Luxo the Great Baggi

by Rin Sessys Girl

Silvia Snow isn't what one would call your A typical Monster Hunter. Born an orphan and leading a life of seclusion she is not one to take to social gatherings. Aside from the love of the head mistress at the orphanage, who raised and cared for her alone, solitude had always been Silvia's answer. Full Summary Inside. Silvia x Luxo (Great Baggi)

3. Dreams and Memories

Authors note: Wow hi guys. It's been a spell aye? But here I am back again, finally with chapter three! It's another doozy of a long chapter I'm afraid... Or maybe that's a good thing? Before we get to that though I'm gonna reveal the monster's described in the previous chapter that Luxo came across. Minus one, simply because that creature will be revealed at a later date. If you know the beast not being revealed here, you my friend are a very dedicated Monster Hunter know it all. And I love you all the more for it. :D So lets see if I can recall the creatures in the order of which he comes across them. The first being a Pink Rathian. This is clearly the pink fire breathing beast he witnessed from the safety of the ice cavern. Next the boar creature he believed (and indeed was...) to scar the fraternal twins Seth and Jade was a Bullfango, the smaller version of a Bulldrome essentially. The prey beasts that were killed were Slagtoth's. The foul smelling apes were Conga's and Congalala's. The Green Nargacuga he stealthy hid from. And lastly the beast appearing like boulders was the Gravios. The one not being revealed if you know which gluttonous beast was described you're my man/woman. :D Thank you if you par-took in playing the game.

There is one more thing I'd like to go over and that's some background lore, I guess is the right word for it... I want to address the behavioral manners in which I shape how a pack of Baggi's with their Great Baggi and Matriarch Baggi leaders behave and exist. The best way to describe this is a mix of a wolf and a pride of lions. The behaviors of a wolf pack is revealed in that a clan would have been lead by one Great Baggi and one Matriarch Baggi. These are the Alpha's. If lucky maybe a lone Matriarch and Great Baggi will cross paths and form a clan of their own. In this case they would be very much like a wolf pack where they would be the only breeding pair for the Great Baggi will not breed with his daughters. So how are they like a pride of lions? Like a pride of Lions a rival male Great Baggi can and will challenge the reigning clan leader for the right to replace them and claim that clan as their own. This also can apply to the Matriarch Baggi, but is not nearly as common. When that happens the new male will not just breed with the Matriarch but all other females in the clan that are not his own offspring. Also like a pride of lions the new Great Baggi will slaughter any young hatchling's in the group; too young to hunt; and too young to breed with. This is even more dangerously true if the over thrown Great Baggi had a heir amongst their young that would of grown into Great Baggi's themself. It's almost instant death for them in those scenarios. However, though rare, it has been viewed where a male lion may slaughter all cubs but one. And though he just slaughtered all that cubs siblings he is playing with him as if he is his own. A very rare occurrence of adopting a rival bloodline as their own child. This too can happen amongst Great Baggi's and Matriarch Baggi's. Having said this please keep in mind they are Monsters. As such they hatch with teeth and claws right off the get go, which means they mature at a much faster rate than a human does. So when you see these human years being thrown out, you need to think more like your dogs or cats life years lol. I think that covers everything for now.

Authors note 2: Fixed some misplaced words and typos. Even then might of still missed others. Also realized a critical timeline error I couldn't believe I overlooked and it's taken me NOW to see it. Just... don't mind me facepalming myself over here. Either way I've made the much needed adjustments to make things add up better... If you've already read it, you'll see what I mean. First timer? You don't have to worry about it than, haha!

" " Normal speech

' ' Inner Thoughts or Suggested comments

Italic for Dreams and Memories

Italic plus Bold for Silvia hearing voices during a Psychotic break down... (Shit did that give too much away? ^_^; )

For this chapter we are returning to Silvia's point of you. A span of two days will be taking place in this beastly chapter. And I do apologize in advance for the 180 that will happen near the end of it.

*Silvia's Point of View*

My first night after my encounter with Luxo brought with it the most vivid of dreams. I couldn't recall the last time I dreamt with such clarity before. If not for the fact I would wake the following morning I would have thought I was living in the moment and not dreaming. Still... it didn't change the fact that it had felt so bizarrely real. It was to the point I found myself distracted by it. My thoughts wouldn't leave it be and I found myself obsessing over it. How could I not though? Especially when my subconscious mind had the audacity to drag Luxo into my dreams in such a way...

Fishing pole in hand, I sat perched alongside a flowing water source to release a tired sigh. As I waited for the smallest of tugs upon my line I closed my eyes in thought. Though awake, as I was, with my eyes closed like this I could practically visualize the images from my dream behind my eyelids. Or rather it was more like the moment I closed my eyes I was in the dream again...

"So you're the one I've been hearing about..." From the shadows I watched the one I had called Luxo step forth. I had so many things I would have liked to say in that moment, but as it was, I had seemingly no control of my actions or what I even said. It was like watching trapped behind the eyes of the person I was in, in this dreamscape. "Is it true? My daughter says you are the one who has been..." I shifted, moving to a bundle of what I recognized to be medicinal healing herbs immediately upon sight, "leaving these as gifts..."

"Yes it is true... I have been watching you for some time now... I have seen you collect and use them yourself, though I do not fully understand why or what it is you are using them for..." He spoke for the first time and the fact I understood him was surely a clear indication of the fact I had been dreaming.

I opened my eyes once more with a shaky breath. I couldn't help a shiver from making its way down my spine at the memory of the sound of his voice my blasted subconscious had given him. Of all voices why did it have to be such a deep sultry one? My dream self had seemed completely unaffected by it, but personally for me it made my toes curl and stirred up inappropriate desires...

"What is wrong with me?" I chuckled lightly aloud to myself, "Here I am getting worked up over a Monster, a Great Baggi no less..." I sighed once more as I gently tugged and released my line in an attempt to draw anything's attention to possibly bite. "Then again..." I murmured softly with the slightest of smiles, "He's not just any Great Baggi is he...? Besides," I straightened up my posture, "it's just a dream..." I told myself this, but there were certain aspects about it that unnerved me, even for a dream.

Such as why would I dream of having a daughter? I personally had no children, nor was I in a relationship with anyone; for personal reasons. Was I simply dreaming of something I subconsciously desired? I had never really given children much thought before... My dream self spoke in a way as if I had always had family though. This wasn't at all true for me in reality.

As an orphan I didn't ever truly have a family. I did not even consider the other orphans as my siblings... For good reason of course... I was just as much of an orphan as they were, but I was the one treated as the outcast. The head mistress; Maria, she was the only one who didn't treat me differently... If I was to claim anyone to be my mother it would be her. She doted on me more than any other child present, but it was because she has raised me alone, from just a babe left at the orphanage's footsteps. I also know it's because she would witness the way the others would bully me because of my hair and how I looked.

I was truly blessed to have Maria; my mother, so devoted to me. Not only was she the headmistress at the orphanage, but she dabbled in making paints and makeup. Because of my mistreatment from the others she began experimenting in making a foundation to match my natural skin tone. When I was old enough to understand the concept of art she presented it to me. For the first time, she set me down in front of a mirror and applied the makeup to the upper half of my face. I watched as she explained the different methods of blending and applying and by the time she was done I didn't recognize myself. I finally looked like all the other girls and boys; minus my hair... Dealing with my hair usually resulted in bundling it up to hide in a hat back then. Now I just hide it in my helmet.

Maria's intentions were done in good faith of course. She only wanted me to fit in and be accepted by the others. It worked to an extent, but only with new orphans that would arrive who never saw me without the makeup or hats on. The children who knew my true face were still not so accepting and standoffish, despite her best efforts.

"Silvia, my dear child... You know you are beautiful just the way you are." A woman in her thirties spoke to me with the kindest of smiles as she gently brushed a stray strand of hair from my face, "The other children, they don't see you the way I do. They don't know you like I do..."

"They don't want to know me..." I sniffled, fighting back tears. I was only a child in this memory. No older than six, "They say I am a monster... They call me a freak Maria!" I shifted, burying my face into her bosom and awaiting arms. I cared little of the fact that I was potentially smearing the makeup upon her clothes, but at the moment she didn't seem to care either as she held me close as I wept. "No one will ever adopt me..."

"Nonsense, Silvia." She hushed me softly stroking her hand through my hair, "You'll see my child... One day a family will adopt you and love you just the way you are..."

I pulled away slightly to look up at her with angry tears running down my face, "You know that isn't true! You are more my mother then anyone else will ever be..." I clenched my fists into her clothes, almost in desperation, "Why can't you just adopt me instead?" I looked at her with such pleading eyes, "I could be Silvia Snow then..."

