Autumn was coming to a close, and November's full moon marked the end of of the wolfskin calendar. Though the tribe acknowledged and often did most of their business in relation to human calendar, their own practice was still upheld for the sake of tradition and culture. For wolfskins, the beginning of winter marked the beginning of a New Year, and the final full moon of autumn was to be a large celebration. There was to be fighting, races, games of all sorts as well as the traditional passover for those who would be coming of age into adulthood in the new year. Then it'd close out with a collective loud howl at the moon and a big feast! Traditionally...every food was some kind of animal, torn asunder by the pack and devoured raw. It was Keaton's favorite part of the celebration, BUT...this year could be a bit troublesome.

He looked back behind him as they were hiking along the rocky cliffs of the mountain side, a dreading uncertainty weighing on his shoulders. It was unheard of to bring outside guests to the formal wolfskin New Year such as this, but...Niles as well as the rest of the army had insisted someone go with him in the event he'd be unable to find his way back. Yes, Keaton was the tribe leader, but that, in many cases, made it far worse. Anything he declared was law. Still, he had to set an example, and was expected to uphold tradition as much as possible. How exactly was he going to explain why he had invited a human home for the holidays without embarrassing himself, or make a mockery of the ceremony? What was he to do? Introduce Niles as his personal escort? His human servant? Tonight's dessert?

It wasn't like Niles stood a chance in even being able to participate in the games or the feast. Humans couldn't eat raw meat or hold their own against even a premature cub in a race, let alone a playful brawl. What's more, Keaton knew Niles wasn't the best at being well behaved, even more so around strangers. The last thing he wanted was for his friend to say or do anything that would greatly offend the tribe. Everything just looked bad. Had they sent anyone else, Benny or Kaden, someone would have been more suited for this kind of situation, Keaton would have been much less worried.

No doubt the other tribe members could already smell both their presence on the mountain….

He shuddered at the thought, already visualizing the elders glaring at him once they would reach the village gate.

"You know...it's not too late to turn back if you want," he stated awkwardly. Keaton's eyes sank, really hoping Niles would change his mind if he gave him enough of an opportunity. "I should be able to make my way back just fine. I'll just follow your scent; should still be fresh come tomorrow morning, really!"

Niles was keeping his eye on the rocky ridges, minding his step instead of focusing on the man in front him. He moved slowly, but gracefully, watching where he placed his footing. A stone slipped, and he watched as it tumble down along the cliffside. Teeth were gritted together as he hissed, leaning back as best he could before continuing to shimmy along. "Going back alone could be dangerous, don't you think? Besides, it was Corrin's orders that I escort you here, and back."

Actually he had volunteered for the job. Anyone was asked to do it. He had just been the first to agree to it, but that little detail wasn't all that important, he figured.

It was no use. Keaton knew Niles wasn't going to back down and leave right away. Furthermore, they were so close that he was certain everyone was aware that Niles was on the mountain. If he were to leave alone a scouting party could make chase and lead to possible tragedy. The more he thought about it...the more it became conclusive that he was damned no matter what was decided on. He sighed as he continued on, reaching the clearing and final stretch to the mountain summit. Keaton reached out his hand for the other to take, to tug him along and away from danger.

Niles took hold...and didn't let go, even when they were finally away from the cliffs. He just kept walking along, beside Keaton, keeping hold around his palm. After a moment of waiting for any struggle and receiving none it was clear that Keaton didn't mind this sort of treatment. There was no attempt to tug his hand away or to shake him off. Was he just that used to Niles that he no longer made resistance? Where was the fun in all this, now? "Say Keaton, can you...remove your glove?" he begged calmly after giving the other's hand a soft squeeze.

He furrowed his brows together as he glanced over at Niles, and then down to their hands still together. What was he planning? "Wouldn't my claws poke you? I wear my gloves to not hurt anyone unless I want to."

"It will be fine. What is a tiny poke between friends?"

Keaton remained silent, scanning Niles as the walked. His natural instinct said that the archer had some sort of ulterior motive behind this, but...he couldn't fathom what it possibly could be. There was still much hesitation to do as asked, but with another heavy sigh, Keaton shook his hand loose. The thumb of his left hand was already tucked under the fabric on his right hand, ready tug it off, but then he had a clever idea. "Only if you remove your eyepatch."

