Before long breakfast was over, Io seemed satisfied as she flopped over beside him and enjoyed the warmth from him and the fire. ”I’d argue that you were the amazing one. I wouldn’t be here if not for you.” He reminded her as he reached over to touch his nose to her in their upside down position. ”You deserve pampering.” Roan echoed her own words back to her.

”How do you feel?” He asked her softly as he careened his neck to groom lightly at her silver shoulders. ”Would you like a nap, a walk, a swim in the ocean?” He was out here for her, he wanted what she wanted.

Iolaire stared into Roan's viridian gaze and smiled softly. He made her breakfast. Watched the sunrise with her. He wanted to pamper her. It was a new feeling and one that she rather enjoyed. This was a two way street though. If he would pamper her, she would pamper him. It was only fair. Besides, she enjoyed treating him to new experiences and enjoyed going out of her way to make him happy.

When asked what she wanted to do, Iolaire looked a little sheepish. "Would you mind if I took a nap first? I'm thoroughly exhausted. Bringing puppies into the world isn't easy work." Her niece and nephews were absolute perfection and she would have waited for them forever, but she did need some sleep. He had offered a nap, so she didn't imagine he'd be too upset by her decision. Once she regained a bit of energy, they would have the rest of the day to swim and play.

Not really waiting for an answer, Io curled her body against his, resting her chin upon one beefy foreleg. Her voice was soft and slightly wistful with a hint of sadness. "The puppies were beautiful." All four of them had been gorgeous. Perfect in every way. "This is the first time that I've been sad about not being able to have my own. Now that we've found each other, I'd love nothing more than to have children with you, Roan." It just wasn't in the cards. Her body wasn't built for it. Childbearing was beyond her. She'd known this for a long time, but it hadn't really bothered her until now.

He almost forgot that she had come straight from the birth and out and about with him. He didn’t know how long the Queen labored for, but he could tell the dainty healer was feeling her exhaustion. ”You deserve some rest.” Roan encouraged her, after all the work she did a nap was well in order. ”I’ll keep watch, and hold you as long as you need.” She curled up against him and lay her head on his leg.

Roan continued to groom her scruff, happy to continue until she fell asleep, but he heard her voice instead. He didn’t miss the sadness or longing as she mused gently to him. Roan couldn’t blame her for the words that left her, he felt her sadness and joined in her yearning. Fate was cruel to have denied her such a natural part of being a wolf. They found love and the natural order was to start a family. That would never be possible with Iolaire’s condition.

”Io,” he offered softly as he felt her emotions and his own heart broke for her. He didn’t know how to comfort her either, he had no healing knowledge and couldn’t even begin to imagine how they’d overcome the hurdle. ”I’d love to give you a family.” His voice was soft, maybe softer than he’d used with her so far. ”I’m so sorry.” He whispered, he wasn’t bothered as much about not having a family together as he hated seeing her so sad. Roan aimed to wrap her in his arms, he could only offer his physical affection, he felt helpless to offer a release from the fact they would be denied their family.

He was supportive of her nap, as she knew he would be. Without it, she might very well fall asleep and drown while they were swimming. With a sigh, she curled into him. Though she enjoyed his grooming, she had to open her mouth and be a downer. Her mention of children brought great sympathy from him, but that wasn't what she wanted. Hell, she didn't know what she wanted. It had simply been on the woman's mind, so she'd said it aloud. Shaking her head in response, Io tucked her face against him. Sleep quickly won the battle. She dreamed of little black, silver and white puppies running around them.

-Time skip-

After a few hours of rest, the gentle sound of waves caused the small fae to stir. The day was still bright and had a lot of life left in it. Stretching, Io yawned, rolling to her feet for another nice, good, long stretch. Her toes splayed in the sand and the fur up the length of her spine bristled momentarily. It smoothed again when she sat in the sand. Eyes moved to the giant man and she tilted her head. "I'm all yours. What do you have planned for me?"

He could do nothing for her and both of them knew it. He didn’t know what she wanted but he would mourne the future that was out of reach for them with her. She shook her head gently and curled herself further into his ebony fur, there wasn’t much more time before she was undoubtedly asleep.

