Into the woods

@Dimka wow wrong tag sorry!!!!! XD
Edit: opening this aw as well :) if you still want one and don't want to jump in if someone else joins, we can always make another!

Vienna had descended the mountain and crossed the borders for the first time in a month or so. She felt a little less than comfortable in doing so, and she knew some others would disapprove, but she felt as though she needed this. And she hadn't wanted to make anyone accompany her of wait for an escort.

She was exhausted by the time she reached the valley, but as she sat among the trees at the foot of the mountain, a peace fell over her. With her own situation, talk of other injured packmates, and Jace's recent injuries, the path Vienna was to take was rather clear. And though she would have loved to pick up a chronicler's trade, she knew that healing was the way she should go. She knew Ame knew some, but the alpha was surely busy. If Vienna was going to find instruction, she needed to look outside. And hopefully she would avoid dangerous situations until she was able to handle them.

After a short rest she would proceed into the valley, gathering what she could to take back home. Soon she would search for Mallaidh's den and the herbs doubtlessly stashed inside. She did not think they the girl in her absence would mind.

Brother love :D forward date maybe?

Jace had smelled his sister leaving the inner most sanctum of the territory. And being the protective type he followed her. He didn't sneak up on her, just followed quietly behind. He didn't want to encroach on her healing, because he was certain this was to help her heal. After all she had been brutally attacked at the borders.

His sister had told him she wanted to be a healer and he was all for that. He felt bad that she had to give up one of the trades she had really wanted, but he knew there was no arguing. He thought about Sumayl and her and he found it didn't even bother him so much anymore. The male still did, oh gods did the male bother him. But when paired up to his sister in name, it was sort of a fit.

Finally as she stopped Jace stepped from view and woofed at her. He hoped she wouldn't be too upset with him, but what was a brother to do when you loved your sister so much.

Vienna, blissfully unaware of her dark shadow, gazed up at the sky, enjoying the feeling of the sun warming her fur. While nights had been cold, this winter had been rather mild, especially compared to those back home. She wasn't in any way complaining. Snow was lovely, but so too was warmth and sun. And the cold did make leaving a nice, warm den that much harder (though even if it was ten below, Vienna had had enough of nice, warm dens that she likely would still be out).

Hearing a low woof, Vienna's ears flicked back, and she turned quickly to see who was behind her. Her brain processed and she recognized the voice the instant she saw him. Favoring him with a smile, she strode over. "You know, I can take care of myself." she said with a loving, teasing lilt to the words, but obvious pleasure at his company. She wasn't in any way mad, and his presence actually made her feel a bit better. She'd been nervous on her first departure, but she'd felt the need for it. Her confidence would grow quickly, of course, but for now it was good to see a familiar face watching her back.

Jace didn't have a den, didn't stay indoors. Call it in his own personal punishment for himself for the wrong things he did. That and the fact that the thought of walls on all sides of him, sort of freaked him out a bit. He actually was afraid if he ever had a mate and children of his own, he would be unable to be in the den with them. The fear of enclosed spaces so great for him.

Jace smiled I know, but what kind of brother would I be if I let you. Hmm? He licked the side of her muzzle with a big sloppy little brother kiss, jesting of course. Then he backed up his grin wide and endearing, with boyish quality and crooked side. Blue eyes were flashing with mirth while mouth was open in silent laugh.

"Eughhh, bro germs!!" She squeaked, exaggeratedly rubbing her cheek with a foreleg before leaning forward to nip at his ear. "And what kind of a sister would I be if I chased you away," she responded, her own happy grin mirroring his. He seemed cheerful, a welcome change from their previous meetings, and she was glad to see him lighter.

"I thought about going to that meadow, but for some reason I just really like this place." She had made many, many trips to the valley and met some great wolves in doing so. "Something about it." There was not a trace that spoke of the pack that once made it their home, but still she felt a kind of homey feel. Welcoming.

Jace laughed out loud at her exaggeration. He thought about going after her again, but decided against it. She might do it back and gawds then he'd have sister germs. He snickered again and blue eyes flashed with mirth. He wasn't sure why he was so joyous today, only that he was. He had his moment of emotional turbulence it was strange to him.

He smiled Valley's are nice. This one is very nice. Come spring time I imagine it will be beautiful here, and full of plants for you to snick your nose in. He smiled and sat beside her, curling his tail around his legs and looking down over the valley. It really was beautiful here on their mountain and near it. They had chosen well, he felt anyway.

Vienna considered returning the gesture as well, but she decided to withhold, instead leaning against him as he sat next to her. Her eyes lit up at the thought of spring. "I bet you're right. It was beautiful in summer, so spring will likely be even better!" Spring was unrivaled when it came to beauty in plant life, all the new growth springing forth and lighting the ground with vivid colors. "My nose will never leave the ground!" It was a funny picture, her walking around with her nose dragging through the flowers everywhere she went.

