The search had pushed them ever eastward. Raela was not willing to make the same mistake as Minka when she founded Black Thorn Downs; they had to stay a respectful distance from the other packs, and then some. With Nina to the south and the barren lowlands to the north there was little other choice. This was the furthest the two had traveled yet; having departed in the morning and knowing full well that they would not be able to return to the pack until the next day. @Moraxia and Zilas were in charge again in the mean time, and Raela felt little reason to worry over them – at least more than she always did. 

The long journey would have resolved much of Raela's hormonal tension on its own, but with Gent by her side the demons were at bay. She didn't feel the negative effects around him at all. There were simple reasons for that, and she was no fool, but being free of the agitation had considerably brightened the woman's mood. The season was in full swing, and though her scent had been beckoning for days it was now a much more powerful perfume. The Queen's body was asking questions, and getting impatient. Instead of trying to answer though, Raela saw fit to avoid the subject in her normal, skittish demeanor. 

She was feeling things, things beyond her unbridled joy that night under the aurora. She did not just experience the increased fondness and attachment to her partner; she felt a need each time he was near, but was determined to push it aside and control herself. That was a very big dilemma; overwhelming in its consequences and repercussions. There was too much to confront at once, so Raela just sort of... didn't. She instead focused on the way the land had changed beneath their feet, and clung close to her mammoth guardian – engaging in whatever conversations he wanted to have with a smile and a spring in her step. It was hard to be weighed down with heavy things. 

Especially so when the environment they'd found held so much promise. When the pair left the rolling hills of the palisade behind they had been enveloped by thick forest. The scent of water pulled her onward as her golden eyes took in the relatively bare foothills to the north. They were so close to the mountain range now, tucked away between rocky ridges. It was certainly unclaimed land; the scents of other predators were abundant; something that would have to be solved later. The Alphas just had to be careful where they chose to rest. What she had not expected to find here though, was a water source so fresh and clear it took her breath away.

The oasis was nearly impossible to find on sight alone with the woods as thick as it was. Her russet form slipped between the winter foliage with speed uncharacteristic to how tired the matriarch was actually feeling. Creamy limbs perched at the bank, eyes scanning the small lake of pristine liquid until her mouth demanded she take a drink. It was fresh and delicious; much like the mountain streams back home. Her muzzle parted with the surface, dripping wet as she resumed her curious appraisal. Looking north, the Queen found herself unable to find the water's end; it seemed to continue on in a river of sorts and the view was spectacular.

With the dense trees parted by the water source, the mountainous fijords stood tall and imposing in the distance. Across the springs the ever-looming peak of Mt. Dire rose up, glowing bright orange with the light of early sunset and Raela grinned. Her tail set into excited motion behind her; slowly at first and then picking up to a gleeful pace. This land had everything. The russet-coated woman barely managed to tear her eyes away from it long enough to bark to her new mate. "Look at this place!" She exclaimed breathlessly. Nothing they'd found could even compare. 

Gent honestly could not have asked for a better time.

No matter how tiring the terrain they ventured might have proven to be, it felt nothing like work while scouting at Raela's side. There were no more burdens to weigh heavily upon his shoulder; she had helped him to shake each and every one of them off. @Ainashi and @Moraxia assisted in this as well, having proven themselves to be both capable and durable against all that the winter attempted to throw their way, making them perfect to stand in the alpha pair's stead each time they left the Crest. He no longer worried with each step farther they traveled beyond the borders, and thus was able to make each searching trip with a light heart, purely enjoying the time spent alone with his leading lady as they looked ahead to nothing but the glistening future.

With just Raela, the looming dominance and careful composure he normally maintained was able to melt away into something much more relaxed and open. He felt at ease to speak his mind often, regardless of how trivial the matter, leading to conversation after effortless conversation between the duo. The joyous way in which she carried herself infected him as well, the shade beast feeling all the lighter for it. It all felt so simple, so natural with Raela, and he adored every second of it; even the uncomfortable parts.

It was impossible to ignore the chemical messages her body was sending him, even if his lack of experience caused him to fail to correctly read the playful antics she partook in more and more often around him. It was nerve wracking in its own way, bringing to the surface questions that he was not yet ready to answer. Each day closer to true Spring saw a weakening of his resistance and heightening of his limerence, however. It was becoming more common for him to join in her games, the man even taking the time to initiate them himself when in passing by he noticed his mate to be particularly ired. Since his aurora-lit confession, he felt an incredible ease regarding their relationship, knowing now exactly where he stood with the woman. Were they ready for this, though? He wasn't even sure how to approach the question, and so he left it unspoken, pushing it all to the back of his mind and focusing instead on what was before him.