Roan held her there against his chest for a long time. He didn’t really fall into slumber, his mind was too busy with its thoughts to relax. He was comfortable and content but he wasn’t tired. Thoughts of what their children might have been floated in his mind as his dearest dreamed about them. Roan never wanted to make a family, but that was before he met Iolaire. Unlike her last man the silver marked titan would have no others. He wanted a family with her, or none at all.

They lay there for a few hours, Roan happily holding her as she napped. Eventually her tiny form stirred beneath his grasp and her golden green gaze was blinking back sleep. As she pulled away and lifted herself from the furs Roan joined her lazily. He couldn't help but watch her as she stretched languidly. Her attention didn’t stray from him for long, and quickly she handed her fate over to him.

Roan chuckled softly and closed the distance between them so he might give her a gentle kiss on the cheek. ”How about we start with a swim.” Swimming aggravated his shoulder less than walking did, and he had a surprise for her. It was just about the heat of the day, and sunning themselves in the afternoon would be divine.

The remnants of her dream of their children niggled at the back of her mind, but she forced a smile. There was nothing that she could do about it. Not a damn thing. It wasn't within her power or his. There were other possibilities... but one, she didn't like in the slightest. Having Roan knock up a surrogate. The other, finding a pup somewhere to raise. That wasn't likely. So she tried to push it from her mind.

Roan kissed her on the cheek and the small woman grinned anew. A swim, eh? She wouldn't tell the silver man that she wasn't particularly fond of the ocean. This area seemed calm enough for some comfortable swimming. "Lead the way," she said, one paw raising in a gesture for him to go ahead.

Io followed him into the gentle surf, the warm water creeping her her forelegs and bringing a little tingle to her flesh. Her tail involuntarily curled above her back, as if protesting against getting wet. She thought about back out, but Roan wanted to swim, so she waded in deeper until the water lapped at her chest. Soon, her white toes could no longer touch sand and she was paddling along.

Thoughts of tiny children wormed into his brain but Roan tried his best to forget about them. They were just that, a dream, and far out of their reach. They had potential options open to them, but Roan hated the idea of finding another womb. He would eagerly adopt a litter for the two of them to raise, but you didn’t find a litter of puppies everyday. Roan dismissed the thoughts, he would support his dear Iolaire in any way she needed and the two of them would hold onto each other for comfort.

He did manage to pull a genuine grin from her as he offered a kiss and his idea. Had he known her aversion to the ocean the silver marked titan wouldn’t have led her further. Iolaire hid her aversion well and Roan led them forward into the surf. Lucky for the dainty dame they weren’t going to be swimming very far. Here the ocean was shallow, and he had his sights on an almost island made of coral.

The two of them paddled for a few minutes as Roan led the way, he kept an emerald eye on his companion until his paws were pulling him up onto the outcropping. They would stand in about for inches of water, but the shelf was wide enough for them to do circles and not run into one another. ”While you were gone I found these…” He looked around beneath the water, maybe it would have been smarter to keep the piece on dry land but he’d kept them where he’d found them. ”Ah!” He dipped his head into the salty water and removed the ancient goggles.

The wood of the frame was waterlogged, but they were already wet anyway. The lenses were thinly shaved turtle shell, though it had taken him a long time to figure out their purpose. He looked silly as he slipped them over his head to show her, ”Alright I know it looks ridiculous. But, put them on like this then put your face in the water over here.” He motioned to the deeper end of the ocean as he handed the goggles off to her. ”I promise its worth it.” He offered as he gestured to her. He had already experienced the amazing scenery of the underwater world and he wanted to share it with the one he loved.

Little paws paddled, taking the woman out to the rocky reef where Roan indicated that they should stop. She wasn't used to such strenuous activity. Not the sort where you had to continue or you died. Once her paws hit solid ground, she was glad for the chance to take a breather. She gave her body a little shake to make sure that she didn't have water in her ears.

With curious eyes, she peered around the side of Roan as he did something strange to his face. When he turned to look at her, Iolaire instantly burst into laughter. "What in the hell are those?" The woman laughed so hard that she stepped off the edge of the shelf and went completely under the water for a moment. Coming back up, waterlogged all to hell, she was still laughing. Scrambling back onto solid ground, she tried to tamp her laughter into giggles.

