"Yeah. Guess we are," Nico decided after several moments of silence, feeling a gravitational pull towards his brother. Their father was almost forgotten, around only for the first few months of their life. Their mother was discarded as she'd discarded them – the youngest had always taken her abandonment the most harshly. Desideria – he held out some hope for their sister yet, but he was nothing like his brother, instead afraid that his longing would only set them up for more disappointment.

But he would not voice this thought, tired as he was of these arguments. Truly, all he wanted was Rico's company, and he would be satisfied. Perhaps a full belly would help his outlook, he reasoned – he'd always been grumpy when he was a bit peckish. Tail swung eagerly as his nose was set to the ground, wriggling and writhing. Soon, the scent of rodents blossomed, and the small timber wolf went trailing through grasses and around rocks before springing up into the air and pouncing upon a mouse.

Down it went, in one single crunch!

The wolf gave a satisfied bark and put himself back on the chase without a second thought, always vaguely aware of Rico's presence. Never again would he be caught too far away from the guardian's protective presence – never again would he repeat the disaster of the pack at Crow's Crossing. This is how they would live, the two of them, happy and safe, bellies full and hearts pounding, and he would never want for anything again.

The risk just wasn't worth the reward.

Fade.