"Very well. I see no reason why not!" Niles motioned to do the same and without any hesitation, he slipped off the protective piece, yet kept his eyelid shut tight for a moment. The cool mountain air kissed the sensitive kiss with delight. Tiny blinks were made every few seconds, him smiling all the while, even "winking" in Keaton's direction with it. Such treatment earned a small wince from him, followed by Keaton staring right at him, quickly calming down and then resuming normal behavior. Niles watched as the wolf pulled off his own glove and their hands quickly rejoined. Each other's skin was cold, but together a warmth would soon form.

"Ah, it's nice to air out my socket once in a while. Not too windy, either. It actually feels good," Niles exclaimed, pleased as punch. "Speaking of a long time, it's certainly been a while without you here to guide your tribe. Have you missed them at all? Aren't you excited to finally be back home for a night, at least?"

They were entering wolfskin home grounds now. Tho they technically owned the entire mountain range, humans had permission and free passage across a multitude of trails...except one. The route (and most of its surround terrain) that provided the otherwise fastest and easiest travel between Nohr and Hoshido territory was claimed by the wolfskin tribe. The laws of man held no control of what happened here. Neigh, most spotted beyond this point were killed on sight without question unless Keaton himself happened to be in a good mood. That was made clear when the further they hiked the sharper the inclimb of the amount of litter there was about the mountain grounds. Human bones were all about, covered in rot, mold, and fungi of all kinds among swarms of bugs picking today's meal off whatever remained.

"Yeah...it's great to be home." His voice, and the look on his face expressed anything but contentment. The second they crossed into his territory he wanted to demand Niles leave. On any other day Keaton would be smiling from ear to ear, even jump into a pile of bones and splash about, crush the most intact one he could find with his bare hands, laugh as it cracked, and watch in amazement as the crust of dry bone marrow sprinkled out of the insides. He'd be rolling around among the bugs in the dirt and chewing on a random appendage he'd find laying about, no doubt a kill the tribe had managed from only a few days ago. This moment should have been as carefree as possible, him feeling like he was shedding his skin and being rejuvenated with life, like he was a child all over again, but...now it was different.

Today he had a human friend with him that he was tugging along through a graveyard, built on rage and blood. Keaton just peaked over at Niles, wondering what could possibly be going through his head as they continued on. It wasn't hard for him to guess, given the frown on his face, the slow pace he insisted on walking at, and his one free hand tucking itself away in his cloak. Keaton couldn't see where it was, but it wasn't hard for him to determine that Niles was most likely stroking the hilt of the knife he'd normally have hidden along his thigh. For the first time in his entire life, Keaton was ashamed of himself.

"You certainly know how to decorate," Niles finally said after a moment. His voice was...oddly calm despite the grim environment. In fact, it almost sounded cheerful. He grinned over at Keaton and laughed in his throat before leering at him. A half destroyed skull was in his path, to which Niles was more than delighted to kick up with his feet and catch in the middle of the air with his one free hand. "Using the corpses of your enemies to ward off intruders? How clever. Perhaps the army could do the same to scare away spies from entering the camp!" He tossed it back into the assorted rumble all about.

Keaton slowed their pace to a halt. "Niles...it's almost nightfall." He appreciated the other's front but he could tell when someone was faking, that he was uncomfortable. "It's best that you just leave. I- I'll guide you back to neutral territory and you can make your way back down from there. I can find my own way back without you! I'll…" he had to pause to try and think of a decent excuse, but also to try and calm down. His voice was giving away too much of his concern, his panic. "I'll get to try out that star trick ya taught me about forever ago! Just follow the center star, was it? That's easy! Hell, I'll probably beat the army to the next checkpoint, even! Just you wait 'an see. Why, how about we turn around and get movin' an' you jus- h- HEY!"

"Now why on earth would we do that?" Niles said as he tugged on the tip of Keaton's ear. The mood had shifted. Now, the archer was angry but still concealing it, presenting it with a smile and a tight grip, painfully digging his nail in a sensitive sweet spot on the other. "If I didn't know better I'd say you didn't want me to come here at all, that you were ashamed of the fact that I volunteered to escort you up here and wanted to see my dear friend's home! That certainly MUST just be my imagination running wild, now, isn't it?"