When the rolling changes of the land around them caused the familiarity to fall away, what was to be found only heightened his good mood. As they surveyed this hidden valley and all that it contained, his mind could only tally positive upon positive. With ease he was able to picture what life might be like here for their pack.The mountainous terrain of the palisades created a shield to both the north and the east, and to the opposing side? A wealth of fresh spring water, small enough to be managed and sweeping enough to serve as protection as well as a vital, plentiful resource. All around them was familiar land to him; having spent much time in the Palisades and the surrounding territories for various reasons, and having lived farther south within the Ghastly Woods as a part of Hollow Heart Keep. Even acknowledging the tie failed to register hiraeth within him as it normally did; ghost were not allowed here, not with Raela's warm light to keep them far at bay.

When they came to rest at last beside the water's banks, Gent looked upon his mate with a smile curling his lips. The energetic movement of her tail set his own into an easy sway, and he could only ask, "is this it?"

It was ultimately up to Raela; above all else, he wanted her to be happy.

His low voice rumbled in her ears as the woman's eyes swept up and down the mountain ranges; following the snowy crags and ledges right to the treeline with an ever-present grin. Raela had always loved the oranges of evening, and they were painted so beautifully on the white summit. Her notched ear flicked backward, and her gaze shifted Gent's way once more with a bright glimmer. The way he said it could only mean one thing, and based on this first impression she was all too happy to agree. They were miles from every known pack, nestled here in a sanctuary of their very own. There were not only mountains, but rolling hills, a forested valley and a pristine oasis. Could they even find better if they tried? 

Not around here. A pleased chuckle drifted into the chilly air and the Queen turned; arcing around to bring her body sweeping up beside his with a few simple, rising words. "I think so," Raela ran her shoulder along his side, fully pressing herself against the man as she would a new pack member. Her ivory paws halted near his own, head rubbing into his luxuriously furred neck with a contented smile. It felt good just to reconnect with him after so many hours walking. The woman's golden eyes peeled open to gaze at the landscape beyond as she stood in his embrace. Air puffed from her nose in a quiet sigh; there was so much peace and tranquility, not just here but in his presence as a whole. Gent was security, as he had always been, but now he was the one thing that brought the universe into order. All Raela ever had to do was be with him. 

Her body was screaming though; hormones thoroughly riled by the intimacy. For once they weren't making her feel something she despised. There was no agitation, no urge to snap at anyone or anything. She didn't even want to posture at him, but she did want to move. At last the agouti-pelted female pulled away, stepping forward toward the springs once more, her tail waving horizontally behind her like a banner. Raela turned, and her tongue lolled from her mouth in a wide grin. Sunshine eyes locked onto cold blue ice, beckoning him into yet another of their little games. Ever since that night she'd had the urge to run with him, to tussle and frolic whenever they had the chance. What she didn't know was just how much of it was love and sheer happiness and how much was her estrus cycle. 

The Crest matriarch wasn't sure which one was governing her now, but she thumped her slender front limbs into the snow anyway. The woman paused, seeming not even to breathe for a moment before jumping away. She wanted the mammoth man to turn and join her to celebrate again – but this time over the discovery of their new home, and their new start. Her eyes tracked his movements diligently, so that the second he reciprocated she could spring for his shoulders with forelimbs outstretched, immediately dancing away and around him through the brilliant snow with her ears pricked and tail waving. Raela's skin was already growing warm. She couldn't help but wonder vaguely if giving into the urge only made things worse.  

It took only her confirmation to earn a slow but widespread grin from the man, and as she pressed against him, Gent returned the gesture with a level of affection he wouldn't have known himself capable of  a year prior to this moment. She fit so perfectly under the curve of his throat, and he allowed the weight of his skull to rest upon hers as he leaned into her warmth. Content to just hold her for whatever duration she would have him, his pale eyes briefly took in the sanctuary surrounding them before drifting closed so that he may sink into the reverie of his thoughts. As they began to blissfully wander, so did his muzzle, from the top of her crown down her neck to groom the fur at her nape. A soft growl began to build within his chest before dying out completely as she suddenly pulled away, forcing him back to earth once more.

He was surprised by these moments no longer, having by now grown used to the ongoing game between them. Pulling his tongue back behind the bars of his fangs he watched her go, instinct urging him to slink forward but reason rooting him to the spot. When Raela turned, he was ready to mirror, chest brushing the powder beneath him as he braced himself. A chuckle fell effortlessly from his lips as she twisted and leapt, every silly, happy movement endearing her to him more and more.

