Alarian had decided to go hunting early, hoping to bring breakfast to his conpanions. A lucky encounter had left him with a plump old fox already, but he decided to go to the creek to look for more.
A familiar scent came to him on the wind, then-- he turned his head and froze. A small figure in the grass, nothing spectacular, but that scent. He would know it anywhere. The boy approached slowly, carefully, not yet alerting the other to his presence.
It was only when he was close enough to see, to recognize, that he chuffed softly, then greeted her.
Lanawyn.
Alarian's voice was soft, warm. He knew her without a doubt-- few wolves forget the scent of a littermate.
He blinked at the greeting, and then he couldn't help but smile. It was a smile like sunlight breaking through the clouds, lighting up his features despite the stress he carried from recent events.
Alarian moved forward to push his nose into her cheek affectionately. Don't worry-- I've been taking care of it, and I have friends with me.
When he pulled away, there was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He half-wondered if she would believe the real stories behind the scars. The cuts on my side and my jaw-- that was a cougar. The cheek was... some guy trying to kidnap my friend.
Then he studied her intently for a moment. Why are you alone, Lana?
Alarian was a little hurt when his sister pulled away from his touch, and it showed for a flashing moment. But he dropped it quickly-- the last thing he wanted to do was ruin this. Now that she was here, he couldn't imagine letting her walk away again.
I've missed you.
The boy admitted a bit breathlessly, finding himself nervous about the possible response. All of you. I was too young and stupid to regret leaving when I did it, but now... things are different. Now I've just been too scared to face mom.
Come with me.
He said in the next moment. Please. I don't want you to be alone out here, it's dangerous, and-- I know my friends will like you. We take care of each other.
Ali reached out for a moment as if to touch her cheek again, but seemed to think better of it.
They will.
He insisted, licking her nose a bit playfully. The boy was ecstatic that his sister had agreed to come with him, and he wasn't trying to hide it.
Just...
Suddenly Alarian looked worried. Please don't mention our past-- our father. I know what you must think of me-- all of you-- but it's... different. I just want to start fresh, leave that behind.
Ali lowered his head after a moment out of shame. I'm not him, Lanawyn. But it seems like life has been trying to make everyone think otherwise, with all the bad luck I've had.
He paused for a few beats-- and then he wanted to move on from the sad subject. I'm happy I found you, though. More than happy.
Archiving
The boy felt a rush of relief at Lanawyn's words; her hesitance didn't go unnoticed, but if she cared enough to say it-- perhaps he could salvage the rest. He nosed her cheek again, then bounced happily before he began to lead the way back to the cave.
Ali talked all the way, occasionally pausing in his narration of his life after he had met Lennon and Korei to remind his sister how happy he was to have found her. He had a terrible tendency to repeat himself when he was excited, and few things could match the amount he was feeling right now. His family meant more to him now than ever, and the boy fully intended to make sure Lanawyn knew that.