Silence.

"Keaton! I'm going to ask you a very fair question, one that I think even a simple mut such as yourself will be more than intelligent enough to answer!" With that, he released him, separating their bodies complete. No hand contact, no painful ear lock. "Who were these people?"

"Hunters! Fur traders!" Keaton snapped- no, barked at Niles. His jaw unhinged and throat opened wide enough for his words to come out with a snarl, tips of his fangs baring past his lips. He growled for a moment until he was able to regain control of his temper.

"Then why would you fear me being here? I am no fur trader. I am your friend!"

Again...there was silence.

Keaton was unsure how to respond to this, to Niles being so angry yet so demanding that everything was fine. Was it really? What kind of answer was he supposed to give the other? For a split second the idea of just demanding the other to leave crossed his mind. Afterall, they were in his land, now. What he said was law and all he'd have to do was demand the other away and the archer would have to obey. Better yet, he could demand that other wolfskins escort him down the mountain, see that he not to be harmed. Yet...he remained silent, slow cooking in his own steam.

Why was Niles always so controlling, so insisting, so invasive of other's personal lives? It was infuriating right now, as tho this man's only intention of any relation was the find ways to humiliate everyone around him, probably only to make himself feel better about his own terrible life. That must have been it; Niles only did this to distract others from his own misdeeds, and now Keaton was just another person checked off on his list.

Red eyes flared with rage, watching Niles as he...went over to dig through a pile of bones? Wait, what? What was he doing? Keaton peered his eyes, squinting at Niles, watching him carefully in the event that he'd try and pull something and slip away, that was until the archer sent the same half destroyed skull from earlier flying through the air at him, laughing all the while. Keaton's immediate response? He jumped to strike it back with his heel, send it whizzing against the rocky terrain and shatter.

Niles continued his laughter from earlier. "How fun. I can't say I've ever played kickball with a skull, before."

They had both calmed down slightly, but...the conversation was far from over. Niles was the first to take a much needed deep breath before stepping close to Keaton once more and continue their walk, much slower than before. "Keaton, you've nothing to be ashamed of. I promise."

"I...I know that. I was jus' testin' ya, was all. Been plenty a' times when humans come up here and get all freaked out and run back down the mountain with their tail between their legs- or, would if they had any tail, that is!"

"If only humans could be so easily turned away from each other. We'll have to put you in charge of night watch more often if it works so well here. Corrin might ask you to redo the entire camp's security after we report back to him tomorrow." Niles waited a moment between his little joke to address the matter more seriously, thinking carefully in what order to convey all his thoughts.

Keaton just huffed, but tried to smile back before turning his attention on the mountain trail ahead of them. "Ain't no way Corrin would approve of this. It'd scare too many people. 'Sides, everyone always complains about me being all raggedy and gross. Imagine Subaki demanding every bone to be bleached white and air freshened or somethin' like that!"

"True, most would be annoyed and revolted by such, but I don't mind."

"Huh?!" Keaton's ears spiked for a moment. He cocked his head, looking over at Niles suddenly. "But I've seen your side of the tent, and your room in the castle! It's always clean and neat. Ya tellin' me ya don't like it that way? Then why even bother throwing out your trash?"

"I live that way now because I never had the opportunity in my youth. As a child I spent my days in Nohr's slums, often with nothing to my name but the clothes on my back. I came from filth and lived in filth almost my entire life, often having to steal food every morning and evening until one fateful day…."

"Huh...I had no idea. I'm sorry…."

"Don't be. It isn't something I ponder about often anymore. The memories of it all have become foggy, like a distant dream one tries to remember from only faded pictures. They become harder to see clearly each time I try, and maybe that's for the best."

"Wait, is that why you never seem to care about me? About how I smell or how much of everyone's garb- I mean erh, treasure I steal?" A smile came about. "Now I get ya. Ya never cared because you're already used ta living like this!" Despite his regained cheerful attitude, behind it was still a thin layer of sympathy for the archer. He had really been abandoned by his own kind? Did no one think to look after him? It was a common practice that cubs were practically raised by the entire pack, regardless of who their actual mother and father was. Such was nature, keeping track and looking out for each other. Humans were so selfish, Keaton thought. "Man, and I thought humans just really liked fur, or hated each other from other countries."

