Hoshor Plains Now someone is gonna tell me what the hell is goin' on here!

@Ira and @Speedy

It wasn’t the first time her felt guilty of his actions, but there was one thing Emrik was not and that was cowardly. It was now in this moment, he wished he could be though. He feared the reaction to his sudden reappearance. Standing as near to the territory as he dared, Emrik set forth his song of cautious joy.

He had travelled hard in the last few months. Returning to his and Speedy’s natal pack to bring the dominant pair news of the deeply adored daughter and advise them of his own permanent departure. Now that he had found his best friend again, he would not leave her, his lingering duty to report her well being the only reason for his untimely departure in the first place.

He waited with bated breath to see who would be the first to greet him.

She deposited the rabbit she had managed to catch in the cache near the borders, glad to have been able to help feed everyone when food was still so scarce. Her own frame was thinner than normal as she had often went without meals to ensure that her children ate. She didn't mind, though. She was usually too worried over her dwindling herb supply or her still missing son to be too hungry anyway. Just as she was stepping back from the cache, a howl sounded across the plains that made her heart skip a beat. She knew his voice anywhere. 

She quickly turned and trotted towards the sound, her trot morphing into a sprint the closer she got. She was unable to slow herself when she finally saw him standing at the borders, and so she skidded a little as she stopped in front of him. After all the sadness and uncertainty of the last few months, it was a relief to see him standing there. Emrik, she whispered. I wasn't sure you would come back, she paused. I hoped but—I'm glad you're here. She pushed her face into his neck, unable to find anymore words to express how much she had missed him.

The howl had come as a surprise to the new Count. It was distant in her mind, but there was no doubt that the voice was familiar. With her leg still healing, Ira would take her time to make her way to the border, the image of Emrik slowly appearing into view with Speedy already there to greet him.

It came to no surprise, the two were awfully close after all. The roan woman was happy to see one more old member return as at this point in time, she had begun to believe that they either suffered worse than she during the quakes or moved on with their lives elsewhere. Emrik, Ira gave a small dip of her head in acknowledgment to the male, you have returned?

While she liked to believe that this time the man was here to stay, she could not fully assume his reason for standing at their borders today. For all the Count knew, he could be here asking Speedy to leave with him.

Of course it would be Speedy, the agile racer. ”What do you mean I wouldn’t come back? Now who do you think I am?” He rolled his eyes playfully, and gleeful smirk on his lips. Curling around her his smile softened, and he relaxed with a small sigh.

The Constable as he remembered her was once again the second to greet him at the border for what he new would be the last time. ”Constable Ira, I have returned. If you’ll have me.” He stood tall, and tip his head slightly to the larger woman. Asking her permission to once again be part of her pack.

She stepped back and grinned at him, about to offer some teasing comment in response before the arrival of the Count made her fall silent. Her gaze first settled on Ira's leg. She was immensely grateful anytime she saw her up and walking around. She wanted to ask how she was feeling, make sure she wasn't in too much pain, but she waited and instead let Emrik say what he needed to say. She glanced between the two of them, hoping that the Count wouldn't be too harsh on him. She would vouch for him if needed; she knew well the extent of his loyalty and capability. She waited to say as much, though, wanting to give Ira a chance to answer him first before budding in.

Count, actually... I'm sure I speak for more than just myself when I say an old face is appreciated right now. Again, the roan woman was not surprised by Speedy's reaction. She had been very clear about how she was feeling with the move and her kids during her treatments, but the healer was not alone on that feeling. Both Evergreen and she wished for the safe return of their lost members.

I do have to ask though, what happened? Were you separated during the quakes? Truth be told, she was not sure when they lost who due to being trapped under a pile of rocks, but she safely assumed it all happened around the same time.

“Constable, I apologize.” He dipped his head once more in acknowledgement, before continuing to answer her questions.

Shaking his head softly, “No, not during the Quakes. Thank god. After the move to the plains, I decided I should return to our family.” He indicated Speedy and himself with the slight flick of his head. “I wanted to let them know what had happened, and…” Emrik cleared his throat softly, “And leave on a more permanent basis. After the Quakes I knew this is where I wanted to be, here with Kaistleoki.” For Kaistleoki was Speedy’s home, and that was where he wanted to be, always.

“I left and came back as fast as I could.” The distance was a large one, where the seasons and climate changed with every passing day. He was still weary from travelling, his paws ached, and his sides had slimed. But he was happy to finally be home.

He hadn’t stayed long enough to discovery every injury that might have come from the earth shaking. Looking at Ira and her leg, guilt settled in his stomach. He was sure there was a lot to do, and new that just as before he would try his best to provide for everyone within the pack.

Sorry classes started back up

Ira thought over the man's words quietly. It was a fair judgment to return home, she could not fault him for that. Truth be told, she would have liked to visit Easthollow and tell them what had happened, but with her leg, that was out of the question. I see, I am grateful for your quick return. You are still welcome here. We can always talk later, I will let you two catch up for now. She gave a nod to the two before heading off to rest her leg.

No worries! Same here!

“Thank you Count.” With a small smile he watched her limp off. Turning to Speedy with a curious look, there was a lot to catch up on. “I’m glad to be back.” He stepped toward his friend ready for her to show him the way to somewhere they could talk.