Golden Glade Coming Home Once Again

Alder, just days after telling @Aspen about his affair, had gone off in a fit of guilt and sadness. His dearest Queen wasn't happy, obviously, but she gave a reaction that was much, much worse.... Disappointment. It was hard to deal with, NOT being lashed out at, and with only a howl to the sole woman who held his heart, the unruly pelted man left the borders. He made sure she knew he'd be back, that he'd never be far, but the one eyed King decided that they both needed their space for a few days.
A few days went by, and as he was on his way home, feeling much better mentally, he found himself ill. Vomiting, weakness, aches: he was den ridden for another three weeks, only venturing out to hunt whatever was close- and slow- to keep himself just alive. Even as he finally departed, the stench of sickness engulfed him, fading but still present. It took a few days, but eventually he made it to the borders with a weakened howl to the Royal Fire Court announcing his return. There wasn't a bit of hesitation as he stepped into the Golden Glade, noting to himself the paling of the leaves and the crisp touch to the air, taking a deep breath of the scent of his home and grinning ear to half-ear. Home.... He'd been gone too long. Ayla's scent was painfully lacking, and fear rumbled in his gut; she'd deserted them? That, he would deal with later-his wife was at the top of his priorities.
With a shock, he realized that Aspen was probably showing by now, and that brought his massive paws to a halt for a minute. He was going to be a FATHER soon! Potentially, not just by his wife... He knew that he'd have to search out Heartha too, see if their coupling had produced more than just a strained relationship. Aspen wouldn't be happy about it, but honestly Alder hoped it was true. His children would always be important, no matter the mother: he would not neglect his pups like his mother had hurt him. No harm would come to any of them, no force in the world would take them from the Court, not if he had a say. They would be royalty, just like the babies Aspen carried, no matter what anyone said about it.
Stepping forward once again, Alder howled for the company of Aspen: things needed to be talked about, cleared up, and he planned to apologize for probably the millionth time too. Excitement-and a slight, rising fear- filled his heart in anticipation of his goddess showing her face. She would come, right? Had she been worried about him, or had she written it off as him abandoning them?

The King has returned! :D