"It is no different when humans attack each other, you see," Niles continued. "Say someone broke into the castle in an attempt to steal Nohr's treasure hoard, or threaten Princess Elise's life. No doubt Lord Leo would sentence them to imprisonment or even death without a second thought." It was a stab and a mockery of his own history, but an easy example to use in order to sooth the ever hot headed beast beside him. He paused in his speech, and his stopped to gaze upon Keaton, both eyes wide open. "Humans have treated each other with as much cruelty as they have the wolfskin." With that, he winked.

Immediately, Keaton's own eyes widened, and he understood.

Niles moved ahead a few steps ahead of him, leaving Keaton to stand still, listening to the sound of weak, rotten bones crunching under Niles's boots as he marched along.

Maybe...acting this way wasn't just to make others feel terrible, or to distract everyone from Niles's own faults? The more he thought about it, perhaps learning what made everyone else vile and morbid was a way for Niles to cope with his own terrible past, his own sins and misfortunes. Even if they weren't the same as his...knowing that others had suffered or spilled blood same as he somehow made it easier to relate to everyone.

He had only heard rumors, mutterings of those in the army talk about him and the terrible things Niles had done in the past, and surely some of them must have been true. Keaton had even heard Leo and Corrin discuss him from time to time. Yet, Niles still tried to be friendly to everyone at the end of the day...in his own special way, that is. No doubt Rinkah had her own share of skeletons laid about in the Fire Tribe's battlefields, as did Saizo, and even Laslow. Why was he and Niles any different?

"Aren't you coming? It's getting dark, and it's your home, afterall!" Niles called out from ahead, waving his hand high in the air.

"Y-YEAH! Coming!" he called back. Quickly, Keaton caught up to him. It was silent for a few strides after until he shyly inched his hand back to the other's lacing their fingers together and...lightly poking the backside Niles's with his claws. He gave a firm, reassuring squeeze. "Hey uh, you can...you c-can put your eye-patch back on, i-if ya want."

Niles squeezed back. "When we get closer to your village. I don't want to scare any of the little ones with it. But with you, I don't mind having it out."

They walked together well into the night, hand in hand.

Upon reaching the village gates, they separated hands. Niles was quick to cover his eye, and Keaton put on his glove once more. Just as predicted, the village elders and several onlookers were waiting for him, glaring at him. They were confused as to why a human was accompanying him home like this, on a most holy day to them. Was it to be some kind of joke, or had he brought a snack to share? An explanation was expected.

Keaton, with newly fueled pride and authority was ready to defend his decision and allow Niles safety, but it was hardly possible when the moment he opened his mouth a litter of the cubs came fumbling through the crowd to welcome him home, pouncing on Keaton and Niles. Each one of them snarled and barked as they sent both grown men toppling over to the ground, Niles in a fit of delighted giggles as he collected as many of the cubs as possible in his arms. He was more than prepared to pet them, scrap with them, scratch their ears. Yet when they did not respond when he tried to speak to them he was confused. No matter what they gave only continuous growls and yaps until Keaton piped up, and started giving them the same treatment back.

"They don't start learning common tongue until pre-school. Right now they can only communicate in our own language," he explained to Niles when they were both free.

It was awkward for both of them, namely for Niles having to just stand behind Keaton and watch as he barked and hissed with various tribe members, no doubt explaining the situation. On the other hand, Keaton was trying to give as much of an honest answer as possible without showing weakness. He would not admit Niles's purpose of being an escort, but had mentioned that this human in particular was a companion of his, not to be harmed in any way. Disapproval was clear by the looks on several faces. Regardless, it was clear that the cubs were putting their opinion in, and deciding he'd be staying, because before Keaton could turn around and relay what was being said the previous litter had returned with their friends all to demand Niles's attention and playtime.