Maria sighed softly, "I can't do that Silvia..."

"Why not?!" I asked in such angry frustration.

"You are still young Silvia. Still young enough for a family to consider adopting," She cupped my face gently then, "But..." she smiled as she brushed away the tears from my cheeks, "When you are sixteen, if you are still here, then perhaps I will adopt you as my own, hmm?"

"Promise?"

"Yes I promise, Silvia. Now no more tears," Maria lightly poked my nose, "or we will have to fix more makeup on your pretty face." She teased.

A sudden jerk in my line drew me out of my childhood memories. Reacting quickly I grabbed hold of my pole and began battling with whatever was on the line. Whatever I had on the other end wasn't coming up without a fight.

"With all the fight you're putting up you better be a massive fish..." I mumbled under my breath as I fought to reel it in. For a spell I fought back and forth with my fishy adversary, but my persistence would pay off in the end. Eventually I pulled out from the water a massive beast of a fish; one I could not help but cry in delight for. "Looks like I'll be eating well tonight." I grinned to myself as I went to work in neutralizing it and preparing it to be eaten later that day.

With thoughts of Maria still present in my mind I could not help but find myself missing her. 'When was the last time I visited my mother? It's been so long since I've seen her...' I glanced up in the direction I knew would lead me out of the rainforest, 'I hope you are safe mother... I pray this winter hasn't left you struggling to keep warm at home...' For now I willed such thoughts aside; after all it had been that dream that led me to memories of Maria, to thoughts of family in the first place...

Aside from that aspect of my dream there was one other thing that stood out. That being the healing herbs. What use did a Great Baggi have gathering herbs? Granted it was a dream, but even Luxo had said he didn't know why or what my dream self was using them for... I knew what they were, but so did my dream counterpart, especially if he had been observing me use and gathering them. Logically I assumed myself human in my dream; originally anyway. That changed with comprehending his speech. But also with how I moved, though at no point did I ever physically see myself...

"I wonder..." I murmured under my breath as I finished cleaning my fish, to wrap up and put away, "Was I..." I sighed softly peering up at the canopy of the forest, "Was I dreaming I was his counterpart?" This didn't seem like such a far fetched idea. It gave reason why I would understand him, but if I was indeed a Matriarch Baggi in my dream, why did I seem so... Standoffish towards him?

Sadly what knowledge there is on Matriarch Baggi's has become scarce in this day and age. It's either become lost in translation or destroyed in the cross fires of conflicts. In fact there haven't been any known sightings of a Matriarch Baggi for a long time now. All that is really known about Matriarch's is what they looked like through artists' depictions; usually by the very eye witness themselves. With nothing but images to go by; I had no real true knowledge to draw from on the normal behaviors and relationships expected between a Matriarch and a Great Baggi. And because of it I couldn't even try to rationally explain my dream self's behavior...

Slowly I lowered my gaze back to the horizon in front of me in quiet contemplation knowing somewhere, out there; most likely on the outskirts of the Rainforest, Luxo was there... 'I wonder how well you are faring in this place...' I smiled slowly, 'I still can't believe you wandered so brazenly into the settlement the way you did... A stranger to the area as you are, surely you saw the signs of human activity here? So why, of all beasts, did you choose not to avoid it?' It was almost like he was desperately seeking me out. No, more like he NEEDED to find me... But to leave without harming me? What did that all mean...

'More importantly how the hell did you avoid the Green Nargacuga, or Gravios to even get this far in, into the rainforest? Not to mention the Congalala's...' I closed my eyes, shaking my head side to side in quiet amusement, 'I suppose I shouldn't ask such questions... You've somehow avoided Hunters for years, why should other predatory beasts be any different? Especially considering your natural environment is snow and ice. So how the hell are you hiding that red hide of yours in such a setting?' "Clever beast indeed..." I chuckled lowly. "I wonder if I'm the first Hunter to see you and live..." Not that I would ever dare tell another Hunter about my encounter with Luxo. He was my secret to keep and mine alone. I would take his existence to the grave with me...

"Still..." I closed my eyes once more feeling at a loss, "if I was a Matriarch... Why did I know what it was he was leaving as gifts? How could a monster know of such things?" I sighed once more in frustration, "Maybe I'm just over thinking about it.. It was a dream after all." So why the hell couldn't I leave it be? Why was I obsessing over it to the point I found myself willing myself to remember more of what happened in it...

For a spell I stood there in silence holding Luxo's gaze with my own. Surprisingly he never once tried to approach me, but kept a respectful distance between us. Eventually I did address him again, "I've been very aware of your presence if I'm being honest..." Slowly I moved away from the herbs to circle around him as I looked him over. Rather than backing down from my approach he stood his ground and at attention, "What perplexes me though is how you've remained within close vicinity of my clan, but have never once tried to aggressively demand my attention..." I stopped in front of him once more, taking note that he only stood a few inches taller than I, "Instead you have hung back and watched us from a distance. Not only that you have left me gifts, not once, but multiple times, within sight of my family... It has come to a point they won't let me ignore it any longer."

"They won't?" He quirked a brow in curiosity. Though he held my gaze; it still felt like he was devouring me with his eyes. And not in the carnivorous manner either. That was a look of complete and utter desire for me and me alone.

"No..." I sighed, "They won't... I was personally hoping you'd have lost interest weeks ago." I visibly saw him flinch slightly at my response. Probably bruised his ego from such a statement... "Yet here you remain patiently and persistently, in your own way, waiting for a chance to be noticed... Well congratulations. You finally have my attention, my strange colored friend."

He cleared his throat awkwardly, "Excuse me for stating the obvious, but how could I possibly lose interest? I've seen no one by your side for the past month... And quite frankly you are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen..."

"So you're one of those types are you?" I narrowed my eyes slightly, "A smooth talker, hmm?" However judging by his perplexed expression that followed I soon realized he was actually being genuine. He wasn't trying to win me over with sweet words at all... "Wait..." My expression softened, "You're actually being sincere aren't you...?"

"I am..." Luxo nodded slowly, "I do not say such things lightly." He paused for a moment as if in quiet thought, before speaking once more, "My grandmother she was like you... My family's leading female. I found her beautiful with her royal purple streak from the tip of her nose straight to the end of her tail... Maybe it's just an ingrained instinctual attraction for us... But you... You are simply breathtaking like a clear cloudless night sky. I've never seen anyone look like you before..."

This was probably the first time my dream self actually became slightly flustered and quickly turned away trying to hide my face. Despite this I was quick to reply, trying to mask the fact he had caught me off guard, "I could say the same about you, you know... Of all males who have tried to approach me before, none have EVER looked like you." Composed, I finally faced him again, "How on earth have you managed to survive out here looking the way you do?"

He chuckled lightly then, but there was a hidden undertone of sadness laced in it, "I've had to find my way to adapt... You could say I've become very successful in finding hidden caverns to stay out of sight during the day." It looked like there was something more he would say, but for whatever reason he hesitated to do so. I was left questioning if there was something more to how he survived, other than just hiding in caverns. If so... Why did he seem afraid to mention it?

Though I detected there was something more to him than meets the eye, I did not press him further on the matter. "Caverns, hmm? That's resourceful of you... However..." I gave him a quick obvious glance up and down, "Aren't you a bit young to be out on your own yet?"

"Ah... You see my size deceives you... I am older than I appear."

"In other words you are a runt and an oddity." Though my statement may have seemed harsh; I was honestly more along the lines of intrigued. Intrigued because I knew that the natural order of things usually lead to runts being killed off as an act of mercy. I also knew it would not have been his father to have the final say in this, but the Matriarch at his side. In other words his grandmother saw something in him and kept him alive... "It would seem good fortune has favored you in order for you to have been allowed to live this long... So my strange suitor... Though I appreciate the gifts you have left me I am not so easily won over by such things... However, with my family's persistence at my back I shall give you a proposition..." It was then that I stepped away from him to approach the edge of the cliff side we stood upon. There was no need for me to glance back to know this time he followed me over. He did however stop a few feet behind me and to my left, seemingly knowing he did not have the right to stand beside me as equals. Not yet at least. Just below us, on a lower plateau, was my clan going about their daily lives. It was from this vantage point that I watched over them. I would see any approach from miles away... Here I could stop any surprise attack from ever happening.

"And what is it I must do to earn your acceptance?" He whispered softly as his eyes scanned over my family as a whole.

A sly smirk found its way across my lips as I turned my head to look at him, "You must earn acceptance from them first. Find your place amongst them. Do that..." I turned my gaze back to my people below, "and you shall earn my acceptance as well... Pray tell my would-be suitor what do they call you?"

"Red... They call me Red..."

