Northstar Vale Ima be a love you 'til the day I die kinda man

Large brutish paws tore up the ground as he headed in the direction of Epoch. In his maw was a rabbit skin, filled with the plants he had been searching for, for @Meadow. he hadn't managed many, and he had kept them separate with maple leaves, what he could find. The leaves growing brittle with movement, but at least keeping it safe for now.

With a gentleness that usually didn't bely the man, he lay the skin at his feet, and stopped upon the borders. He lifted scarred muzzle, the ropy scars across his face, showing up stark in the early morning light. He briefly warred between howling and just waiting, because he didn't wish to wake anyone. Finally, the need and want to see his tiny dainty love won out and he tossed a questioning howl upon the wind. Not loud and overly boisterous, but still able to be heard.

Large body bowed against the wind. He waited. Eyes taking in all that was the Vale, a small smile on one side of his maw.

The little time they could seclude with one another was quickly running out—each passing sunset reminded the waif of such a thing, and she found her trepidation growing—as if waiting for the other ball to drop. For the disappointment to come.

She tried her best to pick at food when the opportunity arose, but surely it wasn’t enough to flourish—it almost seemed even prior to her arrival at Epoch, life of a rogue and the disappointment of what felt like so many lives before had left her appetite permanently low. This morning, she forced a small morsel of rabbit down her throat, feeling her stomach clench with discomfort at the thought of more.

She considered seeking care herself—surely she could not diagnose herself, or why the thought of food would bring bile to her throat, but there was so little time for now.

And her thoughts were far more preoccupied.

The man of those very thoughts called for her, and she made her way as quickly as she could to the border. A hesitance lingered in her as her warm eyes took him in—a small smile offered in hopes of keeping any thoughts of her own waning wellness far from his mind as she closed the distance between them. “Hi,” she offered quietly, feeling the cold of the autumn giving way closer to winter. Soon, the snow would be upon them, and he would be in the warmth of a palace called Akashingo.

She tipped her muzzle up, dismissing her stress and concern—having to, if she were to even function.

Reyson had noticed swiftly that his little healer, was growing sadder as each day passed, and it drove him mad with worry and fear. Fear was not something he was entirely used to and it made his heart squeeze painfully. He was afraid that she would tell him it wasn't worth it, that her mental anguish couldn't take it and quite frankly he wanted to find the ass that had hurt her and rip his face off.

Reyson saw her come and an alarm bell went off in his head. She had a dullness to her, that he didn't like. He leaned forward to gently press against her head and lift her chin with his own. Large paw going to one side of her as he looked down at her.

Hello. I brought you a gift, but are you feeling alright Meadow? You look sad or sick.

He had been taught to observe and frankly Meadow wore her emotions on her face, she was expressive and he always knew when something bothered her.

He noticed—of course he noticed, and she felt a pang of guilt. His muzzle tipped down, a large paw carefully pulling her closer to him, and she allowed her small form to be enveloped by him, placed within the the protection of his embrace as he worriedly questioned her. She pressed an ear to his chest, the thrum of his heartbeat causing her eyes to close momentarily. I’m fine, she offered, chewing at her lip momentarily. Tired, is all.

So caught in his warmth, she did not take notice at what he brought with him, and only when she inhaled deeply once more, her eyes finally slid to the ground before she lifted her head, looking at him with a silent question.

I wish you would let others take care of you once in a while. he murmured near her ear, as he gently nibbled at the edge. A gentle sigh lifted from his chest, as he put all his tension from the days past away, and just lived in the moment with her.

Are you not sleeping? He looked her over with gentle eyes and sweet care. Not sure how to help, but he wanted too.

Rose Hips and Elderberries. Don't worry I didn't get any of the bark or leaves of the berries, just the berries themselves. They can help soothe throats if i remember correctly and coughs. The rose hips for joints and bones. And of course the skin pouch they are in.

he shifted it and showed her the holes he had bore in the edges with blunt claws, willow branches keeping it together.