Perfect. When Keaton saw Niles so naturally giving care to the cubs a plan popped into his head. Niles would be able to keep the kids entertained while everyone else could enjoy the games without distraction. No one would be bored or left out this year! So long as there was at least one person keeping watch with him for the sake of translation, and to ease the elders' worry of Niles potentially pulling his bow or his knife on everyone, it'd be okay, right?

A few more growls and woof! It seemed an agreement had been reached, but one that very few seemed confident in….

The opening declaration was had and the games began. While the adults began the tradition Race Around the Mountain, Niles and the cubs were doing their own version of such, only it was around the largest tree within village walls. Ball? They had made use of a smaller skull in their own game. Climbing? Easy. Though the cubs didn't quite understand, Niles even demonstrated using his own finger nails and sure enough...the smarter cubs were able to pick up on it and show the less quick learners. Before long, they were climbing up the smaller trees. But the real fun? Falling down from way up high, enjoying the brief moment of the wind in their face until Niles caught them one-by-one.

Scrap and struggle? This was where things got a bit interesting. At first, it had been Niles vs every cub at once. For a round or two, he let them win, but then feeling cocky, he decided to actually try, give them a challenge, and display a bit more of his natural strength. He won, and to that, the cubs looked up to him curiously. One with bright eyes took hold of his hand and tugged him along while the others pushed from behind. Before he knew it, Niles was being thrown into the adult's scraping against none other than...their tribe leader.

Keaton just laughed, taunting him with a smirk. At first he had tried to decline, say that it was an unfair fight, but the cubs insisted, wanting to see who was stronger. The village laughed, expecting no way a human could win against a wolfskin at their own game. Niles couldn't even transform, which was customary for such. Yet, here they were, standing on either ends of a large circle, ready to fight. All of Niles's weapons had been removed and in exchange, Keaton had agreed to remain in his humanoid form. "Don't worry. I'll go easy on ya. Just try not ta do anything that'll get yourself hurt, will ya?"

"I don't intend to lose," he provoked back, licking his lips all the while.

The other wolfs intensively beat their hands against dirt, laughing and chanting as the match began and- SLAM! Just as quickly, it ended with Keaton pinning Niles to the ground with one swift pounce.

He pouted, knowing all too well that Keaton had still used his monstrous strength against him, even. It wasn't really against the rules they had established, but still. It annoyed him. There was brief moment in which Niles thought to cheat, play dirty right back and use a few tricks he had up his sleeve, but...this wasn't his land, and Keaton had a reputation to uphold. If he actually managed to somehow best their leader it might not spell a good relation for his friend and the rest of the tribe. A little angered, Niles tapped out, and admitted defeat. Besides, it was time for the feast!

This would be the last aspect that Keaton had really been worried about with Niles staying. It was a custom that food be caught that very night, together. Then whatever prey they catch was to eaten raw, bloody, and torn apart together, limb from limb. Niles...was not a wolf. He had no claws, nor could he keep up with wolf hunting speed. Nor did he have fangs. He wasn't one to just tear into whatever he ate, to chew on their bones and sop up whatever remained with their creatures hide. He couldn't even eat raw eat without possibly dying.

After much thought, and an explanation, it had been decided that Niles would be granted use of his bow, but only five of his arrows. Keaton feared not for anyone's safety, trusting Niles completely. Any animal was fair game tonight, so as long as he didn't shoot a member of the tribe, it'd be fine. In fact, it was much greater than anyone in the tribe had predicted. Hunters had succeeded is securing various of wildlife such as squirrel, river fish, wild turkey, and the most skilled team and even brought back a large boar. Niles? Skewered on his arrows, he presented with a cocky smile a murder of crows. Unknown to him, crow was considered a rare treat to the wolfskin people for the fact that they were near impossible to catch with only one's claws. Birds were always quick and able to fly out of reach that even the most skilled hunters had often failed in securing them. Its meat was particularly chewy and juicy, much considered worth the effort by most.

"Please, take some as a peace offering. I need only but a single bird to feed myself," he exclaimed. Though he couldn't tell what they were saying, it wasn't far fetched that one or two were in protest of accepting his offer, thinking that he might have poisoned a bird for them. Yet there were still those bold and daring enough to trust him after being in his company all evening, especially when the feasting of crow was to be had.