The sun was sinking steadily lower, increasing the vibrancy of the light it shed upon his queen and the backdrop of glistening waterscape behind her. His mind was swift to liken it to that night when the aurora shone brighter than he'd ever seen it, but the differences were clear and significant. Those colors had been soft, playful and ethereal. These, gilding his lover's fur in gold and setting the world around them on fire, inspired thoughts of passion and beckoned him to taste something very much real.

Yet still he would not take a bite. He reciprocated only what Raela gave to him, and happily so. With each dart forward his jaws parted to ever so gently and briefly catch upon her muzzle or neck, wherever he could reach before she was gone again. His paws lifted upward when she fled from him, and he brandished his forelimbs through the air before slapping them upon the ground once more. With each passing lunge between them his smile twisted into a devilish smirk, until he decided to change things up a little bit.

The next time she attempted to complete the circular pattern he twisted to face her, raising his own limbs like grapples to hook at her shoulders and pull her to him. His head bowed, chin tucking against his own chest as he pressed his crown to her's, then to her cheek and down the plush of her neck with a growl of affection. A split moment later she was released, and he was the one to bounce away with a catch-me-if-you-can grin. Of course she'd be able to, probably in a heartbeat, but he'd give escape a good try all the same.

He did not merely react to her suggestion, but seemed to even be anticipating it. She bounded about, each time landing with stiff limbs and a fiercely wagging tail. She jerked, seeming to snap in her movements with renewed energy. Where it came from was anyone's guess; in all reason she should have been tired out from their trek, but here she was leaping up to his shoulders and nipping at him like a puppy. Her laughter burst out every few paces in short, excited bursts. It was all too fun to mess with him like this. The snow was getting kicked away from their little arena, stamped down and brushed away by pivoting bodies and swishing tails. Raela was getting the flakes on her chest and sides; but she hardly paid the things any mind. 

The Queen's golden eyes were locked on her mate, looking for the next place to strike. She was easily his superior in speed, and able to dart around even his most earnest attempts to face her. The woman's scent was practically encircling them, and a weaker man might have given into temptation and spoken up by now. The king had remained oddly silent on the subject the entire week, and it only made Raela more unsure of his opinion on the matter. He could have been against it, or could be avoiding the subject until she saw fit to bring it up. Either way the pair were in the dark as to the other's ideas. 

There was no chance to think of it now either, for all of a sudden the mammoth man rose up, snatching her between his great paws just as she tried yet again to nip at him. She stood high on her back legs, abruptly forced to forget her gleeful acrobatics and melt into his touch. The golden-eyed woman's heart was still racing, and perhaps he could feel it as his head slid down to her neck. Raela's eyes closed with contentment and she nuzzled the man in return, until his massive frame whipped away along the riverbank. Her paws hit the frozen ground once more and her look of confusion turned to a mischievous smile. 

She lurched after his retreating form, taking less than three strides to close the distance and hurl herself once more at his lofty shoulders. A single paw draped over his well-muscled back and she reached down; nipping at his neck and ears for making her chase him at all. The lithe female leaned back, dropping at last to the ground with a breathy laugh. Some of the moment's energy had died down, and  she slipped her frame up to his side once more. This time though, the woman passed her shoulders and back under his inky neck, tail raised and swaying lightly. Raela's muzzle turned ahead, and she gently caressed the side of his face with her own.

A deep breath filled her lungs and her sunshine eyes slid closed. Everything around them seemed to grow quiet in the glowing evening light, and it left her thoughts to wander. There was a lot she felt that she wanted to tell him in that moment, but so much of it was difficult to put into words. He was so warm against this cold, but wasn't that what he had always been; a beacon of light and stability in her tumultuous life? She exhaled, daring to turn her head just enough to run a soft pink tongue across the side of his snout. "I love you," the Queen hummed quietly, tucking closer into his cheek just as she had the night in the den. How freeing it was to be able to admit these things aloud without fear. Even so, the words held such gravity, and she still hung on his every minute reaction. 

As anticipated she was on him within the moment, and he yielded just as swiftly to her touch. When she did not immediately leave his side he was grateful to be able to lean into her touch once more, enjoying every inch she gave him. His muzzle reached for hers, nuzzling her tenderly before she began to move in a way that shifted something within him. His chin pressed down against the contours of her spine, eyes pinching shut as he felt the embers smoldering within him catch flame.

