She'd thought that her restlessness would start to recede after that day, with Miccah; The mere thought of it still sent delicious waves of heat rushing through her. But rather than feeling contended, the petite woman found herself growing ever more uneasy, even having trouble sleeping at night. Instead she began to wonder, combing through every inch of the thickets, and, once she knew it all by heart, the lands beyond. She wasn't especially seeking out anything, but her heart drew her to the blackberry fields several times, and while the brambly bushes were still naked, she could spend hours sniffing around the roots, feeling more homesick than she ever had before. This was her own personal secret, she didn't want to worry or hurt her husband, so she kept the feelings to herself, taking them with her on her long walks. It wasn't that she wanted to go back home, she didn't even know what things were like there after all these years, her mother was likely dead, maybe her father too… And she had a good life here. Perhaps that was why she was thinking so much of her own childhood home, she was starting a family of her own now, and she longed for her parents' support and approval; But there's no use dreaming… And yet she did, because she was the reaming sort.

This night, she had woken up after a short, restless sleep, feeling the urge to stretch her legs. Shifting carefully, not to disturb the others in the den, she slipped free of the warm bodies, creeping out into the night. A butterfly-light kiss was planted on her mate's forehead as she passed him, then she was out in the cool spring night. Her well-trained legs slipped easily into a swift trot, slender frame maneuvering, as if on its own, through the thicket. She had to enjoy that ease while she had it she supposed; I won't stay slim for much longer..! The thought brought a smile to her face. Even if she missed her parents and siblings, she was so very happy, with the family she had already found in Secret Woodlands, and the one she and Miccah were creating.

It didn't take long for her to reach the edges of the dense forest and sip out into the fields, the ghostly-faint scent of blackberries bidding her welcome. She stood still there, at the edge, savoring the clear, open air and its whispers of home. But then she noticed another scent on the wind, one that felt just as familiar as the bushes, and yet she couldn't quite place it. With a jolt she was in motion once more, trailing the smell into the cherry orchard, brows furrowed as she tried to identify it. It was wolf, so much she could quickly tell, but who? Someone she knew obviously! From home? No, it can't be..! The large tree, towering above the rest came into her view; At present it was still as naked as the rest, but in her mind's eye she saw it in its full, rosy prime. She'd been there a few times, most notably with…

Just as her copper gaze fell on the form, lying on the snow beneath the tree, she realized who it was she'd been trailing. Her mouth fell open, all the air leaving her lungs in a surprised huff and she froze in place. It seemed to good to be true, or to painful at least; But why would I imagine it? In a slightly shaky voice, hoarse after many hours without use, she called out, body trembling in anticipation; "Rayne?!"

Was it really him? Maybe she was mistaken, her fatigue building illusions in the midnight-dimness. But he hadn't been in her mind, even shortly, for months, where would this image have come from? The delicate shewolf remained frozen, holding her breath as silent moments passed. It could have been hours, or just seconds before he reacted, a ragged voice answering with her own name; Then it IS him! Despite the hoarseness, she recognized the voice. Though as he stood, her brows rose, mouth and eyes widening at the sight of his bedraggled form. The russet fur was matt and unkempt, spiking out in odd directions over clearly visible bones, his sunset eyes sunken deep in his skull. But it was him, as their eyes met he smiled, and there was no doubt left, his whole face lit up and all the shadows lifted, he was the Rayne she remembered. But it lasted only a second, then his expression fell back into despair, sending a stab through Aideen's heart.

His rugged voice sounded again, his anguish reflected on the rusty lass' face as she listened, ears flattening back. The apology reminded her of the pain he had caused, the desperate anger she had felt at his disappearance. ABANDONER! A cold voice rung out in her head, making her flinch. It was true, he had left them, run off without word. No explanation, not even a goodbye, just gone, like the others, Hollow; And COAL! And like them, she had resolved to hate him. But looking at him now, back before her and so clearly miserable, she couldn't keep to that. She wasn't one for hatred, she was a healer and the sight of anyone in need made her want to help them, especially an old friend. So when he begged her, she did not hesitate, but ran swiftly up the hill, closing the distance between them.

Her body extended to curl around his, feeling so fragile under her gentle touch, despite the vast difference in size. Tears welled up in her bright coppers, her heart lurching as she felt him tremble against her. "I could never hate you." She murmured into his pelt, allowing herself a moment to simply hold him, assuring herself that he really was here. Then she pulled back a little to look him over, meeting his shadowed eyes. "What happened to you?" She asked, voice still soft but with a hint of demanding. She wanted to know how he had come to this, half dead and alone, and why he had left her in the first place.

She saw the glitter of wetness on his face before he crumbled, burying it in his paws. Her heart lurched, remembering the bubbly young man who had been her first friend in these lands. Seeing him like this made her ache. The years had changed both of them, but it looked like they had been a lot harder on the russet man. His eyes were dry when they returned to her face, but he was still shaking, breathing heavily in an attempt to steady himself. She wanted to reach for him, to wrap him back in her embrace and bring him back to the Woodlands where he could rest and grow strong again. But then he was talking, explaining as she had asked, and she stayed put, listening quietly. It wasn't long before she wanted to interrupt, assure him she would have never have turned him away for following his heart; And smack him up the head for thinking as much. But she held her tongue, continuing to listen as the tale went on.