They sat around numerous fires, Niles having taken the opportunity to teach the cubs old enough how to build one for themselves, and then cook crow over it, not that they'd ever need to know how to cook any of their food, but it was still a skill to learn. They'd watch as he piled the sticks together an with a single, swift strike of the flint it was done! Warm exploded into the night in the center of their circle, as did a rich, meaty scent of all kinds.

Keaton had joined him, not wanting to abandon him in silence with the cubs. "You know...this actually turned out pretty well," he admitted as he sat down, face stained with raw meat, blood, and small chunks of bone. "Enough time spent here and I'm sure everyone would come ta like havin' ya around." A cub crawled over into Niles's lap, eager to try and steal away the meaty rib he had between his fingers.

"As humans tend to say, when life gives lemons, make...roasted crow, I suppose." He smiled at the other as he outstretched his arm away from the little wolf cub. "No, no, no!" he chirped. "You won't want it cooked, I think. Go to Uncle Keaton, he has it just the way you like it!" To which he was happen to pluck the little guy from Niles and give him a taste.

All that was left was the closing ceremony, which consisted of a dance to send off the old year, and then a large howl to bring in the new. Luckily, this was nothing to worry about, as only those trained for such would be performing the dance, and Keaton had no expectations that Niles would actually shout at the moon alongside them. So long as he didn't do anything embarrassing it didn't matter. They'd be leaving almost immediately after.

Embers floated about the village's largest fire when the time came. Everyone transformed into beast form and cheered and howled together, snouts aimed high at the moon. Niles...remained silent, looking around at everyone screaming. It felt a little bizarre, having participated in everything up until now, from the games, to hunting, to the great feast and all as himself. Nothing about him needed to be changed in order for him to be one with Keaton's customs. But, did he really have the right to do bark when he wasn't even a shapeshifter?

When in Nohr, do as the Nohrian. So...when on the mountain, do as the wolf?

If it actually caused any trouble he'd just stop and excuse himself. Surely there'd be no harm in that. Without giving it a second thought, Niles took in a deep breath, put both hands around his lips, and barked his best imitation as possible of Keaton from their times stargazing. His throat throbbed, cords scratchy, and tempo far different from everyone else's. So different, that it became immediately known that he had joined in, to which several stopped to listen, Keaton included.

It was awkward, hearing him try and be like them. It was even more awkward for Niles since he couldn't tell if everyone was actually angry or just surprised at him given that their beast form was a lot less expressive if they weren't screaming in your face or ripping your limbs apart. A second or two passed and Niles was about just give a bow alongside an apology and see himself to the village gate until one young looking beast snorted, and then burst out in a fit of laughter, pointing at Niles at the while.

Another followed, and then another until several were caught in the humor of the mood. Were they taunting him? Or had he actually done something humorous. Keaton, being the only one who would bother to explain the situation...was on his back with both claws over his gut.

They never thought they'd see a day in which a human would be welcomed into their home, allowed to celebrate their most holiest of days, and break bone together. Thou Niles was a strange human, Keaton could never be angry at him for being himself, for trying his best to fit in all the way. Had it been any other random human wandering on the mountain that night would have mauled him, would have eaten him while the fellow was still screaming for his life, even. Yet Niles's effort made him a special case. It was charming, even if Niles was unintentionally howling that he'd "spank everyone's sister with a piece of baloney."

Keaton regained himself and took his place beside Niles, a very large paw on the man's shoulder. He nodded, assuring him that it was alright, but he'd have to explain later why it was so funny. It'd be a fun story to tell everyone back at the army, but for now there was still a celebration going on. Collectively, they all continued to howl into the new year.

"You certainly were having fun," Keaton remarked as they were trodding down a new trail, following suit to the Hoshido side of the mountain range. They were regroup with the army by tomorrow afternoon.

"You sure we have to leave so soon? I'd have thought you'd want to at least stay the night and make haste when morning arrives."

"A promise is a promise, and the war will be over soon, won't it? There'll be plenty of time once we're all finished to come back. No doubt the cubs will want to see you, too. You'll be joining us again, righ- " Keaton was about to finish his proposal until he felt a rock give way under him, crumble down the slope and almost bring him with it had it not been for Niles's reflexes to catch him. His grip was tightly secure around his forearm, both of them panting for a moment with their eyes fixed on the tumble it would have been down to the trees below.

