He’d originally planned to head back south down the other side of the mountains, exploring the lands where he’d first cultivated his adventurousness; Leaving home way too early, to track down his foster sister. Not even a yearling, many might say he’d been much too young for such a journey, and in some respects, the Captain agreed, but looking back, he wouldn’t have changed his actions, even if he never succeeded in finding Bennet.

Still, when he had reached the spot where the western edge of Turtleback Lake tapered off, to form the outrunner that would eventually become Windsong Fjord, something had kept him from making the turn. Despite what he would generally consider pleasant childhood memories, he seemed to hold some aversion towards crossing to the other side of Serpents Pass. At first, he hadn’t thought much of it, simply walking on, figuring he’d visit the former lands of Driftwood Surge and then cross the mountains from there. But again, once he got to the turning, something drew him back down into the Vale.

Like any seasoned pirate, Kyrios knew to trust his gut and didn’t test the waters further, returning to his route along the creek, winding its way south. It had been about a day since, with no significant happenings to satisfy his thirst for adventure. That’s when he heard the low voices, barely audible over the bubbling of the brook, but enough to catch the rogue’s attention, ears twisting in their direction as he paused mid-step; They sound young… His curiosity thoroughly peaked, Kyrios stepped away from the creek, moving slowly to avoid startling the pups as he pushed through the undergrowth.

And there they were, one pale, the other dark, clearly from this spring and far too young to be out on their own. Glancing around and sniffing the air to confirm that the kids were indeed alone, the pale man kept his voice soft and slow; “Well, hello there.”

They were definitely too young! Sticking close together, appearing much too small for the world around them, the darker boy cowered at Kyrios’ sudden appearance. The girl, meanwhile, boldly stood over her comrade, challenging the stranger like the size difference didn’t exist; Brave lass!

Trying his best not to scare the pups any further, Kyrios smiled softly, lowering himself slowly to the ground to be on their eye level. Breathing slowly, he studied their scent, noting the marks of many different adults, though still, he could smell anyone nearby. The hint of a frown creased his brow, golden eyes sweeping the clearing, looking for any signs of danger; Why are they out here? He didn’t like it one bit, and despite the boy’s anxious plea, he wasn’t about to leave them alone.

Talking slowly and keeping his voice low, The Captain made every attempt to appear friendly as he addressed the kids; “S’ry lil’ ones, A’ did nay mean t’ scare ye. A’m Kyrios.” Golden eyes focused on the girl as he answered her question, not wanting to make the boy feel any more threatened if he could help it. ”Are ye out ‘ere all ‘lone? Are ye lost?” Even if their parents were right around the corner, Kyrios wouldn’t feel right about leaving them until he was sure they were safe in someone else’s care.

The pups’ obvious fear only strengthened Kyrios’ resolve to look after them, although, clearly, they weren’t at all interested in that prospect. Despite his attempt at appearing friendly, the boy remained flush to the ground, his trembling shout making the Captain’s ears flatten back protectively; the shrill ring of obvious lie would have been comical, if it hadn’t been for the utter terror on the pups face. His sister maintained her defensive stance, bravely countering Kyrios’ question while maintaining eye contact.

Her gumption made him smile wryly, flipping his ears back forward while he maintained his low position, staying eye to eye with the girl. “Well tha’s good,” he answered pleasantly, keeping his attention on the lass in an attempt not to further frighten the boy; “Would ye mind showin’ me where ye live? A’d like t’ introduce meself rightly.” It wasn’t a lie either, if there was a new pack around here, he would like to learn more about it – Maybe they know something about where everyone went – and of course, at the same time, he’d make sure the little ones made it home safely.