Io fought hard to not laugh as she allowed Roan to slide the weird little head band thingy over her face. She blinked and wiggled her nose a bit as the strange cups were placed over her eyes. "Just put my face in the water?" Io held her breath and dipped her face in the water, eyes closed, lest she get sea water in them. When she didn't feel water touching her eyelids, she slowly opened them.

Had she not had her face underwater, Iolaire would have gasped. The lenses were clear, but were tinged green from whatever substance they were made of. A plethora of fish swam below. They were in every shade of the rainbow. All shapes and sizes. It was something that she'd never seen before. Bringing her face out of the water, Io grinned. "I've never seen anything like it." Using one paw to move the lenses away from her eyes, they rested on her forehead. Leaning up, she kissed the soaking wet, silver man. "Thank you."

He expected a little bit of giggling, but it kind of hurt that she would laugh so hard at him. Of course the mirth was difficult to resist so it wasn’t long before Roan joined in. He didn’t have much time to dwell as she slipped into the ocean. Even if the water was shallow he still jumped. His eyes grew wide and he was sure his heart had stopped for a moment.

Iolaire was fine though and came up laughing even though she’d been soaked through. Seeing her laugh felt good, especially after their somber moment that morning. He had no real name for them, but the question was already forgotten as he passed the spectacles over. Thankfully she trusted him enough to do such a crazy task. ”Just put your face in the water.” Roan confirmed, but she was already doing as he asked.

He watched quietly as she leaned forward to take a glimpse into the unknown world beyond the ocean’s surface. Roan had been amazed at the different colored fish and the coral were astounding. However much mystic beauty he’d seen there, none of it compared to the smile that played on Iolaire’s sweet lips when she lifted her eyes back to him.

Roan aimed to wrap one water logged arm around her and pulled her closer to his chest as she offered him a kiss and thanks for the odd but wonderful experience. ”You’re welcome, but really I should thank you. I would have died without you.” He buried his muzzle into her thick silver scruff and embraced her tight. Spirits above he loved this woman. He lingered there for as long as she’d let him. ”I’d do anything for you.” Roan promised softly as he pulled away to find her golden emerald eyes.

In the water behind her, the soaked woman's tail swished slowly back and forth, the longer fur trailing in the water. This little outing had made her happy. Roan was very thoughtful and it definitely showed. He pulled her in close and she willingly went. The kind word that he uttered touched her. She had saved his life, but... he had also saved hers. That was something that she hadn't told him. Perhaps now wasn't the time to do so out on a reef in the middle of the ocean.

Then he pulled back and looked into her eyes. His soul was bared to her just then. Her tail ceased its wagging and hung slack, the water keeping it buoyant. "Before you... I had a relationship with the Empress of the Ashen Empire; Deathbelle." Io sat upon the shelf and continued. "We were lovers. We genuinely cared for one another." The wet woman gave a shake of her skull. She didn't want to get too deeply into it. "We gave each other up for the good of the Empire, but it was... difficult."

Turning her head, the small woman looked out to sea. The gentle ocean breeze had begun to dry the fur at the back of her skull and her ears, so it danced slightly in the wind. "I was so depressed and lonely after that I thought about ending myself more than once." That had been part of the reason for the outburst when they were moving territories. Since then, Roan had filled a large, bleeding hole in her heart. She no longer thought about whether or not she wanted to wake up in the morning. She no longer planned in her head which concoction of poisons would let her sleep forever with no pain. Roan, just by his presence and his love, had patched up that empty, broken spot within her.

She looked back to him, a sad sort of smile on her slender maw. "So, you see... I would have died without you too."

Then something bit her tail that had been drifting on the gentle waves and, eyes going wide, Iolaire shrieked and leaped up out of the water. She dove towards Roan for protection. Her leap had brought a little purple fish flying through the air. Presumably the one that had bitten her tail. It landed between their touching bodies and flapped against their chests. Io, the panic now leaving her, scooped up the little fish and put it back in the water. "I think I've had enough ocean for today." Her heart was still hammering and she was still heavily pressed against him for both comfort and protection.

Iolaire grew still and as she spoke Roan wasn’t sure what to make of her words or why she was telling him. Inky black ears fell to his skull as he tried to keep the emotion from reaching his facial features. Did she want to return to the Empress? What claim did the woman have on his little healer when the two of them were over.. for the good of the empire. He never expected her to admit to her thoughts of suicide.