"Suppose I'll have to surface for hunts. Otherwise all the rabbits will start laughing at me." Her tail waved in the dead grass behind her as she giggled. "We can't have that. I have a reputation to uphold!"

Jace shifted so his sister would have better comfort and looked out over the meadow a smile etched on his face. Those who would come upon them, may read further into it than most, but he didn't give a shit. He chuckled It is beautiful in spring, trust me. I got here just in spring, and we moved here before fall came. It was beautiful then. Jace snorted at the image that came across his minds eye of his sister with her pretty little nose in the dirt and her tail in the air. He snorted again as he imagined her falling head over tail as she walked.

Yea those rabbits their little bas...umm their little sneaky things. They laugh at everyone disgusting little blighters. He chuckled despite himself, he really needed to stop swearing it was coming out all the time now. He had gotten in the habit while he was on his own and now he just sounded ignorant and foolish and he needed to work on that.

"I'll have to check it out. Not that I wouldn't have anyway." She hid a smile as he censored himself, not thinking 'bastard' was too bad a term, but she knew how he felt about such things. Her parents had been the same way, and it was for that reason that she herself never really used such terms, though she'd heard more than her fair share. Most didn't share her and her brother's restraint.

This reminded her of his and Sumayl's first meeting, which in turn reminded her that she had yet to share news of her status change with her brother personally. She let the silence stretch out a moment, then began in an offhand sort of manner. "I know you probably already know, but Sumayl and I are seeing each other. He asked a while ago and I said yes." It wasn't an official mateship of course, but it was exclusive and it meant quite a bit to her. She hadn't heard details of Jace's conversation with Sumayl (if she heard about it at all, don't even know) and was curious to see how her brother took the news.

Jace unfortunately had a very rougish language. He often cursed more than he should. It bothered him to a certain degree, and he needed to learn to curb that tongue of his. Especially if he was going around giving others a hard time about it. Sumayl came to the forefront of his mind. He did not hold it against Sumayl very much that he hated him, he supposed in a way he could see where Sumayl was coming from. But frankly the fault did not all lie with him, as Sumayl was quick to point out. They were perhaps just never meant to be friends. He smiled at her, lost in his own thoughts.

As if she could read his mind, she brought up the male much to his annoyance. Though not at her, he just didn't want to talk about Sumayl. Far too afraid that he would say something to cause some discord between either him and her, or her and Sumayl. Those were both outlets he preferred to stay far away from. Jace coughed and tried to hide the look on his face. I know Vienna. Uh I'm happy for you I wish you both many years and happiness.

His reaction was what she had been looking for, so he failed to hide it completely. She knew from his words, brief and nondescript, that he did not wish to linger on the subject. She wasn't one to let such an important thing slide under the rug, though, and her desire for open communication led her to venture forward into less safe territory.

"I know how you feel about him, and how he feels about you. Not specifically, but enough. And I want to tell you that it's ok. I'm not going to try to force you two to be friends, and I know neither of you would ever make me choose between or take sides." She did wonder how comfortable Sumayl was in the spire with her brother at the helm, but her desire to stay made her fear the answer. It was a conversation the two would need to have someday.

"It would be great if you could get along, but some can't. I understand it even if I don't particularly like it." She smiled ruefully at him. "Funny how I can love two wolves so opposite so much." she hadn't said it yet, not even to herself, but it was true. She had fallen fast and hard for Sumayl, and it couldn't be denied that she loved him. Jace she loved as well, a different sort but no less fierce. She would do anything for them, even if that included accepting that they would never have a relationship as she wished.

Jace tightened his jaw. Knowing his sister, she wouldn't let the matter rest. She was an open wolf, and almost demanded that from others. You couldn't fault her for it and usually you followed suit. It was just the way she was and those were around her.

Jace stared at her for a moment, his anger sparking up faster than he even knew how to handle it. He had to take a deep breath. He found he was actually irritated with his sister, there was no reason for it. He just was, he felt trapped and suffocated. He wanted to make her happy, but she was living in her own world. Frankly, Sumayl had already decided she would choose his side. The minute he brought forth the words about their children and not letting Jace see them. Or he would be hard pressed to let him see them. We won't make you choose Vienna, but I hope you realize eventually it's going to come to a head between him and I. Just be prepared, we are both just too hot headed. A red tinge was beginning to eat up his irises and he wanted to scream in fury. He hadn't realized how much he was still so angry at Sumayl, and he knew when it came down to it, she would choose her lover over her brother and it hurt.