Be careful when you open it. There's maple leaves holding them all separate.

He worried for her—his affection and words stirred only silence for the moment as her inner thoughts churned with guilt. She didn’t wish to worry him—and she didn’t wish to be a burden on any. And so he seemed to give up on that end for now, and as he showed her the gifts he had brought, her honey eyes softened, a paw tenderly brushing the offering and her smile genuine as she reached up to plant a kiss on his cheek. Thank you, she offered quietly, her tone warm. Anything to build their herbal storage—anything to assist Epoch from winters grasp and everything in the lands would be frozen. 

As she ruminated over his thoughtful present that had clearly taken time and care, Meadow stole a sideways glance to the man, a thoughtful quiet settling over her before she shrugged gently. My appetite isn’t great these days… I find food almost nauseating, she finally admitted, a brow quirked to her towering soldier.

Reyson felt her gentle shift of thoughts. He didn't know what she was thinking, and he knew she'd probably not like it if he asked. However, part of his heart hurt, that something was bothering her so soundly, that she didn't believe him, or trust him. The trusting him was a big thing, but he could understand and it was why he was trying to just tread lightly, learn of her as she learned of him.

A purl of a chuff was in his throat at her gentle kiss.

You're welcome.

Reyson looked her over, gentle movement along her side. Wondering why she didn't feel well.

Would you be alright if I asked Aquene to come talk to you, help you figure out what's wrong? I know you wouldn't want to take time away from Epoch and Mereo, so perhaps while she is looking you over, she can teach you something knew. This way it benefits Epoch, and you. I know how you are about these things.

A soft smile took place on his maw. A gentle nudge to her head. Please He murmured quietly.

Her admission stirred him to attempt to solve whatever it was that ailed her. A sigh brushed past her lips at his mention of Aquene, and the dainty she-wolf gave a quick shake of her muzzle, gaze studying him as she would plead with him to not worry. “I’m not going to bother Lady Aquene with something that’s probably just a small bug… and I doubt your Imperator would want her to come down here, either,” she quietly rumbled, pressing her cheek to his chest once more, an attempt to settle his worry.

“When do you leave for Akashingo?”

There was a helplessness inside his chest at her sound answer. She was so stubborn, but he supposed he liked her like that. The quiet strength in which she carried herself.

I don't think Imperator would care. It would be less than a day to get from one place to the next. But very well. May I ask a promise then?

He looked down at her, met her pretty gaze with his ice blue one. That if it gets worse you seek out Aquene.

He planned to ask his friend to check on his, well he wasn't sure what they were. There was no official title to the two as of yet. So just the female he was extremely fond of who he hoped was as fond of him. And possibly would become his? That was a long title.

He lay his head along her shoulders as she pressed against him again, a small smile there. Though her next question, filled him with unrest.

Sooner than I like. About 9 days we leave to go there. I am to escort Princess Makono, her guard Khaba and her lady servant Nazli. I'm not sure if anyone else is coming. Then I am in the service to the pharoh for a moon.

The thought of the Imperator was something she had not allowed herself for a time now, and she quickly shut down any consideration to what his thoughts on the matter would be. A wounded man—a soldier who was either afraid to explore further from his comfort zone, or one who hid behind the belief that all he did was for the better good of his pack. She hadn’t figured out which one it was—

—and now it was no longer her business.

Reyson requested a promise from her—one she knew she wouldn’t readily give, and so she pulled back to look up to him, amber eyes narrowing slightly as her chin jutted up, willing to meet him halfway in the matter without dragging the busy Matrona into the picture. “I’ll seek help from someone if it doesn’t get better,” she offered, a brow arching.

The golden man rested once more, and she allowed him, quieting for a moment as he explained his journey. “A month will pass quickly,” she noted, trying to keep the hollowness from her voice. And then—what then?

Reyson would have disliked that Meadow had a crush on the Imperator, but he would have hated her keeping it from him more. He had told her once before that he only wanted honesty even if it hurt. Matters of the heart were not always easy.

