Redtail Rise their masks have the countenance of very concerned deer

Backdated a bit to before Aventus and Ancelin leave Redtail Rise and before events really kick off! @Ashlar

Aventus shoveled the last pawfuls of dirt over the tiny cache that he had once supplied near Arielle's densite, then straightened and stretched until he felt his back crack. There had been nothing in it for ages now, but as part of his preparations to take Ancelin and search for Atreus, he felt compelled to check.

Alas, there was not even a scrap of hide remaining, much like the scent of his long gone wife. He couldn't help stretching his neck toward the dark hole where she had birthed their sons, but of that night, there was hardly a trace. Aventus would never forget how Arielle smelled; had there been even a hint of her remaining here, he would have detected it.

Feeling melancholy, he swung away from the turned earth and began sniffing along the ridgeline. His motions looked deliberate enough, but rather than searching for something, Aventus sought only to mask the emotions swirling in his silver eyes and the tightness of his throat with work.

Ashlar was feeling better after his talk with the man from the river. Arric had given him clarity and reminded him of his purpose here. That peace would be shaken immensely soon, but right now, he’d begun practicing the mediation he’d been shown. It even began to bring songs back into his mind.

Today he hummed as he walked along the river, his eyes focused on catching the glint of scales that might signify something to be caught. Ashlar thought fish might be a nice break from the usual prey they’d been eating this week. He would offer whatever he caught to Avicus and the children first.

Movement a ways off distracted him. He turned to investigate, thinking it was one of the younger members, only to find Aventus at the top of the rise. Ashlar immediately looked away, stopping short where he was beneath him. He still wasn’t sure if the man had ever forgiven him, and he had never worked up the courage to ask. Forever a coward in this too.

He waited, but listened, unsure if he should just depart. Perhaps Aventus would drive him off. Or maybe he would simply leave instead.

He turned his path unconsciously toward the smell of trees and water, loping downward, but it wasn’t until he dropped down to where rock and forest floor met that Aventus noticed he was not alone.

His ears swivelled upright at the same time he straightened from his prowling crouch. Up until now, he had made no effort to find or spend time with Ashlar. The bard was a coward and a loser. Aventus had better things to do than entertain the snivelling whining of a full grown man who couldn’t be counted on to protect anyone or anything.

These days, however, was he really so different? War loomed on the horizon, and Aventus turned his back on it. Aventus chose to run from it. He was not afraid for his own life, but that of his remaining son. Perhaps Ashlar had some reason for his cowardice as well, some purpose that had not been clear before.

Will you go to war? he wondered aloud, pinning the bard with his silver eyes.

Ashlar felt that familiar and deep fear when Aventus turned his attention towards him. His posture took on a submissive tone, but he forced himself to remain upright. They were packmates here, and this was both of their home. He could not treat this place like it was the bear’s home.

He’d expected Aventus to scorn him and perhaps walk away silent, if he didn’t choose insults. Instead he was surprised by a question that sounded genuine, and that surprise would read clearly on his face as he looked at the other man.

Yes. He replied, somewhat softly, but sure. I… it’s…. He wasn’t sure what he’d meant to say, so he paused a moment to steady himself and to find the words. I won’t kill. But I can still keep them safe. Even if it meant sparing them from the results of their own actions.

If Aventus took much stock of Ashlar's surprise, he was sure to keep it hidden from his features. A slow blink was about all the man got from him as he stumbled over a response. Aventus had expected nothing more. Ashlar would never be a fighter. Aventus would never understand how his sister could be so fierce and still abide a spineless wolf in her company.

This war could not be won by fighters, however, and Aventus had given up his right to judge with his decision to leave.

There will be no winning, he shared. I do not know what sorcery it is, but Nyra always slips away, no matter how capable the pursuer. If he thought there was any chance otherwise, he would be the first on the volunteer list to march against her. Alas, Aventus knew only the bitter taste of loss where that bitch was concerned, and he could not lose anything else in his life without going mad.

You will be the only one who might help them cope when they realize this.