The charcoal colored man could sense the storm long before he could see it. The day had grown into a miserable hot one. There was moisture thick in the air, clogging his nostrils, clinging to his coat. A sure sign the clouds would gather. But, it put him out of sorts to go from freezing to burning he could barely stand to walk the perimeter of home without pausing in the shade of the oak trees for temporary relief. Onward he trotted, stopping in the stream till on the final leg of his patrol.

Soon afternoon came, orange eyes fell to the distant horizon. It was foreboding of what to come with its black, and cobalt colors. He was neither displeased nor entirely happy by the warning. The Tainn was not exactly fond of thunderstorms, but he really was hopeful that it would rain. Just a gentle shower to cool, and keep the waters full.

Turning toward home, a cool breeze followed the guardian now leader, and a clap of thunder rolled across the lands. Triangle ears turned, thinking he could hear the rain in the distance. He did not pause to look back. The open glade and stone markings of the den came to view, and he let out a bark for his arrival in case any should wonder where he was. Then as another low rumble of thunder began he settled himself beneath the great oak tree to watch what may happen.

The darkening clouds were on a desperate race to erase all the blue and remaining light. Zera was almost another fleeting shadow to his eye, but it was the way she moved that caught his special attention. It was to him, and his perch she was making her way if there was nothing to hold her back. The man fondly smiled because she did not seem shaken by the storm but awakened. What did she have to fear of the rain, the rumble, and the lights that crossed the sky? Nothing really, and Triell wanted to keep it that way. While one day he may tell the tale of fire and smoke,the history of the Tainns, that was a story for older ears he decided. One day he would take them to the Wildwood, to Swift River. As hard as it may be to find the fine line between keeping children safe and overriding them with information that was more harmful than good, why place fears that did not exist in their heads? Worries, and torments they may not need suffer. Children shouldn't have to live their life that way. There was plenty of time for those black truths to show themselves, and the later the better.

So the closer she came his dark facade became thoughtful, watching each quickened step. It was not a far trip for long legs, but her stature didn't seem to affect her spirit. She seemed so grown up already from the tiny bundle she had been. He knew she changed before his eyes. Once their gaze met his copper irises still remained bright, seeing a spark of his own wonderment reflecting back at him. It wasn't the first time he saw himself in her, the same curiosity he had of the world. The questions that bubbled, and ideas that formed. Triell wasn't sure if he should fear this trait or celebrate it. What he was sure he was going to enjoy her company. Zera and Darrah may bring new fears, but they brought more happiness to the Bend. It needed it so.

"Hello sweetheart," he rumbled back, taking the time to softly touch his nose to the crown of her onyx colored head. "You going to sit out in the storm with the rain King?" It seemed a silly thing to ask, what other reason could she have come? It was unlikely she would say no. Was there ever an adventure Zera Tainn would turn down? "Mom, knows you're here with me, right?" He queried, trying to master a more serious face to be certain she would tell him.