After their long trip around the territory, which seemed to be entirely surrounded by rivers, Aeronwyn and her had departed. Now, the scarred woman's goal was to tell her man how lovely and wonderful this place was, and what they had already done. Marking the borders had gone by so fast with the women's small talk, and Malice couldn't wait to show Burke the den she had found and claimed as her own. Surely Vassago and Pyro would love to sleep in such a place again, and if not, they had no choice but to obey their parents.

Malice trotted happily through the hills, seeing one big tree on top of a hill. It looked old, but it was so big it could easily provide shade to a whole pack. Malice was too excited to tell Burke about the den, so she ignored it for now. Perhaps later she would check the hills out better, but not now. She followed the scent of Burke, which was surprisingly strong despite them having been there for only a few days, and soon enough the gray mass of a man came in sight, two little pups by his side.

Malice smiled, now running toward her family. It had been a while since she had ran, and the wind felt so good in her face that she closed her eyes for a few seconds. Before she knew it, she was near Burke, and planted her butt on the new grass, happily wagging her tail from side to side on the ground. She stuck her head up to kiss the chin of bunnybutt and whimpered. Burke, I have found something I think you'd like.

For now, she didn't notice that Pyro's fur was all messy, scruffy and damp. She way to excited. Then, her mischievous side took a hold of her, and she darted around him for a moment. She giggled happily, like a young pup or something, realizing now that Burke was indeed a whole lot mature. 

She picked up little Vassago, raising an eyebrow for a moment, but then decided to ignore it until they were by the den. Follow me. She said mysteriously, and took a few steps toward the forest, to where their new den was.

It was true that Malice was feeling a lot better. Not even a prison could break her spirits, but it did help to finally be free once again. She didn't blame Burke for asking if she wanted to join the Dark Brotherhood, for it was her stupid mistake to go with him. Not that she regretted it, though, for now they had this beautiful land all to themselves. Malice was almost prancing through the forest toward the den, close by that of Aeronwyn, one that fulfilled to all their needs. Vassago and Pyro would grow up here, she felt it in her bones.

A proud smile painted her scarred face as she placed Vassago near his little brother, who was still a little damp. She frowned, sniffing the darker child over. It wasn't saliva, that much she could tell, but what was it then? Before Burke could comment on anything, she asked. What happened to Pyro? He's all wet. She said as she gave the child a lick over his tiny body to straighten down his fur.

I knew you would like it. She said with a smile, happy to have pleased her man. Next part came a little unsuspected. RiverRun. Huh, that rolled off the tongue nicely. She liked it. That sounds nice. It really fits these mesmerizing views. She commented. Next her ears perked up. Please, do share. She said with a curious glint in her yellow eyes.  

Ohmy... Malice breathed out, sliding the pup closer to her to lick him even more. Suicidal thought on such a young age is not normal, little one, no no no. She smothered the child in kisses and kept him in place with her left paw. I'm glad you could save him. She said, her words directed at Burke.

Malice looked up to listen to Burke. No rabbits? Well, at least we'll have fish. And who knows what other animals have found this place and now call it home. She answered, keeping Pyro close with one paw.

T-They still don't hear very well. Malice tried to defend Pyro. He was the smallest of them all, someone had to step up for him. She sighed, softly letting the child go. At least his fur looked a little less messy now, which already felt a lot better. She was so lucky with her family, and now even the river was threat. Let's not let them near the rivers until they are old enough to understand rivers are dangerous. Malice proposed. Her ears drooped around her skull, her cheeks getting hot for some reason. They hadn't been alone together since the great escape.

She scooted closer to him, surprised that Burke knew of so much already. Malice had no real favorite food, so she was just happy to hear there was at least food. She nodded before the subject of a new recruit came. Shink? Huh, how nice of him to accompany us. She then shook her head in a no. Of course not. She said. Aeronwyn she trusted around her pups, but a strange mystery male like Shink she didn't. Aeronwyn and I talked a bit while marking the borders. She's actually really nice.

I know, I know... She sighed, letting her head droop down in fake sadness. Burke was so blunt it was funny to make him a little mad, and hopefully he couldn't see the grin on her scarred face. He must feel terrible for not saving Pyro before he got all wet. She was lucky to have him, for she herself would've never been able to save such a small pup in the river. Malice watched him lay down as little Pyro and Vassago darted in their new home, ready to explore with their senses that got a little better every day. She lay down next to Burke, this time behind him more to change things up, and rested her head on his neck. She sighed. The view was stunning from their den, and she couldn't wait for their little ones to grow even bigger and see this view even clearer.

We have truly found something amazing here. She commented dreamily. After long days spent locked inside a den, this almost felt like heaven. She frowned. I don't ever want one of the Dark Brotherhood to find us here. How about we do not let our recruits speak our real names outside of the borders? Word spreads easily, and if it reaches Blackfeather Woods, chances are they'll get us in no time.

Malice had traveled further than what they had done just a few days back, but never was she hunted by some weird group of wolves that were all equally as mental as LuciferPeak wolves. At least her father had been so humane as to let her go. This time they had escaped. It was a good thing they did too; for if Potema would have got a grip on her kids, they'd all been eaten alive and sacrificed to this Meldresi. Okay, maybe they wouldn't have done that, but one could never be too sure.

Malice did not have to think long before a name plopped into her head. Her mother's; Absinthe. Always had she secretly admired the beautiful name her mother had been given, though never had she said it. She would wear it with proud and glory, the shine which her mother deserved. Absinthe. It was my mother's. She said softly. I think I would be giving the name the honor my mother so deserved. 

Her head moved proudly at the word fancy. Never would she describe her own mother with that, but her name did indeed sound beautiful. And somewhat she was proud to carry the name of her mother. Not that she was a scruffy-tawny old hack, but because they were related. The Lanius family was not big, or maybe it was-she didn't know what her brothers were up to- And so she would have to spread it. At least her young carried the Lanius pride.

Thor... Now when had she heard that? She had forgotten, for never had she payed any attention in the classes that the LuciferPeak provided to their young. She was sure she had heard it somewhere, but did not care either where. At least they will now not recognize us by name. She hummed softly as she followed Burke inside the den, her yellow eyes glinting at the sight of Pyro and Vassago. She lay down, curled up against Burke like the good old times and picked up both pups to lay them at her belly. Sleep sounded good.

Goodnight, Burke... And just as she was closing her eyes, she whispered in the softest tone she could manage; I love you...

-END?-