"Red?" I scoffed slightly, "That's not a name. That's a label based on your fur color. No," I shook my head side to side, "I refuse to call you by such a name."

"It's not like I named myself..." He mumbled awkwardly, "It's the only name I've ever known... If not my given name, what would you call me?"

"What would I call you?" I finally turned my head to look at him once more. For a spell I raked my eyes over him in quiet contemplation, "How about Luxo..." I hummed; as if in approval, "Yes, Luxo... I think that will suit you nicely..."

"Luxo..." He spoke as if testing the name himself, before looking from my clan back to me, "If that is what you desire to call me I shall accept it without hesitation."

"Good..." I glanced back down at the others once more, "This is how they will address you as well. From now on you will no longer be known as Red, but Luxo as you remain with us."

"And you? What should I call you?"

"Silvia..." I turned to look at him once again, "My name is Silvia..."

"Silvia..." The smallest of smiles graced his face as he bowed deeply with the utmost respect, "I hope to prove myself worthy of you and your family..."

It was then that I had woken up drenched in my own sweat this morning. With a clearer memory of my dream in mind I knew now, without a doubt, I had been a Matriarch in it. One that knew about herbs, oddly enough, but a Matriarch nonetheless.

Peering down at my reflection in the calm of the stream, I could not help but gently touch my cheek with the smallest of blushes making its way there. I could still hear his voice, echoing all around me, saying my name... More importantly I was curious on what he meant by me looking like no other Matriarch before me. Maybe it was just my subconscious mind playing at the fact I didn't look normal as a human either... After all he had described his grandmother with the classic royal purple stripe that is a telling sign of a Matriarch versus a Great Baggi. There are of course other telling signs that separate the two apart.

Unfortunately it's popular belief that the Matriarch was vastly demanded for its hide alone. People became obsessed over its striking royal purple coloration in more ways than one. It didn't help that it was reportedly documented; from a reliable source, that not every Matriarch looked alike. The most common was the solid stripe from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail. This of course was Luxo's grandmother, without question, with how he had described her from my dream.

Other variations that I was aware of included; but not limited to; connected tiger stripes; a jagged zig zag of a lightning bolt; and my favorite, the ghostly vertebrae like markings of the spine with select points mimicking a birds eye view of the ribs. This particular variation was reportedly very rare... Despite this all variations of the Matriarch's stripe were always connected in some manner. That included even my favorite variation. No vertebra-like mark was found without a distinct line of that royal purple connecting the markings together as one continuous, strange but beautiful, stripe. As far as my findings went there was no documentation of a Matriarch whose markings were comparable to a, "clear cloudless night sky."

"Is that how you would see me if I wasn't wearing this makeup...?" I whispered to myself in quiet contemplation.

I had never given much thought to ever view my disfigurement as a strange starlight night sky before... One that was admittedly not silver or golds, but borderline purple bruises in appearance. I thought it made me look sickly more than anything... I could recall one orphan boy who said it looked like a firework had gone off too close to my face and permanently scarred my skin in its purple gunpowder like ink. This I could see, but what most people didn't realize is it didn't end or stop at the upper half of my face. My blemishes may, at first, seem like small flecks of a fading firework, but they would gradually get larger in size the further up my face you went. They never overlapped or touched each other either. Through my mother, Maria, I knew these markings traveled across the whole length of my scalp. My hair hid them of course, but they were seemingly the cause for where the purple patches in my hair came from... Otherwise my hair was predominantly black. It didn't end there unfortunately... Following the course of my scalp these bizarre markings made themselves known down the back of my neck to my backside, only coming to an abrupt stop at my tailbone. It was here where they became large, sporadic, yet compact spots; almost like a strange pattern. Because of this my backside looked as if I suffered from extensive physical abuse daily, even though this was not the case at all.

Dropping my hand back to my side I turned my gaze upwards to the rainforests canopy, "How long have I been in this rainforest...?" I questioned myself aloud, as if doing so would help me recollect the days I've cooped myself in here. "Ah..." I dropped my line of eyesight to the horizon before me, "That's right... November, late November..."

Winter came suspiciously early in the midst of the month of November this year. In fact I had been on my way to Pondry Hills originally to the village of Hakum tucked away there. I was heading there with the intent to visit my mother Maria and spend the holidays with her. At the time I had been traversing Dovan Volcano collecting a variety of herbs; ones I could use to create a rare assortment of elixir's if need be. Upon my departure from Albarax and through the Trese Desert I was met with an unsavory sight and unexpected chill as I approached the Monsonne Plains. There, where the desert met the plains, I was ill prepared for the unexpected sight of winter taking hold. It wasn't just the fact it was taking hold, but also was graced with a very light blanket of snow. The snow never touched the desert sands, but the fact it was there left a feeling of dread within me. More so due to the fact it was a sight never witnessed on the Monsonne Plains before, not even when winter was here full force...

I was forced with an ultimatum; turn back to Oasum, the settlement in Trese Desert or make a brief, but quick hike to Babda Rainforest to the abandoned settlement tucked away there. I clearly chose the later option. Being a private person by nature I had no desire in being trapped amongst a throng of people in Oasum. It also meant having to be very discrete to the point I would have had to make sure I was never exposed in any manner. I took a gamble; and though not at all equipped with gear for such chilling weather I went to the rainforest hoping that despite what I was witnessing across the span of the plains, this unexpected snowfall would not over take it. Fortunately for me the rainforest was relatively close so I didn't have to resort to using multiple heat droughts to keep myself warm along the way. I was thankful that this was the case for I did not carry many on me.

Luckily for me my gamble paid off and the snow did not reach this far in and as November rolled over into the first week of December it remained that way. A few days prior, before my encounter with Luxo, I had ventured back towards the main entrance, but only made it to the flooded forest floors. It was there that I discovered just how badly this perplexing winter was turning out to be. Witnessing snow and ice where it had no business being I turned back to the long forgotten settlement. I ultimately had no choice in the matter. Even with all the items and herbs I had gathered from around the volcano I didn't have enough to make enough heat droughts to make such a journey. Under normal circumstances I'm sure I would have made it just fine, but if the frozen flooded forest floors were any good indication of just how bad things potentially were, there's absolutely no way I would make it... I had to wait this winter out. It was the waiting that made me restless though...

I could survive the situation without issue. Solitude was after all my foretee. My restlessness on the other hand stemmed from the fact that Hakum was directly south to south-east of Mt. Celion and Darj Snowfields. If by some chance Maria was still there I prayed she remained inside and was keeping warm. And if she wasn't... Well I prayed she at least then fled in time to Oasum, Albarax, or even Geo-Fulkright. In retrospect this could still be a possibility; a much preferable one at that. During my departure from Albarax I had found the settlement oddly busy, more so than usual. For all I knew a large part of the human body count present at the time could have been families fleeing from the winter cold already...

Aside from being the lead mistress of the orphanage in Hakum I knew my mother liked to travel from time to time. Usually to other villages and their own orphanage. At one point I had inquired her on the subject, but she had been rather cryptic in her response. She had claimed it was for research, but to this day I can not fathom what cross referencing decades old records had anything to do with whatever she was searching for. Instead she would smile at me that knowing smile.. You know the one... The smile only a parent can give to their child when they know something that you do not.

"Mother, why are you so determined in gaining access to Gildegaran's orphanages records? What could you possibly gain from records likely older than you?"

"What indeed, Silvia, what indeed..." Maria chuckled softly as she unrolled a scroll of parchment paper out on her desk, "You know I wouldn't be so determined if Gildegaran was more forthcoming on sharing their information. The other settlements have been far more accommodating in letting me cross reference with them." She tapped idly at the map laid out before her, specifically at Gildegaran, "But Gildegaran keeps denying my request... I'm starting to take it personally. That or they are hiding something they don't want me to see." She sighed wistfully with a small frown tugging at her lips.

"Hiding something?" I shifted away from leaning up against the threshold of her office door in favor of approaching to stand on the opposite side of the desk across from her. In this memory I had just recently turned twenty, as well as joined the Hunter community. "What would an orphanage have to hide? Let alone in their records, mother?"

Maria glanced up at me with that all familiar knowing smile finding its way upon her face, "You'd be surprised to what lengths some people will go to hide the truth. Sometimes it's not even the truth being hidden, but lies and fraudulence being covered up."

"Lies and fraud?" I quirked a brow in curiosity, "Do such things really happen under the roof of an orphanage though?"

"It's not as common, but there have been incidents of embezzlement before..." She hummed quietly, "In my findings of Geo-Fulkright's records I discovered evidence of one of the many orphans present there being a potential kidnapped victim. The circumstances of the child being there were certainly shady at best. Made even more so with their claims of Yukumo being their home."