Another pause was given, and he could feel the moment when it was right to lift his head, receiving and returning her affection with flawless timing. Once more his touch wandered, and buried his snout within the mane of her neck, inhaling deeply. There was so much swelling within his chest, and he realized that he was trying far too hard to hold onto it all, reigning it in and trying to decipher each and every portion of it. Upon his exhale, Gent made a decision to let whatever this was, all of it, simply flow through him.

Her words chased after these thoughts, only serving to further encourage him. "Raela..." his jaws parted, teeth playing with the fur at her nape. His paws itched, and he massaged them against the ground to try and stay the desire that was building within him. She was his, wasn't she? In every sense of the word. Why should this be so questionable? He needed to be bold, needed only to tell her his thoughts as he always had been able to. It was only himself standing in the way, unless she didn't want him. Everything else was, for once, perfect.

"Raela, I want..." his voice was growing raw with the weight of the possibility between them, and it faltered as he could not find the words she deserved. Yet now that he had started, it was too late to retreat, and so he powered on with the best that he had. His muzzle lifted to press against her temple, his words falling directly against the shield of her ear.

"I want to have you. All of you."

She had not given much thought to what her actions might have been doing to him, but it was slowly becoming clear that they were speaking perhaps louder than she wanted them to. This was not to say Raela did not enjoy what was happening; it was quite the opposite. Her kiss had elicited a response, but not the one she had anticipated. The Queen's eyes peeled open slightly as her name rumbled off of his tongue. There was something different in his voice already. Her warm skin tingled against his roaming teeth as they pulled gently at her fur. The mood was changing from their joyous dance to something much more serious. 

Her tail seemed to hover tensely in the air. She was practically stunned into silence by Gent's shift in demeanor, and how rigid he had become. There was suddenly something very right about having him there, standing with his head above her back. The mammoth man had still not breathed another word, and Raela was almost anxious in her silence. There had to be more. Her hackles had tipped upward ever so slightly with the contact, spurred on by the chill running down the woman's spine. “Raela I want...” Her pulse quickened. There was almost instinctual knowledge on what he must have meant. Brilliant yellow eyes drifted over toward his as she waited, scarcely daring to breathe as his muzzle slipped out of her vision and came to rest just beside her ear. 

“I want to have you. All of you.” 

Her heartbeat filled the ensuing quiet immediately, and with fervor. She felt dizzy as the time between them slowed again, and her mind came to process everything that was happening. Again she tried to feel gravity working, to be sure that it was all real. There was an undeniable desire under her burning flesh, and Raela could have given in right then, had her mind not clung frantically to reason. What were they doing? Did he fully understand what he was asking for here? The sobering consequences pulled her reluctantly away; a single ivory paw reaching out to separate them as she stepped out from under his demanding presence. She took only a stride or two, turning back to face the King of the Crest with concern in her eyes. The movement was fluid and slow, perfectly in line with the turning of her thoughts.

Not wanting to go even this distance from Gent's side she brought her head to rest mere inches from his coal black muzzle. Her side was so cold where he had been... "But..." The woman's voice was exceedingly soft and gentle as her golden eyes locked pleadingly with his. Were either of them even ready for something like this? Was she ready? The words seemed to escape her for a moment, so she started another sentence entirely. "You... you want, pups?" Of course he must have meant pups, but Raela couldn't help her tongue. They had never discussed it before. She couldn't deny how well he had done with the Lagina children, or how much affection she had for little ones herself; why, anyone could have figured that out by now... but it all seemed so daunting. The timid little female at the woman's core crept forth, searching his gaze for some sort of answer. 

For a moment that felt painfully endless he did not breathe, waiting on the edge of oblivion for her response as his own instinctual desires threatened to suffocate him and burn away all control. Then, as slow as the shaping of stone under wind she pulled away from him. Initially, he could think nothing but to follow, and the man took a step forward as her devoted shadow. Then the realization set in, and that advance was swiftly retracted. As much as he tried to hide it, the feeling of rejection was evident for a brief moment before his pale eyes iced over completely, deadening so as to conceal such emotion; the last thing he wanted was for her to feel obligated to him, for any reason.

Ears folding back against his skull, her words still crept in, and his gaze dropped for a moment to the ground as he considered the question. Children. Yes, he wanted that. He wanted a family, a legacy; one that was truly his, and he certainly did not want to wait any longer for it. If they were to claim this new territory, and they would, then what reasons did they have not to forge ahead with their lives together? That wasn't the pressing need that he was feeling, however.