"They might need to start thinking about a new leader if you're planning on going out so easily," he teased as he pulled him back over the rocks and dusted himself off. "Without you around, who else will be my translator?"

"Well, then you'll just have to actually learn how to speak in beast tongue so you don't embarrass yourself next year!"

"Ohhhh? Was that what I did?" Niles just hummed and mused about, stepping almost dancerly as he turned about to look the other in face. "And tell me, what exactly did I say when we all howled? I'd love to know what put everyone in such a delighted mood."

"Let's just say it wasn't something you'd say in polite company."

"I'm not polite company."

Keaton just chuckled as the path they followed began making its descent into the trees. The ground was becoming softer, rocks being replaced with dirt and sticks. Owls and various other night birds could be heard about their business in any direction every for moments.

Niles wasted no time to continue. "And I suppose cheating during our little match was something normal as well?"

The wolf just shook his head, frowning. "What? Hell no! I didn't cheat. I used did what I was naturally capable of! It's not your fault humans are weaker than us beasts. You were doomed to lose the minute you entered the scrapping grounds. I ain't the tribe's leader for no reason, ya know. Ain't nobody going to beat me so easily, especially a human."

"Oh realllllyyy?" Niles slowed his pace to a halt before turning back around to about-face him, staring at him straight in the eyes. "Care for a rematch then, if you're so confident?" He was already undoing the holster for the knife and his thigh and removing his bow and quiver of arrows from his body. Hell, this time Niles was even undoing the strap on his cloak and allowing it to fall to the ground so that his arms wouldn't get tangled up in the fabric. Everything was set to the side, waiting for the other to take his stance and prepare.

Keaton pulled back his lips in a have smile, his blood already pumping with excitement. "Ya gotta be kidding. Ya want me ta pin ya again, that badly?"

"I wouldn't mind that!"

"Well then who am I to refuse?" The implication went right over Keaton's head this time. He readied his battle stance and bared his fangs. "Get ready to eat dirt, Niles because I ain't gonna go easy on you this time." Eyes glow and fangs twinkled in the still bright moon. He had already decided he would win, but at the very least he'd be respectful enough to once again, not use his beast form. Even in humanoid form he had more than enough strength to put Niles into submission. It'd be over just as quick as the first run.

They both declared the start of the match at the same time and- SLAM! Niles was pinned down, once again on his back in the dirt...just how he wanted. He just smirked up at Keaton before quickly wrapping his legs around the other's hips and straddling him from underneath, softly moaning all the while. There was no way he could ever best the other in a competition of strength, and so just everything else he'd have to win with his own knowledge, his own strategy that only he knew best...and it worked.

Keaton immediately backed off, pushing himself away from Niles while trying to shake his attachment away without going to natural idea of just ripping his legs off. So he planned on playing that way, huh? Then he'd have to end their little spat with a little more force, make it completely impossible for Niles to move, to make any kind of retaliation at all. The second Niles was back on his feet Keaton just charged him, completely overpowered him and rammed the archer's backside into a large tree. Paws do their job quick to pin both of Niles's hands above his head while he stomped on the tip of each of his boots into the earth. He had each limb secured.

"You're immobilized. I win," he declared.

Niles just stared up into Keaton, smiling softly at him. Now when, he wondered, had his little play thing developed such a devilish smile? When had red gone from a feeling of lust and excitement to content and calm? And when did Niles no longer feel that much of a desire to toy with Keaton like a little play thing, easy to be disposed to calling him someone could no longer imagine a day without? "No," he cooed. "I win." They were standing close, almost pressed up on each other. Niles took note of this and as always, without a second thought he cocked his neck to allow him to thrust he had forward and kissed the ever proud victor.

"Nice try but, that won't work on me a second time," he said, slightly flustered but otherwise unfazed. "I remember ya doin' that when ya let me look at your eye. It ain't gonna work again." Keaton's grip relaxed a little, giving Niles's hands a small bit of room to breath and his toes a centimeter to wiggle. His body leaned back just slightly. "Besides, I already won. Just give up."