"Yukumo? But that means they would have had to have been brought over on a ship to end up at Geo-Fulkright's orphanage..."

"Precisely my point, Silvia." Again she flashed me that knowing smile, before sighing once more, "Still I wish Gildegaran would give me a proper reason to visit it. You have heard that the Hunter's Guild is present there, haven't you?"

"Well, yes of course I have, mother. Why do you ask?"

"There's this rumor that's been circulating around." She was tapping at Gildegaran on the map again, "A rumor I would like to look into myself one day."

"And what rumor would that be exactly?"

Maria peeled her eyes off the map to look at me once more. Thinking back on it now she almost had a mischievous glint to them, "Tucked away in the Guild's halls there's rumored to be a very special hide adorned on one of the walls. A pedestal of sorts sits in front of it rumored to have a book locked in a case upon it. As the story goes this book sits open to an artist's rendition of the creature when it was alive. From everything I've heard about it I would like to see it for myself. Perhaps you should look into it yourself?"

"A hide of a beast?" I blanched completely caught off guard by this. My mother had never expressed interest in Monster's before, so this sudden interest in this rumor was unexpected to say the least. "I never thought something like that would ever interest you."

"You're right," she beamed me a smile, "normally such a thing wouldn't interest me. However there are some intriguing details about it that have piqued my curiosity. Until I see it for myself though all I have heard could simply be mere coincidence..."

"Coincidence?" I frowned slightly. "I'm afraid I don't follow..."

"Ah..." Maria's smile slipped slightly into a wary one, "They are just rumors Silvia... You know very well how information via word of mouth isn't always reliable. Certain details can get lost or misinterpreted from person to person. What has reached my ears for all I know could be complete hogwash. The beast's description sounds strangely coincidental to some other findings I've come across and nothing more. This is why I would like to see it for myself to clarify or debunk the similarities."

"I see..." Though I accepted this answer I felt as if my mother was hiding something more. I didn't press on the matter, but was left wondering what this beast and her diving in orphan records could have had in common at all.

"The book on the pedestal also interests me. I believe it would also interest you as well Silvia." She had that secretive glint in her eyes again, "Though I hear the Guild is very selective of letting anyone touch it. Of course, considering who the original owner behind it is, I suppose that makes sense..."

"Seeing how the book is in a locked case, as you say, then it's quite clear that they don't just let anyone touch it, mother..." I pointed out, but I was undoubtedly intrigued, especially since it seemed she already knew who the artist was behind its illustrations. "It sounds to me that you know who is behind its existence though."

"Well of course I know who is behind it!" Maria stated with eager enthusiasm, "There isn't a soul alive who isn't familiar with the one infamously known as The Scout!" She sighed dreamily with a far away look in her eyes, "What I wouldn't give to have been around in his lifetime..." She glanced at me with almost a perverse smile, "Legend says he was quite the charmer and easy on the eyes, if you know what I mean." She winked effectively causing me to become flustered.

"M-Mother!" I exclaimed in horror and embarrassment.

Maria simply cackled at my expense, "Come now Silvia, learn to live a little! Besides," she smiled knowingly, "if memory serves is he not one of your favorite illustrators and informant documentary authors?"

"W-Well yes... I didn't think you would remember that..." I admitted sheepishly.

"Tsk," she scolded me lightly, "Silvia I remember everything when it concerns you. You are my only child. My pride and joy. How could I not remember? What kind of mother would that make me be?" She frowned with a slight shake of her head in refusal of accepting such a thing, "No, of course I would remember. It's why I looked into the one called The Scout myself, because of you. I see why you like his work, but boy is it difficult to get your hands on any still known in existence!" She sighed heavily, "I guess that is the price one must pay when it concerns the work of a man who has been gone for over a hundred years... But I do know one thing about the book in the Guild's halls to be fact..."

"Oh?" I shifted slightly to place my hands down upon the desk between us and leaned forward with undeniable interest, "And what, pray tell, is that exactly mother?"

In turn Maria leaned forward as if she was about to reveal a big secret, especially in the way she glanced about the room as if the walls had ears, "That specific book the Guild keeps under lock and key is known to be The Scout's very last." She whispered in a hushed tone, "I don't know the full circumstances of how the Guild ended up with it, but I do know the information to be true... My information is limited of course, but it almost seems as if the book showed up along with the hide of the beast that Guild seems to treasure so much..."

"His very last piece of work..." I murmured to myself, "All this time it's been right under my nose in the Hunter's Guild in Gildegaran." I sighed softly, "I should have known they would have had a piece of that man's work there." I ran a hand through my hair in mild frustration. Prior to our conversation I had set my helmet aside, since it was only Maria and myself present in her office, "Knowledge on The Scout has always been hard to come across..." I pointed out as I allowed my eyes to move back to the map between us, "But Gildegaran is reportedly the last settlement to have witnessed him... Before his sudden untimely disappearance. No ones been able to determine whatever became of him. Whether he disappeared back into the environment or met his end at the hands of some beast; it is sadly shrouded in mystery..."

"Hmm..." Maria's line of sight was once more on Gildegaran, though this time she took a fine tipped writing utensil to out right circle it on the map, "It would seem there may be many secrets hiding behind Gildegaran's stone walls... Secrets it is not quite willing to relinquish just yet..."

It was strange of all memories to recollect and reflect back on it was of this particular conversation with Maria eight years ago. Even now though I had yet to return to Gildegaran, let alone look into the Hunter's Guild present there. It's not that I haven't traversed past the settlement many times since then. Nor did I not have a desire to investigate The Scout's last known work. The God's knew full well that I was still very much interested in getting my hands on it... No, rather my reason for avoiding Gildegaran this far was due to an encounter with a strange woman that resided there about ten years ago.

Young and hungry for knowledge I had gone to Gildegaran, specifically for the library. Being a fan of The Scout I had high hopes that surely Gildegaran's library would bare fruit to my endeavors. Alas the library was revealed to be a disappointment in regards to him. However it was still a treasure trove of information that I took advantage of. If I had known what I knew now I would have gone to the Hunter's Guild right off the bat...

Upon my departure from the library is when I came across an elderly lady. The locals had referred to her as being a potion brewing witch, but otherwise harmless. Still when her mismatched colored eyes landed on me it sent a chill through my spine...

"You..." A woman with long silvery tresses for hair; a clear indication of her old age, stood outside a peculiar shop. At first I had paid her no mind, not at all considering that she was talking to me. That was until I realized she was holding her hand out and pointing right at me.

Sheepishly I looked around in uncertainty, before pointing awkwardly at myself in question. The slow smile that creeped across her face only clarified the reality of the situation further.

"Yes you..." She chuckled softly, an eerie glint in her mismatched eyes of blue and gold, "You've been here before..."

"M-Me? I'm afraid you must be mistaken... T-This is my first time here in Gildegaran. You must have confused me for someone else."

"Aw, but that is where you are wrong my dear child..." She shifted her out held hand as if to beckon me towards her, "I know your soul better then you do... You've been here before. Twice in fact," She smirked knowingly, her gold eye almost appearing to swirl with a life of its own, "You do not belong like this... I could help you, Silvia..."

Immediately I stiffened upon her response. At no point had I ever mentioned my name to her... "Wh-What did you-"

"Rina!" Another citizen seemingly came out of nowhere intervening on my behalf, "Can't you see you're scaring the poor girl with your hocus pocus nonsense?!" The woman in question was quick to guide me away from the one I now knew was called Rina, before she could even retort. Despite this I did catch sight of the annoyance that crossed the elderly woman's face just before I was ushered away.

"You mustn't pay any mind to what old Rina said dearie." My savior placed a reassuring hand to the back of my left shoulder. "She's a witch by nature, but a good one really. One of our best potion brewers in town in fact. She just..." She paused as if trying to find the right way to word things, "how you say, can be intimidating on first encounters... I'm sure she meant you no ill will, but I could tell you seemed distressed at the moment."

"I...um y-yes," At the moment I was at a loss for words and fumbling over them rightfully so, "Thank you... D-Did you say she was a..." I glanced over my shoulder warily as if expecting to find Rina trailing behind, "witch?"

"Yes." She nodded, "Rina is indeed a witch. But don't worry about her. She's as harmless as they come." She flashed me a reassuring smile, "Rina is quite famous for helping many traveling adventurers in fact. Even some famous Hunter's to boot. Ah, but listen to me rambling like a fool without introducing myself! The names Shella. Shella Fairing." She extended her right hand, seeing how her left hand was still perched upon my left shoulder, in proper greeting.

"Silvia..." I grasped her hand with my own, "Silvia Snow."

"Snow?" Shella quirked a blonde brow at me in curiosity, "You wouldn't happen to be related to Maria Snow would you?"

