Well, her mini adventure had been sort of fun and sort of productive all the same. Though she was quite literally searching for Rhysis to have a few words with him before their world burned to dust, she'd managed to stumble upon his mate and pack mates instead. They were a bubbly bunch, the lady gang of the pack whose name she didn't know, and while she left Lost Lake with some of what she'd wanted, information, what she wanted far worse now was home and Ruiko, though she had the distinct feeling she'd be scolded for her near irresponsible actions. By no means had she intended her day trip to turn to a few-days trip, an absence that couldn't have possibly gone unnoticed, but here she was, trekking through the wild in obvious explorer fashion. The landscape wasn't one she'd ever seen before, but it was very scenic and with an array of wonderful new sights and smells, which was absolutely refreshing. Her original plan was just to back track her way home, which she believed she was more than capable of doing, but as she made her way she knew eventually that this was not the way she'd come. The tall trees obscured her view of the mountains that were supposed to be her guiding light - if she could follow them she'd be home in no time - and eventually they were no where to be found. What in the hell had she gotten herself into now? Daylight had faded, and, being the bold, fearless hunter that she was, she was now utterly afraid and alone in the dark. The sounds that echoed in the black background of the forest were eerie, and at times she would jump ten feet from the ground, scared by the twigs and things she trampled with her own, rather large paws. How creepy. And just when it seemed things couldn't get any worse, she'd managed to find a trail that had some familiarity...because it was her own. Oh no! She'd been here before! She was walking in circles, how was this possible?! Childlike, honey colored eyes would squeeze tightly together as her head dropped defeatedly. She was starving, as usual, alone, and now she was lost and far from home. There was no hope to be found, and she needed rest. Finding a thick patch of roughage she thought would hide her enough, the Tainn nestled herself in for the night, laying her head upon her paws are she stared sleeplessly into the strange darkness.

Aside from the spectrum of creepy novel sounds here, Aeylen did have one thing to keep her mind off of her fears - an angry stomach, which scolded her every time she'd nearly fallen asleep. So now she was not only lost and hungry, but exhausted as well. Shifting to give the growing, fidgity kids more space (which they now apparently couldn't get enough of), the tawny wolf rolled to her side like a baloon with legs, stretching her neck and laying her wide head on softer, healthy vegetation that wouldn't poke her eye. Snorting in a deep breath, her eyelids would flutter shut as she licked the dryness from her lips and mouth.

To her abrupt horror, however, the sound of paws crunching closer was unmistakable. Was she being followed? Was it even another wolf, or something looking to make a meal of her? Would the being know how to get her the hell out of here? Not wanting to budge even an inch, or perhaps paralyzed by her fears, she froze with her wide eyes staring upward as she listened closely.

The footsteps were coming closer and closer...In a moment of near panic, knowing if needed she would have to protect the life in her womb, she shot up, rolling to her side and anchoring her weight on her right elbow.

"Are you afraid? Followed?"

With a reactive gasp her eyes narrowed upon the ghostly figure who had managed to get closer than she'd guaged. A wolf, thank goodness, who seemingly didn't have eating her alive on his immediate list of priorities. Relief did not wash over her, however, until she recognized what she knew to be the scent of the River wolves - family, though this man didn't share Ruiko's stature or features. Really, the only time she'd encountered her in-laws was when she and her mate had come to collect Volkan and...Kinis, but she was glad to know that maybe she wasn't quite as lost as she'd imagined.

"Both," she whimpered fragily. She would have liked to have made a greater impression, but how could she now? She was worn, physically and mentally. Gracelessly she rose from her not-so-hidden hiding spot, amber eyes falling upon the man she hoped would help her get out of here, or at least not harm her or her kids. "...Afraid - I don't believe I've been followed..." she corrected, believing he'd been the only one to know she was here. Should she offer her name? She didn't have much choice, whether he was here to help or hinder, or do nothing.

"Aeylen Tainn..." she spoke softly, still like a true emotional rollercoaster. "I am trying to find my way - home - but I..." Have failed miserably. Her wet gaze pleaded with the man.

The disapproval written across his face reminded her of her father. While she was in a compromised position, she needed no one's permission, it was her own business, and for a moment her hormones inclined her to abandon civility. But that would be a silly notion, as she was at the mercy of her own folly, now, with he as the knight in shining armor.

Ice was his name, and one she would not forget. As he commented on her homestead and its location to the north, she simply nodded, looking him over curiously as he avoided her gaze respectfully. It was after a gentle nudge and a few steps on part of her near-savior that the regal shewolf followed the cream-coated male's lead.

"What brings you out here?" he questioned of her before mentioning that he would willingly stop with her, should she require rest. A soft grin would form upon her drying mask at the notion and mention of hungry predators, but stamina was her forte, and even in her state, the man had instilled enough hope within her to keep her going. All she wanted was to get home, and she would stop at nothing. With a pateint flicker of her plume, her reply was firm. "I have been in search of someone I've yet to find. The trek took me further than I'd intended." She would leave it at that. Her lack of knowledge of the terrain to the south had been her downfall, and as the words were spoken she silently scolded herself. The situation as a whole was playing on the frayed terminals of her nerves as she let the silence resound for some time, taking note of the adept ways of his navigation.

"Thank you." Appreciation was the least she owed her travelling companion, but the words were so very genuine. Perhaps there would be an opportunity in the future for her debt to be repaid.