Broken Timber Pines set that viking ship ablaze

For @Eirian || RE: Winter makes a comeback! A cold snap drops a dusting of snow across Relic Lore, killing early spring flowers

He was out scouting the lands. Despite being here for a bit with Astrid there was still so much the duo hadn't seen yet. Granted the real reason Mathuin struck out alone today was because he wanted to do more serious things without Astrid yipping about him getting gray. Well, as she said "getting more gray than you already are". He was out on the hunt for a better place to stay and maybe a herd to follow. With the sudden cold snap, almost like the one he had met his honey friend in, he wasn't sure he'd find a herd or even a trail. A dusting of snow took over the timbers where mostly slush had been.

His baths became less frequent as the smell of skunk wore off. Which meant it was safe for him to try and find a home not so close to the river, even if Astrid's dream had been a big cave by the river with cattails. It still made him chuckle just thinking about it. He loved her creative mind and spunk but the idea of building a pack when he had been in search of freedom was a bit too much. Mathuin would still help, though. Even if it meant he ran into the wild once things were finished.

It had become blatantly obvious his presence was no longer enjoyed nor needed with each passing day and the gradual swelling of Asha's abdomen, her mood swings another sign that it was best to let the mother of his future children go her own way for some time. By no means did the copper male have plans of abandoning the woman nor the lives growing within her womb, but Eirian was not a man that would tolerate uncalled for attempts at biting his head off be it hormone induced or not. So it was decided they would go separate ways so his paws could meander wherever they pleased until she was ready to pop, a promise made to check back in every couple days or so. Thus creamy limbs now trudged through the newest layer of god awful snow that had fallen overnight and killed what spring flowers and bits of new growth believed they had a chance of growing in this place, unaware that his paws were subconsciously guiding him back to lands he never gave a second thought about visiting again.

There was no mistaking the faint sound of constant waterfall splattering against rocks in the distance, a  telltale sign as to where his limbs had managed to eventually carry him and a couple various memories fluttered across the front of his mind. From the wolf pack he helped lead and destroy to the fight he had lost to a filthy mutt. A swift snort dismissed the latter, the Asurn's pride still recovering from the damage that had been done that snowy day. Never again would he allow himself to be bested by such an unworthy, disgusting creature. He would train, build upon the foundation he already had and work out the kinks that had been his downfall until he could find that old brute again before death came calling for him. Shove that smug face into the dirt where it rightfully belongs and force mercy to leave that wicked tongue.

Alas, today would not be used to propel himself closer to that goal. Thirst was beginning to burn against the man's throat and the sound of splattering water began to take on a siren's song, luring the copper male closer to its rocky shores. Brilliant hues of charcoal and russet stood out starkly against the world thrown back into a monochrome state, snow-dusted timbers zigged and zagged between while paws followed the familiar trail towards Secret Falls as if Eirian had never left the ash riddled graveyard of Broken Timber Pines. Reaching the edge of the frigid, but not quite frozen over water he lowered his head to allow the length of his salmon tongue to lap at the cool liquid and bring it down his throat, quenching the thirst that consumed him. Unaware he wasn't alone in these woods.

Sorry for the wait! @Eirian

Slowly he was sucked out of his trance like state. The smell of someone who wasn't Astrid seemed to drift along. Curiosity always got the best of him and perhaps one day it would do him in. Mathuin never worried though because Astrid never seemed too far. Surely if he ever got into trouble she would come to his rescue. Well maybe not rescue but surely she'd show up.

The large male moved along easily. He had grown accustomed to this place. It was a mini-home to him for now. Mathuin wouldn't mind staying here for a good while but Astrid wanted a different place. A cave, river, and cattails. This was not this place but it seemed just as nice. Trees both standing and fallen, water source, places to explore. It was most of the things that the large yearling could have asked for.

A russet figure came into view, drinking from the water. Mathuin couldn't say it was much of a shock as that was how he found most visitors. "Hey there." He smiled softly and his tail swayed slowly behind him. "You lost?" It was a question the Whitebark commonly asked to those who appeared from nowhere. Usually, each response was a bit different from the last so he had to wonder what the reddish male would offer.

Astrid & Mathuin
The Adventuring Peanuts

Sorry for the wait and here is a rude dude for ya xD

Thirst quenched, a quick stretch was made and his salmon tongued rolled out between parted jaws while he yawned. A swift shake of his pelt ridding the hitchhiking flakes of snow that had managed to brush off from the trunks of timbers he passed on his leisurely stroll back to familiar stomping grounds. Soon, though, a stranger's voice broke the tranquil silence; spare the constant sound of the fall splashing against the rocky pool at its base, and questioned if Eirian was a lost soul wandering these parts. He couldn't help but snort at the idea, citrus gaze momentarily taking in the large frame of this dark coated boy before removing it in a clear sign of disinterest.

"Fuck off, kid. I got nothing for you." Was the only monotone bit of engagement Eirian offered the stranger before the faint overlay of shadow upon a set of rabbit tracks acquired the copper male's full attention. Stomach rumbling at the prospect of scoring a fresh meal for a change instead of picking at the remains of another's kill and other various carcasses he managed to come across on his travels. And by no means was he going to share his food with whoever the fuck this stranger was if he didn't get the message and decided to stick around.