"Y-Yes... She is my mother. You know her?"

"Mother?" She looked genuinely surprised by this, "You look nothing like her though..."

"Ah..." I laughed sheepishly, "She adopted me two years back, but she has raised me since I was a babe left at the orphanage..."

"Is that so? Well in that case it's only suitable that Maria would end up your mother." She nodded her head almost in a sage-like manner in thought, "So that means you're THAT Silvia then..." She hummed wistfully.

"E-Excuse me?"

Just as quickly though Shella was smiling once more, "Oh nothing dearie! You know we old gals have heard quite a bit about you from your mother. Well that is to say I am but one of many assistants here at our orphanage in Gildergaran. Don't tell me Maria is still trying to gain access to our records is she?"

Upon hearing that Shella was one of the caretakers at the orphanage I couldn't help but perk up in high hopes, "Yes actually. She went there in fact while I went to the library. Do you think they'll let her in this time?"

"Hmm..." She stroked her chin in quiet contemplation, "I'm afraid I can not say my dear. It is unlikely though. They won't even let little ol' me into the records there... Ever since Maria looked through the records at Albarax's orphanage six years ago she's been stubbornly adamant about wanting access here that much I do know. The biggest mystery to date is what exactly did she find there..."

"Oh... I see..." I frowned slightly, feeling a bit at a loss and disheartened by her response. I was however curious about her remark on Albarax. I could recall a brief period six years prior of there being an absence of Maria's presence. The reasoning behind it at the time had been unknown to me, nor did she ever mention anything about Albarax upon her return. Of course I had been simply relieved to have her back that I had never bothered to question her about it either... "I did not realize that is where she disappeared to for a spell all those years ago..."

"Oh? She never mentioned it to you did she? Pity... And here I was hoping you'd have an inkling on what got her panties all tied up in a bunch..." She chuckled lightheartedly, "I suppose everyone has their secrets to hide, hmm?"

'Oh if you only knew...' I thought to myself as I smiled, if not a bit nervously. "Well you can't go telling all your secrets right? You need to leave a little room for mystery to allure someone's interest. At least that's what my mother would always say..."

At this Shella out right cackled in mirth, "That definitely sounds like something Maria would say! All joking aside, I must thank you personally."

"Thank me?" I looked up at her; perplexed on what she could be thanking me for, "But Ms. Fairing I've done nothing to receive such thanks..."

"On the contrary my dear I have much to thank you for, as do the other assistant's, such as myself, do. You see your dear ol' mom is rather well known and respected amongst many within the orphanage community. It's from my understanding, Silvia, that you are the one to give thanks too for saving Maria during her darkest hour. From what I heard your appearance at the orphanage was like a blessing in disguise for Maria. Her husband on the other hand..." She mumbled with a frown gracing her lips, "He could not move past their grief..." She shook her head slightly, as if doing so would will the thought of the man away, "That's not important though." Just as quickly as it had appeared Shella smiled once more, "What is important is you saved her just as much as she likely has saved you, Silvia."

"What do you mean by "her darkest hour"? Let alone husband..." Now I was the one frowning with questions and confusion on my lips, "'I've never seen a man ever standing beside my mothers side before..."

"Ah..." Shella's smile slipped slightly into a sad one; even the expression in her emerald eyes had softened, "It seems I may have said too much... These are questions not for me to answer though. This is a personal matter that is your mothers alone. One you will have to inquire about from her yourself, for it is not my story to tell you Silvia. For now just take comfort in knowing you played a part in being her guiding light during those times... Now then..." She gently patted my backside, "Why don't I guide you to the orphanage? I'm sure Maria is likely still there and would be glad to see you."

"I...I suppose that would be wise..." I mumbled sheepishly, "I'm pretty sure I took a wrong turn on my way there as it is... If not for you Ms. Fairing I'd probably still be wandering aimlessly back there in that alley with that witch..." I shuddered nervously at the thought.

"Well there's no need to fret dearie. You're in good hands now!" Shella beamed, and with that guided me to my rightful intended destination...

Despite my conversation with Shella ten years ago I never once tried to approach the topic mentioned with my mother. Try as I might, I could never find the words to bring the subject to the forefront of our conversations. After all, how does one bring up the topic of a possible husband that was present in her life one time? Let alone the touchy subject of my appearance somehow corresponding with a dark moment in her life...

With a heavy sigh I shifted to remove my helmet from my head to set aside. Considering the extent of my stay of residing hidden within the rainforest by now it was safe to say no other human would be making their presence known here. Feeling comfortable with this conclusion there was really no need for me to hide myself so guardedly. Now free of the confines of my helmet my hair fell freely to my mid back revealing its black and purple speckled appearance. Out of caution and necessity I had been daily reapplying my makeup, but at this point in time it seemed an unnecessary step. With no one, but beasts as company, it seemed the best course of action would be to conserve it from now on.

"Since luck seems to be on my side..." I lowered my gaze to my reflection on the water's surface, "Perhaps it is time to refrain from putting on makeup, at least until the weather changes..." I hummed quietly to myself, "Or unless I leave the rainforest..." Nodding at my own reflection, as if in silent agreement with it, I lowered my hands into the cool waters to cup as much as I could hold with them and proceeded to wash my face clean. Slowly the makeup began to peel off and give way to my true face, one I normally held with such disdain. Since the makeup was made to be relatively water resistant it took a little more effort in getting removed. However at this moment as I gazed at my purple blemished face I was more curious on how Luxo would react to seeing me like this, rather than holding it with my usual contempt.

"Would you realize it's me without the false face and helmet in place?" I chuckled softly, "Probably not at first I'd wager... No, you'd probably recognize my scent first, before you'd piece things together. Still..." I looked up from my reflection to the horizon before me, "I can't help but wonder what would be going through your mind in that moment. Confusion? Bewilderment perhaps? Or..." I glanced back down to the water's surface once more, "would you look at me the way you did in my dreams..." I closed my eyes briefly, allowing a small sigh to escape my lips, "I suppose I won't know unless by some miracle I come across you again..."

Grabbing my helmet once more, I stood to walk towards my pack containing my inventory of goods. "Of course if I want to make that happen I'll need something more suited to help me combat the elements..." Setting my helmet down beside it I reached for the massive bundle I had rolled up and tied down to the top half of my pack. As I placed my hand upon it I paused, before slowly stroking my hand across it with a sense of guilt. "I suppose I should consider this my way of keeping that promise of not letting your death be in vain..." I murmured softly under my breath, "But you'll have to forgive me for I can't promise that the quality of my work will be on par with an expert blacksmith." I chuckled softly with a sad smile playing on my lips.

My initial journey into the rainforest all those prior weeks had not been as smooth sailing, despite my best efforts to simply slip by without confrontation. Alas there was one beast that caught sight of me... Untying the bundle from my pack, I made quick work of unrolling the hide to lay flat across the ground, revealing the emerald green fur that could only belong to one creature known to reside here. It was none other than the skin of an Emerald Congalala. This was the very beast who would not allow me to simply move by...

Territorial by nature, and with a stubborn mind set to chase anything it deemed unwelcomed; it left me with no option but to stand my ground and fight. Running would have been a foolish move and only would have tired myself out quickly; whereas the Emerald Congalala would have ran me down in hot pursuit with plenty of energy to spare. Drawing my sword and shield was the only choice I had, but I took no enjoyment in having to do so. It had been done in self defense after all.

"I didn't want to kill you..." I sighed softly as I moved my hand across the fur, "I'm sure your spirit is long gone by now, but I hope in some way you know I never wanted this for you... I just wanted to slip by peacefully without harming anyone. Strange how I never intended this, but now suddenly you may be of use to me..."

Initially I had only taken from its corpse what I believed other people or Hunter's would find useful. Whether that use was for a weapon, armor, or even decorative it didn't matter to me. Profit was profit, and I for one was raised to not be wasteful. Of course I'm not always about profit... I had even considered keeping it as a throw rug, or even hanging it up on a wall for display; especially considering the extent I went to cleaning it. With Congalala's being naturally foul smelling beasts it took repetitive attempts of washing the hide, before I finally had a pelt that wouldn't make me gag just being near it. As of right now though I had a very different use for it in mind.

"You might be a creature of the rainforest, but you still harbor a relatively thick fur to your hide..." I hummed quietly to myself as I grabbed my pack to open and rummage through. "Armor is out of the question, but maybe... Just maybe I could fashion you into a winter coat of sorts..." As I spoke to myself I removed an assortment of items to set aside or even on top of the laid out pelt, "One I can put over my armor without hindering my movements..." I paused for a moment to take into account my inventory, "Hmm... If I make enough heat droughts along with it I might be able to get to Gildegaran and back..."

