It would be of no surprise they returned the same way they had left. With nothing. Why they had gotten a sign of a struggle about Kingsfall with hints of her scent they had lost any trace along the stream heavily guarded by willows too tangled to weave through. If he had no pack, no children to return to he would have fought against the collection of trees. All throughout the journey Naira helped to ground him to the present. Once more reality harshly set in that there was no further to go. Nayeli would remain missing on the list of the many others. Why his unrest did not leave him, he managed to think of his children, his family waiting in the Bend, and how much he wanted to be back. He already felt like he had wasted time, and decided the best he could do was try to change that. After all, it seemed to be the only thing in his control.

The blue mist eventually greeted the pair, and a smile rested steadily on his lips. It had taken a long time for these woods to feel like home, but as he look upon them now there was no other place he wanted to be. This was where he and many others had started a new chapter, and he wanted it to be his last. With a playful nudge to his companion they made their way to the borders by the setting sun. The aromas of Drestig, Spieden, made steady marks, easing the small twist in his gut. Surely everything had been okay and taken care of in his short absence. It was with a silent goodbye he left Naira, making his route to the den where he was certain he would find the ones he was looking for. But, the Tainn couldn't help but pause on the edge of the wood, eyes  upon the rocks that marked their den. He was torn between quietly surprising his children, and calling out to let his presence BE KNOWN. For a long time he stood like a shadow unable to make another move.

Triell Tainn

The break of day, another small shadow came from the den. A smile perched on his lips, watching a small Sahalie greet the early morning. Unusual for her, the Tainn mused. Eyes cast around to see if perhaps she was following Spieden or Drift. He saw only her. From his post the father continued to observe her, the way surprise lit her face up with the tiny silver wisps of steam escaped her nose. How such a small thing could render her with so much bemusement and wonder was a remedy of sorts to his soul. Reminded how simple life was, and the time he still had. So easily she noticed him on the outreaches, and did not hesitate to greet him.

The smile did not leave him as he strode forward to meet her half way. But, her words did cause it to twitch, and twist suddenly. This wasn't news she was sprouting, but just to hear it in the sweet voice of his daughter was too much. Heaving in a heavy breath, he shook his head."No, dear. I did not this time," he admitted somberly. Stretching his snout downward, he attempted to stroke the side of her ear, taking in her scent of the Bend. Least he found comfort all seemed well, and she was within his reach now. Safe and sound. "I think any more I will just have to wait to see if she finds me," he murmured against her dark hair, drawing back to meet her changing gaze to catch her thoughts. Could he still read her? What else did she think about where he had been, and would she tell him other things that had been said in his absence?

Triell Tainn

The man grunted as her own face fell, but it wasn't in his heart to make it all better. She would know well enough it rained, and sometimes you got to see a rainbow after and sometimes you didn't no matter how hard you looked or how bad you wanted it.

Least she did not draw away from him, and he found some of his worry slipping away. Furry brows drew together, deciding whether she meant a mouse or a moose. The later was more probable, and his jaw fell. "A moose?" The question fell out, and had made contact with his own ears, but it was the quickening of his heart that thundered the loudest. "A.." Was his attempt at a response to the obvious she was fine despite being in reach of an angry moose. It was hardly the response, and definitely not a good one. So he tried again. "Whew," he more collectively managed with a shake of his head, and a forced grin. "Did anyone get a piece of 'em for that?" Why it was apparent the pack had come to her aid, he liked to think the moose would not be able to make the same mistake twice.

The young Tainn was quick to ask a question of her own. "Uh huh. So what should we do on this fine day Miss Tainn?" This time he found no trouble grinning at her, his dark banner waving behind him. He was ready for an adventure of her choosing.

Triell Tainn

That was unfortunate, but hearing Drestig and Serach took care to drive it away made him a little less inclined to hear other details. Surely, the moose would not be returning to the Bend if he favored his life. Eyes blinked, not entirely sure what she meant by trees. Far he was aware such things didn't happen. "Oh, those things on his 'ead? They do look a bit like our trees here don't they. Those are antlers Sah, and in the spring they fall off, and aren't half bad to chew on if your lucky enough to find them."

Slowly, he dropped his head, attempting to catch her soft words. It seemed he had guessed wrong, she wanted to hear of adventure. Why the worry? It was if she was afraid she didn't say the right thing. Patiently, he hoped his own silence would assure her. The further explanation made him beam, though he tried not to make it obvious how happy this information made him. For he did not mind the bond his children had formed with the Coho woman, but he would be lying to say he hadn't been worried she might be their preferred choice sometimes.

"Lets see, a story." Memories were still intact, and usually he could weave them into a fun tale for her entertainment.  "What kind did you have in mind?" For he was always surprised by what piqued her interest, and rather tell her more of something she wanted to hear.

Loud chuckle escaped his lips, her small paws ticklish against the only white spot of his coat. It felt good to laugh, see her eager to hear tales. He had to wonder what kind of story he should tell her for her questions were rather precise. Now was ever good as time as ever to let her know of the Tainn history.

"I got into all sorts of trouble. But, this might not be the brightest kind of story," he murmured, letting his eyes meet her pale gold. They were not the same of Nayeli's, but he was sure they were that way because of her. No, he was to be thinking of before times. Reclining to his haunches, and than dropping to his stomach he beckoned her to take a comfortable spot beside him.

"My dad's name was Rihael and my mom was Lani. Over that mountain, not too far on the other side is a place called the Wildwood. My mom and father had found this great hollow tree for us to live. They called their pack Hidden Tree for very few found it. I remember it was a lot like these woods. But there was more of a white mist. Boy, I had lots of siblings. Two my age, Kinis, and Borlla, and thirteen older than me. I usually got to go beyond the den, as my brothers Indru and Ruiko would take me with them.

"One day they didn't, I remember being so mad, I decided I would find an adventure myself. I began to wander to this river when suddenly the hot day began to get cold. The sky turned black, and it began to roar louder than I had ever heard. I tried to go back home. There was this bright, orange and red light in my path. It ate the trees, turning them black, making them snap and moan. It was mean and hot, so I went back to the river, finding the water protected me. Eventually I heard the voices of my brothers Indru and Ruiko calling for anyone when there was only smoke in the air. What was left of us gathered together, and were taken to a new place. The Sacred Grove. It was a very beautiful place, you get a weird tingling in your paws when you walk there. Since it was surrounded by water,  the fire had not touched it. Indru and Ruiko decided it would be our new home. That's how Swift River was founded. It's where I really grew up, where I met Serach's mom and dad, Corinna and Ice. Where Aunt Kisla and Uncle Fenru were born. It's why I love to swim and fish. I was always determined to be big like my brothers. I helped them chase an intruder away. Was often walking along the borders with or without them. Other time I got in a fight with two loners, luckily Corinna was there as I was barely older than you. Mostly I wandered a lot. I saved a lady from a pool of water who became a dear friend. Climbed that mountain and discovered there was another pack up there. Eventually, I became a guardian of the pack. Getting into more fights, and making a few more friends and enemies. I miss it sometimes."He always wondered what had become of it. If anyone had taken it up, or long had left it be. He felt like he should probably pause, wondering if he should go on or not. Surely, he was leaving out bits and pieces.