Reyson wasn't expecting her to promise, she was a wolf that would not help herself. Because she was selfless like that. Something he both adored about her, and it irritated him. Because he didn't wish her to run herself into the ground.

Thank you.

He gave a soft noise. Perhaps at times it will go fast, when i'm training or patrolling, but in the quiet hours. It will slow to a crawl, because you won't be near enough for me to just walk too. Though in my free hours, if I should have them. I'll make the trip back.

He spoke of free hours—of stealing away to visit her, and she felt a blush rise to her cheeks at the thought. Selfishly, she wanted to encourage him to do so—despite her words, a month seemed like such a terrible stretch. But she also didn’t want to get him in trouble. 

As long as no one is upset or disappointed in your absence? Would he steal away to see her? Or would he be… preoccupied… during his free time.

Her gaze swept downward, trying to maintain a neutral expression despite the downward tug at the corner of her lips.

Reyson smiled down at her, as she looked a little away. The apples of her downy cheeks red. And his heart leapt a little. He nuzzled her again, a gentle purr in his throat.

They shouldn't be. Even in Mereo we have time to ourselves. I don't imagine it would be any different there. Even if I must find a place halfway between. If you'd be willing to travel too. Though I know you don't like to leave Epoch when you have patients.:

Gentle nudge to underside of chin. Don't let your mind wander. Please if you have something you wish to ask. I asked Honesty of you and would do the same in your stead.::

She leaned closer to his touch, considering his words. He wished for her honesty—but for now she held nothing to truly say—nothing that would be any news to him. He was insistent that this—whatever it was—would work between them. She was gripped between protecting herself from the oncoming hurt and expecting it would not, especially given their separate lives and duties—and opening up to him… in an attempt for a true chance.

“I’d meet you,” she agreed, knowing damn well that no matter the hesitance on her end, she would miss him within even a few nights, let alone a month. “The pup I worried for earlier has begun to thrive quite well… and Towhee gets stronger every day.” She paused, amusement skirting to her lips. “It’s hard to keep her down to rest.”

It was all Reyson wanted was honesty, from everyone in his life. Too long there had been lies, not necessarily to him, but around him. And he despised it. He knew that she had her own worries, and she didn't think that what they had would succeed. And that was okay. he could carry that burden on his own. Until she was ready to accept it.

He listened with tilted ears and smiled. I'm glad the little one is doing well. That she is thriving.

Reyson chuckled. The first time due to my own error when I met Towhee, she almost ripped my face off.

It had been a little irritating at first and he had been a little embarassed too, but those feelings had not lasted long. And he and her seemed okay now, at least for a time, and her husband was one of his dearest friends.

“I….” She hadn’t expected that from him, and she blinked at him, thinking of the fiesty black wolf. Of course, she could imagine it—the woman was a delightful hurricane. One that Meadow had a feeling would cause her equal amounts anxiety and equal amounts amusement and friendship over the next months.

“I need to hear that story,” she hedged, studying him with an arched brow. And knowing her steadfast soldier, he did little to defend himself in that moment.

Reyson knew his mistakes at times were funny. He didn't make them often, but when he did. It usually was amusing. A small tilt of his lips, furrowed brow as he remembered.

It is important to know in my former pack. The pups belonged to the females. We had nothing to do with raising them. Other than to teach them to soldier. Both of which Towhee and Maxim have proven to me is wrong, that children need both parents, but that is neither here nor there.

He rocked an ear back. We would drop of meat at the dens of the mothers, we never went further than the entrance and left it. In an effort to be useful. I did the same thing I always did and was met with a very angry, very irritated Towhee, which I deserved.

Ah. It made sense, and she gave him a small smirk. “You really like to just deliver meat to all the ladies, don’t you?” It was a small joke, and she idly wondered, then, what pups meant to him given his upbringing. He had commented how he wanted some of his own, now, and she wondered if that had been inspired by Towhee and Maxim.