Now there was an idea... A dangerous one perhaps, but an idea nonetheless. Maybe it was because of these recent reflections of memories between my mother and even Ms. Fairing, but the temptation to investigate Gildegaran's Hunter's Guild was quite high. Knowing the condition of the flooded floors of the rainforest it was safe to assume that Gildegaran was likely vacant. Any one with half a brain would have long since left to warmer climates. That meant that Gildegaran should be devoid of any life behind its walls. It could be the perfect opportunity to look at Scout's last known works of art in peace. Even if that meant breaking open the case to gain access to it. Not only that though I could also see the rumored beast my mother seemed so keenly interested in.

"I'll start with the heat droughts first..." Pulling out my brewing pot from my pack I made quick work of setting it up and lighting a fire beneath it. Knowing the necessary ingredients by heart I quickly went to work placing them inside to begin the process of breaking them down into what would eventually be a drinkable potion. This would take a handful of hours before it would be considered brewed to perfection. In the meantime while it brewed it allowed me to formulate my design on how exactly I would go about turning this Emerald Congalala's hide into a coat.

"You're going to take a couple of days..." I grumbled under my breath as my eyes raked over the pelt, calculating ways on how to utilize all of it without resorting to cutting, "Especially since I want to keep you in one piece at the same time..." My way of thinking may have seemed strange to anyone, but myself; however my intentions made perfect sense in hindsight. Since the idea was to retain as much possible value in the article my plan was to be able to undo the work at a later date if need be. That meant meticulous and precise stitch work would be used to fashion it together. It also meant I could just as easily go back and cut out the stitch work to return it to being a full intact pelt.

With nothing but the gentle bubbling of my brew filling my ears, I went to work on placing chalk marks here and there along the hide. As I did so I would repeatedly shift the skin to fold or touch where these marks were placed as visual guidance. Since the Congalala is considerably larger than I it left me with a lot of excess fur to accommodate for. This might have seemed like a nuisance but in all actual reality having to fold the fur on itself, maybe even multiple times; taking into consideration of myself, would provide that extra needed padding to keep insulated. Of course since the marks were general guesstimates I would have to continuously drape the hide on me to see how far off I was then make adjustments accordingly. Thankfully chalk is very forgiving and easily wiped off to make corrections. By the time I had a set in stone plan of action for the pelt was when my brew had reached its point of perfection.

Making quick work of the situation I immediately dosed the fire out. The key to a perfect heat drought was to not overcook it and allow it to cool down naturally. With the fire put out I could return my attention back to my other task at hand. Fortunately for me I had some parchment paper on hand that allowed me to sketch out a duplicate of the hide and all the markings I had implemented with my chalk marks. Since chalk is a forgiving material I knew I would run the risk of it coming off while working on it, thus the necessity of putting it all down on paper. This included also taking down the measurements of not only the pelt as a whole itself, but also my markings placements, and the spacing between them. Not only that but also noteworthy details for myself as reminders of which points would be sewed together as well. Only when I had everything fleshed out accordingly did I finally allow myself a break.

Sighing softly I set aside the parchment paper in favor of sitting back on the palm of my hands; legs laid out before me as I peered up at the canopy of the forest once more, "You know... you might do a great job at keeping the snow out, but you sure make it difficult to tell the time of day Babda..." I chuckled in bitter amusement as I spoke to the forest as if it was its own living identity. "But I suppose even if I could see beyond your leaves I doubt I'd see any welcoming sunlight..." Slowly I turned my gaze to my left where my pot resided before shifting my weight on to my left hand to reach with my right and lightly touch it briefly. "I suppose you've cooled enough... Hopefully I have enough vials on hand for all of this..."

Sitting up once more I grabbed my pack to open an entirely different compartment within it. The compartment itself was thickly lined in padding made from sheep's wool. Safely tucked inside were several vials, and not all of which were empty, but for now only the empty vials were what I was after. One by one I removed them until I had eight empty vials set out before me. With practiced expertise I went about the tedious task of carefully filling each one with the heat drought I had brewed.

"This should be more than enough to get me there and back..." I hummed as I eyed my handy work, "But," I glanced back at my pot that wasn't quite empty, "having more never hurts either... Question now is," I reached back into my pack to remove a few other vials, ones that had a variety of different concoctions within them, "what do I dispose of to replace with what's left in the cauldron..." Health potions were completely out of the question. They were too valuable to simply just throw away by any means. What I really needed to put into consideration was my knowledge of the beasts that resided here and what ailments they could inflict on a person...

"I think I can afford to do away with one of you..." As I said this I picked up a bottle with a pale yellow tinted liquid inside, "The likelihood that I'll run into one of those electric wielding beasts is rather low. Especially since I have no intentions to go beyond the settlement where they typically reside..." Popping the cork off I made my way to the nearby stream to pour out the paralyze heal into its flowing waters. Since it was a moving water source I knew it would disperse quickly and cause no harm to the surrounding area; let alone the aquatic life. After cleaning the bottle itself did I return to my brew to fill it with the new potion.

"One more..." I mumbled as I scraped the pot's sides as best as I could, "I should be able to get one more out of you... But... I'm not so sure I want to get rid of another paralyze heal for it..." I had only had four of them to begin with; now down to three after disposing of one. "I know!" I smiled suddenly, quickly grabbing my pack to pull out a vial holding a purple liquid within it, "I have an abundance of you so one sacrifice for the team won't be my downfall." Like the bottle before, I poured out its contents into the stream and cleaned out all traces of the antidote from within. Once satisfied that no remnants of the former potion remained did I scrape the cauldron clean of the last drops of the heat drought into its final and last bottle.

"There," I nodded in quiet satisfaction, "Ten is certainly better than eight. With these I should definitely get there and back just fine. Now I just need to work on the coat. But first," I removed my pot from over the extinguished fire pit, "we need to clean you up..." Carrying my cauldron to the stream I made quick work of washing it up, before returning it to sit hanging above the deceased fire. All distractions aside I carefully went about putting my heat droughts back into the protective pocket within my pack. Once all were settled into place did I return my attention back to the laid out Emerald Congalala's pelt.

"I suppose we can put a few hours into you, before calling it a night..." Sitting back down beside the pelt I went about the slow tedious process of bringing my idea and design to life. Hours passed and before I realized it what once was a lit up forest began to show the tall tale signs of day shifting to night.

"Hmm... I better start up my fire again." I commented offhandedly as I glanced around the darkening area, "Especially if I want to eat something before bed..." Sighing softly I stopped all work on my coat to be in favor of rekindling life back into my fireplace. Once I had a steady flame going I set up my spicket with the fish I had caught from earlier in the day.

"Well..." I looked over my progress so far with a critical calculating eye, "it's a start..." Despite the hours consumed in folding, pulling and stretching to stitching the fur in select points it was a far cry from being done. At least now I had a basic form starting to take shape. "Guess it pays to skin from head to toe..." I had been so meticulous in skinning the beast I even went as far as saving its head and tail; even the leg and arm fur was still present on it.

All this excess material only fueled my imagination, rather than discourage me. Already I was envisioning how I could turn its head into a hood and its tail used as a makeshift belt. With Congalala's arms being bulbous in muscle mass to begin with I was already intending to turn them into the sleeves of the coat. As for the legs I was still up in arms on what I would do with them. I could either tuck them up within the coat tail on the inside and stitch them there, or possibly pull out some loose material from my pack to create straps to attach to the leg fur. My thought process with that was to then wrap the leg fur around my own to attach in place with the strap. These were of course just a few possible ideas roaming about in my mind's eye, but considering I was only in the beginning stages of the design I was nowhere near starting these potential key ideas.

"This will just have to do for today..." Casually I went about putting things away; all the while keeping a close eye on my fish as it cooked over the open fire. Only once I had successfully placed everything back in or on my pack did I turn my full attention to my meal cooking at hand.

I watched in silence with a strange sense of comfort as the forest floor gradually shifted into darkness. The only source of light present being nothing, but the crackle of my fire. As the forest was taken into the setting of night the floor came alive with the melodies of singing insects and nocturnal creatures; too which I had the pleasure of enjoying as I ate my dinner. Once satisfied of subduing my hunger did I once more clean up and put out my fire; keeping only a torch lit in order to see. With everything packed away I replaced my helmet and threw my pack over my shoulder to make my way back to the security of the abandoned settlement. It was here where I finally turned in for the night to slip back into the world of dreams...

"Grace..." I stood standing at my post perched high upon the cliff side looking down at my family, before looking to the one I had called to. The young Baggi in question was in the midst of not quite a hatchling, but not yet an adult either. She was a reminder; along with her siblings, of just how long it has been since her fathers untimely death. A death that struck me with immense grief, anger, and pain...