Her mouth dropped open slightly as he spoke of the storm, and she wondered if it was the same that had whisked her away to the north. In a manner reminiscent of her own, his speech grew rushed the longer he spoke, pushing to get out all the words as quickly as possible. Copper eyes grew wide and soft at his story, drifting to his scared leg as he lifted it. She remembered that day, finding him battered and broken and desperately trying to save his leg. It had healed up nicely, considering the damage, a slight limp was a small price. But apparently others hadn't thought so. She could see the bitterness and hurt on his face as he mentioned all those who had turned him down, the dejected tone making her heart bleed. While she looked at him with pity and pain though, a flame of anger lit up in her eyes; How could they?! Rayne had come to their borders in need of aid and they had brushed him off, refused him; RAYNE! Who she knew to be strong and honorable, a wolf worth ten of their caliber, but they had denied it, hadn't even seen beyond his injury!

Aideen's lips tightened into a slim line, copper eyes glowing. She stared at her old friend for a while, gaze unreadable. Then she reached out a creamy paw and bumped against his skull, hard enough to be felt, though not really a slap. "Don't talk like that!" She snapped, glaring at him for a moment, then a soft smile broke through her stern expression; "You're coming home with me, I'll make sure you live a good while yet!" Despite the harshness of her words, her eyes were warm, the smile on her lips full of love. She lowered her muzzle to brush briefly against his, hovering her eyes just in front of his orange's, voice softer now as she continued: "I'll never stop being your friend Rayne. I would have understood you wanting to be with the woman you love." She paused, letting the weight in those words sink in. Heaven knew she was truer to her heart than anything else, and she could never blame someone else for the same; "But what's done is done, there's no need to dwell in the past." She bumped his muzzle again, softly, then waited for his response; I'll take care of you!

She smiled contently, nodding along as he eagerly swore to carry his weight; She had no doubt. When he asked about Secret Woodlands she beamed, answering his question with yet another nod. Rayne had shown his capabilities to her, despite his missteps, she had no quarrels letting him back into the pack. Despite his current state, he was still strong, and she knew he was resilient, with her and Nina's care, she was sure he'd get back in working shape quickly. Just as she thought of Nina, the russet man mentioned her, asking about the pack leadership. Her smile turned jaunty, a playful glint in her coppers as they met his fiery orange's; "I'm alright with it!" She proclaimed, smile growing into a full on grin as she continued: "And that's all you need. I'm queen of the Woodlands now." She watched excitedly for his reaction, head titled slightly, her whole face alight with joy at the chance to shock him. Her tail flicked pleasantly, ears following suite, eyes remaining trained on her friend. She was so happy to see him again, warmth filling her at the idea of having him as pack mate once more; Everything is so… GREAT!

Thinking of the rest of her pack though, she did purse her lips, voice more thoughtful as she added: "@Miccah might take some convincing, but I'll handle that." Her mate was proud, but he knew as well as anyone how useful an extra set of paws would be, especially now. Aideen's expression grew foxy, her eyelids falling to half-cover her eyes as she shifted lightly in her seat, brushing a paw against her belly. It was still too soon to tell for sure, but her heat had subsided, which she knew to be a good sign, and she had a good feeling; Though that might just be hope… Still she smiled, eyes twinkling as she looked back at Rayne. "We can make good use of you, even while you rebuild your strength. The pack has a couple soon-to-be yearlings, but an adult eye is always appreciated, and you can help teach when Miccah and I need to take care of our leader duties." She spoke swiftly in a light tone, smile wide an joyful, having her old friend to help keep an eye on the little ones would add an extra layer of peace to her mind.

His expression almost made her giggle, though she succeeded in suppressing the laughter in her voice, even as it shone clearly in her warm coppers. His surprise quickly gave way for excitement, her heart warming at his good wishes. She was so fully and honestly happy with all that was happening in her life, Rayne's return was yet another thing to add to that list, and having his support would only further her joy. She released the laughter she'd been holding in when he stumbled to express his surprise, a clear, bubbly grin that rung loud among the cherry trees. With a light shake of her head she dismissed his attempt to retract; "Me neither!" She assured him, her giggle slowly fading; "But the last year has been particularly rough, on all of us, but Nina especially. She decided the best thing, for both her and Secret Woodlands, was to step down. And with Miccah as male leader…" She trailed off, blushing under her white cheek-fur, for the first time turning her eyes down. One leg rubbed against the other awkwardly, her ears twitching as she tried to find a way to put it. It wasn't like her and Rayne had ever been more than close friends, their feelings had always been mutually platonic, but still she struggled to phrase her relationship with the former guardian, now king.

Finally her eyes returned to the bony lad, a tone of shyness now in her soft, warm smile; "Well, he and I grew very close over the past year, and we became mates last fall." She left the statement hanging in the air, it was easy enough to connect the dots. Besides, her husband was a private man, and she didn't see any need to discuss the details of her connection with him. Suffice to say that he was leading by her side, and they were devoted to one another. Meanwhile, Rayne had agreed to her suggestion, his continued assurance of loyalty turning her smile overbearing. She understood him though, she knew how bad he felt for his previous let-downs, and how important their friendship was to him. So she nodded, again lifting a paw, though this time she pleased it gently on his shoulder; "And that's all I can ask. Now come, let's go home." It might take a while for Miccah to trust the russet male again, especially with his weak state, but she was certain Rayne could convince him of his loyalty; He'll come around.