Gent's eyes returned to the flaming vision that was his queen, locking with her sunset-illuminated irises. He wanted her, just as he had said, and that was the true pinnacle of his longing. The rest of it all would simply be a very wonderful after effect. But if she didn't share that want...

"I want this moment with you," he attempted to explain. He ached to step forward and press against her warmth once more, to show her exactly what he meant and felt by reigniting the flames that danced between them each time they touched; words simply weren't adequate, but he'd have to try regardless.

"I just... Raela, I feel so much for you, and... I want to show you." It was evident that he wanted dearly for her to understand, to feel the same, and while his legs refused to move, he could not help his body leaning forward ever so slightly, neck stretching outward in hopes of coming closer to touching her once more.

"That means a family, I know, and... I think that's exactly what we're ready for. I mean, look at this place. Can't you picture it?" Gent certainly could. This valley was nothing short of perfect.

"... it means nothing if you don't want it too, Raela. Nothing has to happen here, we can go back to the, the jumping and things. Please know, more than all of that, I want what you want. I just want you happy."

Instead of a swift confirmation, she was given more silence. Raela's sunshine pools tracked his glacial ones as they slipped downward, and she began to wonder if he had actually even really thought about this himself. She could forgive the man for acting on instinct, but the decision they were making was life-altering. One did not simply create new life on a whim, and if they did the Queen would have a few choice words for them. She knew the details of Danica's predicament by now, but it would not have taken that heartbreaking story to convince the woman to choose her next few steps carefully. 

All at once his eyes hardened with a sort of conviction she hoped would mean that the answer was on his tongue. Even after his first sentence she could feel the unfinished nature of his speech; there was more the giant wanted to say to her, and Raela would wait for every last syllable. She was already so lost in her own head; drowning in the questions and the hesitation. Hearing what he had to say might bring her some ground to stand on, even if he seemed to fumble a little at first. The agouti-furred woman was well aware that he wanted her, and she wanted him equally – but hearing him repeat it still boiled her blood and threatened to overthrow this moment of clarity. 

A smile tugged gently at her mouth as he went on; the man was trying so very hard, harder than she had ever seen to explain himself and reach out to her. Oh how the times had changed. Once long ago she could never have pictured the emotion and attachment Gent was laying out for her right now. She wanted to step back into his embrace; to immediately and completely reassure him that it was no failing on her part to accept his deep affection; but only a fear of its effects. Raela would have touched her muzzle to his in solidarity right then had he not continued speaking. 

Honey eyes regarded him eagerly, and shone with a kind of wonder. Ah, so he had indeed been aware of what they were getting into, and he thought they were ready. Rae's heartbeat fluttered faster again and for a moment she couldn't break his stare. Could she picture it? The smaller female turned her eyes back to the landscape per his suggestion, once more following the tops of the sunlit trees and the snowy mountains. Could she see children here, their children; running through the trees and playing in the springs? The imagery seemed to sweep her away with his gentle voice filling the background.

“...It means nothing if you don't want it too...” She parted with the fantasy to find his reassuring blue eyes. That icy color had come to bring her so much warmth. A sealed smile broke wide across Raela's face at his mention of the 'jumping and things,' but it faded as he became ever so serious. He was ready, but it was all up to her. In the next breath the woman's eyes flicked away, her mind now thoroughly saddled with the problem. There was no use badgering him further as to whether or not he was truly prepared; the man had handled Minka's litter quite well until all hell had broken loose, and past that point she could blame no one but them.

No, she didn't doubt his capabilities one bit, and she doubted even less his quality as a mate. No, her insecurities laid where they always had – within. Would she be able to stick to all the mandates she had set for herself? Would it truly work? How could she keep this anxious, inwardly critical personality from passing on and hindering the lives she forced into the world? Was such a thing even possible? She wanted it to be... And aside from that, what of the physical dangers? What of the pain, the potential for wrong... what if the pups didn't all make it... what if...  

Her eyes had grown wide with the anxiety, and she was staring into space. Somehow, something dragged her back to the moment. Did she want to have her own puppies? Well, perhaps she did, but with all the uncertainty swirling around in her brain it was difficult to be sure. Raela's eyes swept upward, fixating on Gent once more and her mouth opened to speak, to voice some kind of apprehension but it died in her throat. Right then, looking at him, what she absolutely could not deny was that she did want to have his pups. The realization clicked and she was breathless. Different words came instead. "I- ...I guess I'm just nervous," the woman breathed with a tentative grin. "You know how I worry."