"Yes mother?"

"What do you think of him?" I glanced back down to the throng of mostly black and blue bodies easily pinpointing the red hide that belonged to Luxo amongst them. "Do... Do you like him, Grace?"

"Luxo?" Graced inquired, slightly caught off guard by my question to the point a faint blush found its way across her face, "He's... He's not father..."

"Is that a bad thing...?" I murmured softly; though my eyes never stopped following Luxo below as he mingled with everyone in conversation or duties...

"No!... No..." Grace's blush only seemed to darken ten fold if possible, "What I meant to say is he's very kind mother. It doesn't matter to whom either..." She sheepishly twiddled her hands together, "Grandma has taken a liking to him even..."

"Oh?" I peeled my eyes away to look at my flustered daughter, "He is quite sweet isn't he?" I couldn't help but allow a slow small smile to creep across my face, "Able was sweet too... Though I don't recall your Grandmother ever truly taking a liking to your father..."

"Ah... Well," Grace smiled awkwardly, "father only ever reserved such kindness for you, my siblings, and I. Not so much for my aunts, uncles, or grandma. That's not to say dad was cruel or mean towards them!" She quickly added as an afterthought, "Just... not as affectionate I suppose..."

"Mm... I guess I never realized..." I sighed sadly, before finding myself smiling warmly once more, "But it is true... Able adored you; each and everyone of your sisters and brothers..." I shifted to move closer to Grace reaching out a clawed hand to gently brush the back of it across her cheek, "It didn't matter if you were mine, my sisters or mother's, or aunts, he loved you all, more than you will ever know. I hope you know that Grace."

She closed her eyes briefly as she rubbed her head into my gentle form of contact, "I know ma..." Grace whispered softly, "There are days where I still miss him..."

"That is only natural my dear. You were very young when he was taken from us... Now look at you..." I chuckled softly, "Soon you'll be making me a Grandma..." I sighed, "Where have the years gone?"

"M-Mom!" Grace blushed, fiercely quickly swatting my arm away in embarrassment, "I'm only three!"

"I know," I chuckled, "but give it another year and a half and you'll come of age, Grace. By then," I smirked slyly, "you'll be looking at Luxo in a much different manner; if you aren't already doing so..."

"Oh my God mom stop!" Grace practically shrieked in her embarrassment before turning her head away, face red as can be that it could rival Luxo's fur. "It's not like he'd ever look at me the way he does you..." She mumbled under her breath, "The way he looks at you when he thinks no one is looking... It's almost like the way dad would look at you, but...so much more... The look in his eyes; his body language... It's so...so intense ma..." She lowered her head slightly and was awkwardly twiddling with her hands again. "I can't help but admit I'm a little envious of you..."

Now it was my turn to blush softly, 'When has he been looking up here that I haven't even noticed?' I thought to myself as I gently cupped my daughter's face to make her look at me once more, "Grace... He's not your father and I know that is a role he can never truly fill for you and your siblings. It's to be expected, since you aren't his, but that does not mean he will not care for you in his own way..." I allowed my hand to fall back to my side as I glanced back down below to Luxo specifically, "If I do choose to accept him..." I looked back at her, "I know very well what the future will bring for you and your sisters and that is simply the natural order of things of which I must accept... But," I offered a tender warm smile, "I'd like to believe he will be gentle and kind with you girls..."

Stepping forward suddenly Grace gently nuzzled her head and neck into my side; cleverly weaseling her way into the inside of my right arm, "If you feel that way about it, why won't you give him the time of day?" She whispered softly into my side, "He's been with us for two weeks now and..." she tilted her head slightly to shyly peer up at me, "even Great Uncle Ralph has taken a liking to him..."

Instinctively I reacted by wrapping my arm around the underside of her neck and resting my hand upon the beginning of her spine. In turn I lowered my head to hug her close to me with my neck. Sadly though I couldn't deny she was right; I was avoiding him still despite allowing him to live amongst us. In two weeks time he had seemingly won over my family... Even my Uncle Ralph, so it would seem...

I sighed quietly, lowering my head even more to nuzzle her side, "Great Uncle Ralph the Grouch, huh? How is that possible..." I chuckled lightheartedly, "That grumpy Great Uncle of yours didn't even like your father you know?"

"I know ma..." Grace laughed softly, "He makes a habit of reminding me with how;" She stepped back; out from my embrace to clear her throat to put on the best impersonation she could of her Great Uncle, "Your mother always deserved better. She was too good for your father!" She motioned dramatically with one arm in a pointing gesture as she continued, "Now that red fellow; Luxo was it? Now that boy is a keeper..." She raised her hand then to rub the bottom of her chin in deep thought as she continued her act; amusing me on one hand, but also mortifying me to hear such things come from my Uncle's mouth; "Never comes home empty handed... Make sure you youngin's eat first, but give me and your Grandma; along with the other retired warriors the tenderest pieces..." She started nodding her head as if in agreement with herself, "Yes... Yes definitely like that fellow... Good head on his shoulders and respectful of his elders that one is." She removed her hand from her chin to commence with the dramatic pointing once more, "Now if only your stubborn mother would just spend some time with him she'd see how much better of a fit he is for her!"

"Grace," I laughed, "Grace that's enough." I looked away trying to regain my composure behind one of my arms and hand, "I can't believe Ralph would say such things to you!"

"But it's true mom!" There was a smile plastered across her face; despite the soft blush residing there; "He always carves up the kill to get at the juiciest bits to offer to the oldest members, before allowing me and my siblings a head start on dining. Sometimes he'll eat with us, but won't let the others approach until he allows it. He... he even makes sure to pick the best pieces for you too... Mom," She raised her hand to gently place upon my arm in order to pull it away from my face, "Mom...won't you at least eat with him for once?... Just once. That's all I'm asking... And...and just talk to him. He'll listen. You'll see..."

"Ha... I suppose you would know, wouldn't you Grace?" I chuckled lowly; my hunch only being solidified as her blush darkened and she turned her gaze to avoid mine, "But... I suppose you are right... I haven't been upholding my agreement very well have I?" I sighed heavily, "I just... I'm afraid I don't know how to act around him... It's been so long since I've been courted that I'm not sure I remember how I should behave..."

"That's because up until now you have chased off every other suitor that tried to approach you with unprovoked hostility. And you still won't tell me why; let alone what really happened to dad..."

"Grace you father was murdered what more do you need to know?" I muttered bitterly.

"I know that mom!" Grace huffed out in frustration, "But your behavior over it tells me it wasn't just a normal situation. I... I know it was common for pa to get challenged by other rivals and if he lost the likelihood meant the winner would take his place..."

"That is true, Grace..." I hissed out irritably, "However in all these incidents the clan was always present to bare witness to the fights. What happened to Able...to your father...no one was there to bare witness to anything..."

"But you found him..." She whispered softly, "You still won't talk about it... Let alone what it is you did afterwards." She stepped forward once more to place a hand atop one of my own, "Don't I..." she paused; "Don't we deserve to know what happened? He was our father first, before he was...your partner and it's been two and half years since he's been gone..."

I lowered my gaze off to the side with a quiet defeated sigh, "Fine... I suppose it's been long enough since his passing... And you are mature enough now to handle the truth." I closed my eyes momentarily to collect my thoughts to find the best way to answer her, "Your father had gone on his nightly patrol, like he always did... It was just like any other night at first, expect...he didn't come back. Able had always been very punctual when he'd go out... Never gone for very long you see... I always knew when to expect him back, so when he didn't show up I knew immediately something was wrong..."

"And that's when you went looking for dad..." Grace murmured glancing down to the ground seemingly in thought, "I remember you always standing outside the den waiting for him... That night you abruptly took off without warning. You didn't say anything to anyone, you just ran..."

"Ah... I didn't realize you were awake..." I looked at her with a somber sad look, "You're right though... I ran out of there with no warning to anyone. Not to your grandma, nor your uncles or aunts... I ran stalking after his path knowing his route like the back of my hand with nothing but dread weighing heavy on my heart... When I finally found him it was along the outskirts of what is ours... At first... I was unable to accept what I was seeing and I called out to him...But... When he didn't respond... Didn't move at all with any sign of life, I knew than he was gone... I was so overcome with grief..." My voice trembled with raw emotion; even now recalling this memory still having such a strong effect on me, "I screamed to the night skies in anguish..."

"So that was you..." Grace whispered under her breath; shifting to nuzzle against my side once more in an act to comfort me.

I laughed bitterly, "I suppose it was... I couldn't bring myself to weep over him for too long as my anguish turned into anger... And my anger...my anger wanted revenge." I felt Grace stiffen slightly against me; warily peering up at me.