“And what does raising pups look like in Mereo?” Smooth, Meadow. Absolutely smooth.

Reyson snorted and his eyes lit up with laughter. I didn't know you had a dick joke in you Meadow.

He tilted his head, laughter again on his face. he shook his head at her. She was adorable even when she was being filthy, but he didn't mind. He could have said something along he lines of just one now, but that felt way too forward, but if she looked close she'd see the itch to say something of such caliber in his gaze.

Reyson frowned. Like it did when I was growing. Rigid. Dutiful. I think i'd like Epoch for children or Paleo. I used to think that it was good for children to learn to be a soldier. Now I think it's important to let your children choose. And there are more choices elsewhere. Towhee and Maxim taught me that.

I didn’t know you had a dick joke in you. 

There was so much to be done with that line, but Meadow was a bit too shy and naive, and anything her RPer tried to put in was just a bit too raunchy for the waif. 

So she gave him a little smirk and left it at that, instead. 

While she wished to stay in a more easy discussion, she knew the matter on her mind needed clarification. 

Everything about them needed clarification. 

And what does that mean for your duties in Mereo? If he considered having children and raising them in another pack, to what purpose did he have to still serve Germanicus, unless he hoped to be a father away from his children?

Reyson saw her little smirk and shook his head. She was cute. Blue eyes looked to teh sky, to keep from busting a gut as much as he wanted to laugh.

Surprise hit him, and he realized well they were about to have a serious conversation. So he slid to his haunches and curled his tail around paws. There was much to be said, but he focused on her straight questions.

Well, that depends on what happens. But if that were to happen. Then i'd guess I'd leave wouldn't i. I'd make sure to do it on good terms, but if it came to you and children and you wanted to settle somewhere else. Or more so I should say if we wanted to settle elsewhere. I'd go.

Tamar and Arsenio want me to teach healing classes here, she quietly offered, the idea of leaving Epoch something that seemed intangible to her. And so how could she ask the same of Reyson and his Mereo? She couldn’t.

She could also still see Tamar’s hesitancy when Meadow had brought up the discussion of her and Reyson—the fiery woman had questioned if she meant to leave. 

What if your not happy when… or if… you leave Mereo?

A grin lit up his face. That's great Meadow. I'm glad they want you to teach classes. Reyson didn't really have any attachments to Mereo. They had left, when Towhee and Maxim had left. Not even the Imperator and he were close and he didn't think the Imperator would take offense at his movings.

Reyson studied her. I'm not happy in Mereo, Meadow.

He frowned trying to think of the right words. I came to Mereo, because it was what I knew at the time. I had lost my entire command, all gone, ripped apart in front of me. I had no direction and no station. So I went where i knew I could stay and heal, put what I did know to use. And those that I were closest too in Mereo are now in Epoch.

Ripped apart in front of me.

He spoke it—but not with the emotion that she would have expected from such a statement. Her muzzle drew upward, nose grazing his chin, his cheek, pressing closer in an attempt to draw him to her. “What makes you happy, Reyson?” Because wasn’t that the point?

Wasn’t that the true determination here, between them?

Of course she wished for certain answers, but she did not expect them. Not when everything was so new. But wasn’t this moving forward, in some way?

“Have you healed?” Was such a thing even possible to heal from?

He imagined it was probably a rather callous way to put it, but he had been dealing with these thoughts, these feelings with Maxim. It still hurt, gods did it hurt. But it was getting better, slowly.

He leaned against her, pulling her tighter against his chest, and leg across his back. MMM... He made a soft noise as he thought. You and simple things make me happy. The sunset, the sunrise, laughter. Those things. They make me happy.

He looked down at her, and lay his ears softly against his head. I have healed better than I was when I came. But that is not something that is so easily healed. I have seen many things, Meadow. And sometimes they take hold, hard. At night. That was the night in the grasslands with you, that was one of those nights. But it does get better, easier.