But he couldn't blame her and he wouldn't blame her. Why would he take away her chance at true love. He wouldn't dare and he wished her so much happiness. And much like her he would do anything and everything for her. Even if it meant removing himself from the equation if he had too, so she could be happy and start her own family.

She saw his frustration build but did not shy away from him. Instead she continued to wait for the response that would be given. Generally she was not a fan of these sorts of encounters and would do anything she could to not upset others, but in important situations like these she was firm in her stance. Letting these issues go unspoken only made them that much worse when they came out. This was why she intended to have a conversation with Sumayl as well... And soon.

She nodded. "And when that time comes, I will not allow either of you out of my life." She said firmly. Unless one of them pulled something terrible, cutting them out was not an option. She looked at her brother a moment, and her expression softened. "As we grow, I know I can't promise our paths won't separate. But I can and do promise that, no matter where we end up, you will always be welcome with me. No matter what anyone may say."

She wanted to ask him to share with her what it was that so angered him about Sumayl, and would listen without argument in order to learn how she might bridge this gap. But she knew he would not share such things with her. She was too close to the situation. She could only hope he could find another to do so with. It bothered her that, in this, she couldn't be there for him.

Jace knew his sister wouldn't leave, and wouldn't back down. She was not a conflict ridden wolf, however she stood her ground when she needed too. Most would see his sister as optimistic an upbeat and passive, when she wasn't. She could be just as hardheaded, and aggressive as others if the occasion warranted it.

Jace smiled though it didn't quite meet his eyes. The amount of hate that Sumayl held for him, and the venom he had spewed at him. It made it very hard to believe that. He hoped, oh god did he hope she was right, but could anyone really blame him for doubting it. He knew what it was like to be in love, if Leaf had asked him too, he probably would have done whatever she wanted. He didn't know though, she had asked him to figure out something else and he had tried.

Jace nudged her gently, he knew she wanted to know. But he wouldn't say a word, if she found out information from Sumayl and asked him later to clarify, maybe he would. But he wasn't going to give the male one more thing ot hold against him.

His smile wasn't brilliant, but it meant that he was no longer angry, so she accepted it and let the subject fall to rest. She returned the nudge by pressing her head against his side softly, both to show they were still 100% good and to hide her own troubled expression. Though she hated to think of it, they were family. And anyone who couldn't accept that Jace belonged in her life wasn't worth it. She only hoped that she was right about Sumayl. If she was not, well... her future may hold a bit of heartbreak.

She was really not looking forward to their conversation.

Shedding those thoughts for another time, she regained her smile, lifting her head once more. "It's good to see you back up where you belong," she said, in reference to his return to pack leadership. "I'm sure Amekaze was glad to have you back!"

Oh Jace was still angry. It lay there deep in his chest, smoldering. However, he was not mad nor had he ever been mad at Vienna. He supposed he wasn't even mad at Sumayl, he was more upset that the male thought so many terrible things about him. and him being the way he was, he couldn't explain to the other male that none of it as true. He had never had such a hard time getting his points across as he did with this male. I can try and talk to him again Songbird, but no promises okay. For her he'd move the world if he could.

Jace chuckled I imagine so. She hadn't wanted me to step down in the first place. There are a few who do not think I belong there though. So I look for some issues to come to a head eventually.

"Whatever you think is best." And she meant it. She trusted him to know what he should do, what his limits were and how he should handle them. She knew he wanted what was best for her and that was enough.

"Well, I am glad. And I think you belong. You got all the responsible genes." She said with a laugh, happy that Amekaze at least agreed. Her opinion of the alpha was quickly rising, though it had been rather high to begin with. She was happy that her brother ha surrounded himself with such great, loyal friends and that she had joined their number. "When they do, I know things will turn out for the best."

Jace gave her a small smile. Okay Songbird. He didn't know what was best in this situation. He had no clue. His best friend, who just happened to also be his sister in this essence. Was in love with a man who honestly thought Jace was a joke. Who hated everything about him? Who thought he was stupid just to name a few things. He was swimming in self doubt and a little fear here.

Jace smiled a bit sadly. I hope you're right. That was all he said. The one at the front of the line would be Sumayl and he hoped his sister could deal with the situation when it came to a head, and the repercussions.

i think we can close this here unless you wanna throw another response in!

"Of course I'm right. Didn't you know I can tell the future?" She joked, hoping to turn that frown upside down and bring the mood back up again. In all seriousness she could do little to alleviate his doubts beside show a confidence she herself did not feel. She didn't feel bad showing it, though... She did not feel Jace had anything to worry about. Much as he may doubt, family was important to her. And she wouldn't step on it, not for her own gain.

In a way, she could tell the future.

She just wished she could see how the other side of this conflict was going to go.