"Won't work, you say? Then how about this?" It had been enough of an opening to make it work. Niles pounced right on Keaton and tumbled over on him to the ground, laughing as they landed, but it didn't last long. Keaton was more than quick to roll over, to use as much of his strength needed to regain the upper hand...and then lose it again thanks to the momentum as the started rolling down the shallow hillside. The two tumbled down, each attempt to pin the other at each opportunity while holding in their own fit of snickers until finally they both bash into another tree, Niles on the unfortunate end of hitting it first, and the Keaton slamming into him right after.

He cough as his pet dragged himself off and collected himself, straightening up against the bark until he was sitting back against it. "S-so...think I can't handle you, huh? You can b-barely handle ME," Niles choked up. His one eye was still shut, one hand on his head to try and stop the insinuating pulse he was experiencing, while the other was readjusting his eye-patch and his hair. He was still breathing heavily, waiting for a response of some kind. Keaton could be heard, panting as if his tongue was hanging out from his mouth. When Niles had finally moved his hair out of his face and looked up there had been hardly a moment with his eye open before Keaton's face blocked his vision...and his mouth.

Their lips connected differently then they had in past. The previous times he had been brief, teasing, and nothing but a joke used to tease the animal. But not, it was prolonged, soft, and begging. This time it was real. Keaton's face was hot, pressing against Niles's who was giving tiny gasps and pleads for breath to the other. His own lips burned and stung against the feeling of Keaton's fangs stab at their insides. They could taste each other, the leftovers of that evening's dinner all over each other, tho Keaton was especially metallic, more than happy to drink the blood of whatever animal he had partook it.

Both of just gasped and huffed when Keaton finally pulled back, but only for a moment. The wolf would hunch forward and lean into Niles, shyly put his arms around him as best he could given their awkward position, and embrace him. His face was hidden in a mess of his hair, ratty and matted from the fall (and lack of bathing). "I think I can handle you," he muttered. "I think...w-we can uh…" his voice trailed off, coughing and gagging on a fake hairball.

"..." For the first time since knowing the wolfskin, Niles's first instinct was not to throw out a snarky remark, or an insult. Nor was it to make some suggestive implication or taunt. He was just silent for a moment, looking over Keaton in his lap, and then just nodded. "I...understand," he whispered. His voice was not of disappointment or regret. In fact, it was soft and bright. He grinned as he shifted to rest an arm around Keaton's shoulders and pat his backside. "I think we can, too. I can handle you."

The two remained still for a moment, each just stroking the other's body parts, wherever their hands were. They were listening to the forest around them, to the owls, the crows, the insects, to each other's heavy, bated breath that begged more to be said, anything. "You know...this means you'll be coming back here every year, right?" Keaton finally spoke up as he pushed himself off of the other.

"I wouldn't want it any other way." A hand came up, to caress along Keaton's side, to trace the wrinkles in his clothes until he found what he was looking for. He wasn't shy to slip a hand under the opening of his vest and shirt and make contact with his skin at his hip and pull him back in. The other hand reached out to cup his cheek, and then extend his fingers to nip and toy at his favorite spot; at Keaton's favorite spot. Every touch he made Niles could sense he was stirring Keaton up into a fit. He could feel him, hear him trying to hold back small yips and pants as he traveled up from Keaton's hip to his waist, pushing his clothes up with it.

Niles closed his legs around the wolf to hold him closer, and it was then that he felt claws reach down and grab at his tunic, poking through the fabric and then fiddle with the string, trying to undo it. "It seems we'll be making haste come morning, afterall," he teased. Keaton only snarled at him, and continued his attempts at undressing the other. Niles reached up and started to unbutton Keaton, and then, his hands finally traversed south to his trousers. "Happy New Year, Keaton. Woof!"

The wolfskin growled and hissed at him. A clawed hand reached up to grab and fist full hair all the better to tug his head back and get better access to his neck. Tongue dragged across the exposed area, coating him with generous amounts of saliva while the hand moved to struggle with the man's belt. Both of their breath was foggy as the night grew colder, and their heat more intensive. Finally, Keaton just snarled, "Happy New Year, Niles."

They would be late to meet at the checkpoint the following afternoon.