She returned her green gold gaze and all he could hold in his own verdant eyes was the great love he’d grown to have for her. Roan couldn’t have realized her own struggle, but was all the more glad for fate bringing them together. They’d saved each other, and found partners in one another. ”Io…” He didn’t get to say what he meant to as she suddenly shrieked and leapt into his arms.

There was splashing, there was a fish, and then suddenly quiet as Iolaire hung to him and put an end to their water adventure. She’d willingly followed him out here to see his surprise, he wouldn’t hesitate to return her to shore. ”Let’s get back to the fire, we’ll catch some sun and i’ll help get you dry.” He promised with a wink as he released her reluctantly.

She had noticed the strange uncertainty in his face before the fish had bitten her tail. When Roan suggested that they go back to shore and began to pull away, she pulled him in close, embracing him tightly. "Roan, I love you. Thank you again for today. I needed it." The small woman pulled back just enough to place a soft kiss upon the tip of his nose before she purposefully stepped backwards off of the shelf and went dunking into the water again.

Io swam back to shore. Going in seemed to be quicker than swimming out had been. Perhaps it was because the anticipation of the surprise wasn't there. However... she had other things to anticipate. Roan had seemed rather suggestive when he spoke of going back to the sand to dry off. She wasn't going to let him out of that one. Not at all.

Once her paws touched sand, Io padded up onto the beach, the warm sand almost burning her toes. She gave a shake, ridding her body of excess water before moving out of the reach of any rogue waves. The dark woman settled upon the warm sand on her belly, legs splayed out behind her and tail swishing lazily back and forth. They would surely be dry in no time.

Io gave a pat to the spot of sand beside her. She wanted nothing more than to press their damp bodies together. Love and admiration shone in her two-toned gaze and it was all for him.

Before he could submerge himself into the water Iolaire was clinging to him tighter, her words a confession that he shared with her deeply. ”I love you, Iolaire. I’m glad that I could give it to you. His deep voice returned softly, nothing but adoration in his gaze as she kissed the tip of his nose and then disappeared beneath the water. He grinned as his huge form followed her in.

They made it back to the shore in quick time, Roan keeping an eye on the dainty healer as they crossed the water and pulled themselves up on the same. The silver marked titan shook his waterlogged pelt of the excess ocean water as Iolaire found a place to get comfy. He padded up after her on great ebony limbs as she invited him beside her. He fell in love with her all over again as her bright jade gold eyes looked up at him. Roan couldn’t help the toothy grin that played on his features as he lowered himself to her side slowly.

He leaned against her and aimed to steal a quick kiss from her dark lips, now that he’d fed her, given his planned surprise, and they were enjoying the sun he truly relaxed against her. The day had been near perfect, and though they were still learning each other’s passions and sorrows he felt closer to her with every moment that passed. He didn’t want to imagine his life without her in it. This felt anything but casual. Roan shifted from her lips and aimed to nuzzle her cheek before grooming the soft wet fur at her delicate ears, wasting no time in helping to dry her off. It was a perfect excuse to use his tongue on her.

Roan settled beside her in the sand. The heat of the sun instantly began to dry their fur. She would definitely have to wash in fresh water later to get the salt out of her coat, but for now, the sun drying her was a lovely feeling. It was even more lovely when Roan began to groom her. Io released an exaggerated groan of pleasure and closed her eyes. It was nice to get such attention. Usually she was the one to do these things.

Iolaire also felt the lack of 'casual.' She hadn't intended to take it easy. It was her way to throw herself in headfirst. She had tried to be cautious though. Mentally, she was prepared for anything. In her heart though, she hoped that Roan wouldn't decide to leave at the end of his year of service. He had nothing to leave for, right? She couldn't leave the Armada and hoped that he wouldn't ask her to do so. She'd given Sirius her word. It was an oath and it wasn't something that she could break. Plus her niece and nephews were here and they were incredibly important to her.

She pushed the thoughts away and focused on the delicious grooming that she was getting. Cracking one glazed eye, she looked sidelong at the man. "If you keep that up, you might be licking more than just my ears." Laced with dirty intentions and promises? Yes sir.