"What did you do mother...?"

"I tracked the ones responsible for murdering your father..." I locked eyes with her; "And I killed them..."

"T-Them? I-I don't understand. I thought dad was killed by a rival; just no witnesses..."

"I thought so at first, but when I surveyed the area in which your father fell I realized something... There were two sets of tracks walking away from his body. Able had been tricked, blindsided, ambushed, call it what you want, by a second attacker, but not before severely harming one of them." I gently cupped Grace's cheek, "Your father didn't die in vain that night for the damage he caused kept the two brothers from getting far... When I caught up to them I simply finished what your father had started. It was your Great Aunt Leona and Great Uncle Ralph who found me shortly after... They of course found Able first, before finding me... After everything was said and done we buried his body. It was the least I could do for the unjust manner in which he was unfairly killed."

"They played dirty..." Grace hissed under her breath; signs of angry tears pricking at the four corners of her eyes, "They deserved what they got coming to them... I... I think I understand now..." She glanced up at me; searching my eyes as if silently asking me to prove her wrong, "Why you've been so hostile ever since dads passing... I... I think I get it now... But I'd rather see you happy again..." She nuzzled me once more, "Even you can't deny that ever since Luxo showed up our luck has turned around... We're thriving rather then just surviving... Maybe we are all desperate for new beginnings, but everyone is charmed by him; despite his strange coloration. The only one who hasn't spent time with him is you..."

"I know Grace," I sighed as I gently nuzzled her in return, "I know... I..." I looked back towards the cliff side in quiet consideration, "I will eat with him tonight; if that will please you..." I glanced back down towards her, "Tell him... Tell him to make sure he includes himself when he prepares what he thinks will suit my tastes... That should be all he needs to hear from you to understand the implications."

Immediately Grace's face lit up with unspoken excitement and delight, "Oh do you mean it ma?! You'll really dine with him tonight?" She looked at me with such hopeful filled eyes.

"Yes Grace, "I chuckled as I gently ruffled the bit of fur a top her head, "The sun is beginning to set," I casually pointed out, "and the night will be soon upon us. It might be wise to head down below before he heads out on his next hunt to pass the message."

"Oh!" Grace gasped, "You're right! I almost forgot we finished off the last kill this afternoon!" She glanced to the setting sun with a sense of panic, "I better go before the hunt party gets gathered to leave!" Frantically she stole one last caress against my side before disengaging herself from the contact and making a mad dash out of my sight down the side of the cliff.

"Hudson..." As I spoke I turned my head towards what was essentially my den, "How long do you plan on hiding in there?"

Immediately a young male stepped out in a sheepish manner, "Sorry ma..." He scratched the backside of his neck awkwardly, "I... I didn't mean to eavesdrop..." He lowered his gaze to the ground with an underlining sense of sadness.

"Mm..." I glanced away, "I see you've heard more then enough though..."

Hudson was yet another one of my children; however unlike Grace he was a year older then her and he was beginning to show telling signs; dangerous signs of being Able's heir. It sadly put me on edge, more so then ever with Luxo being around... Already he was beginning to show the tall tell signs of his crest taking shape and thickening in fur. He was also a lot taller then his other siblings; almost as tall as I, but not quite. Within another years time he'd reach full maturity and I... I would have to bid him goodbye for it would be time for him to leave the pack and hopefully find one of his own to claim. It was this fact alone I was so adamant on keeping him close to me.

On one hand Hudson was turning into the spitting image of his father, which warmed my heart, but also made it ache all the same. On the other hand...it made me fiercely protective of him to the point I kept him hidden away and out of Luxo's sight. Even now Luxo was unaware of Hudson's existence. For the past two weeks I kept him hidden up here with me sharing the food that was prepared for me and delivered by one of my other children; who would meet Luxo half way down the cliff to take his offering from him. I did this because I knew what the ramifications would be if Luxo were to see him. It wouldn't be something I could fault him on either, because he'd be acting on instinct; our instinctual code of law to exterminate the former leaders heir, ultimately eliminating the bloodline with them...

This didn't necessarily mean all former Alpha's or new rivals were killed in these fights for the right to lead the clan. My father was proof of that... He, on many occasions, would allow his rivals to walk away with their lives. Defeated, but alive to fight another day. It was an unexpected quality of compassion I hoped to witness in others like him. At the moment though I was praying that his compassionate quality also resided within Luxo as well...

As it was the circumstances of our courtship, thus far, were unusual. He wasn't here because he out dueled a former leader at my side, he was here because I allowed it. If it had been a fight my acceptance would of been without question and sealed with an act of copulation to solidify our new budding bond... This wasn't the case though... I was making him work for it through earning my family's acceptance first and from what I was seeing and hearing he was doing just that flawlessly... Under normal circumstances what would of been expected of me was to accept the very first Great Baggi to approach me without question upon being without a mate at my side. However my bitter anguish and heartache wouldn't allow me to do so... But it was more then just this alone that kept me from accepting anyone for so long. The safety of my children was upheld first above all else. Being only a year and half of age when Grace and her siblings lost Able put them at high risk of being outright slaughtered by any new Great Baggi that would try to court me. They were too young to be useful in a hunt and would have been viewed as but a burden of extra mouths that needed to be fed. This was something I simply could not allow to happen. Now that the youngest amongst us were now three years of age kept them safe from being viewed as such from Luxo, but it did not keep Hudson safe from him...

'If he's willing to go this far just to earn the right to be beside me...' I turned to face Hudson making eye contact with his purple hued ones; 'Then maybe... Just maybe he will bend a little more to my will if he truly desires me so...' Even now I could hear the question lingering in his eyes blatantly screaming, ' " What are you going to do with me?" '

"Don't worry, "I smiled in an effort to lighten the mood, "I will speak with him first, before I let him up here or anywhere near you..."

"What will that accomplish? You and I both know what he will do when he-" I cut off his panicked response before he could even continue.

"Hudson... I won't let that happen." I stated with a firm conviction in my voice, "If Luxo wants to be by my side as badly as it seems then he will have to accept what it will take to earn that right." I moved to stand beside him to gently nuzzle the side of his cheek, "And that includes accepting you... If he can't do that than I guess Grace was wrong about him..."

Immediately Hudson relaxed; silently melting into my contact, "I don't think Grace is wrong..." He murmured softly, "I'm just worried..." He shifted to hug me gently, "Worried you'll forget about dad..."

"Oh sweetie..." I chuckled softly as I returned his embrace, "How could I ever forget about your father when I have you and your siblings that remind me so much of him every day?"

"Heh..." He laughed sheepishly, "I guess you're right about that..."

"Tsk." I ruffled his fur a top his head, "Of course I'm right I'm your mother!" I grinned playfully.

"M-Mom!" He jumped back abruptly in dismay, frantically lowering his head and trying to fix his crest fur with his claws, "Why'd you go and do that?" he pouted softly, "I just got it to where I liked it too..."

I smirked ruefully, "I could always mess it up further if you like?" I held up a hand in a playful silent threat. Despite my implications there was the faintest of smiles at the corner of his lips.

"Th-That's quite alright mom!" He raised up his arms in defense, as if it would possibly stop my assault, before standing at attention as the night sky was filled with a chorus of roars. "Sounds like they are getting ready to hunt..." Hudson's eyes lingered in the direction of the cliffs edge; a look I've become all to familiar with every time a hunt was about to start.

I sighed heavily bringing my raised hand down to gently place it upon his shoulder, "Yes... Yes they are..." I brought my other hand to the opposite side of his face in order to bring his line of sight back to me, "Go back inside Hudson..."

"B-But ma..."

"No buts young man." I smiled despite my firm tone of voice, "Don't come out until I call for you. Understood?"

He sighed dropping his line of sight to the side, "Yes ma..."

"Good. Now move along Hudson if you understand your orders." I gave him a light pat in order to send him off.

Begrudgingly he nodded his head; briefly making eye contact with me again, before turning away to head back inside and out of sight once more. With Hudson back inside I walked back to my perch at the edge of the cliff to look down at members quickly huddling around Luxo in particular. For a brief moment our eyes locked and I couldn't deny or help the strange fluttering feeling it arose within my chest. Even now he still looked at me with such an intense burning desire; despite the fact we hadn't really spoke or interacted with one another since our first conversation and his first hunt with the clan... Feeling a need to acknowledge him I gave him a slow court nod to which he responded in kind with one of his own. This of course drew the attention of the rest of the clans eyesight to look up towards me as well. Oddly enough this seemed to stir them up into an even more hyped up frenzy for the hunt. Their behavior was the complete opposite the first time he tried to round up a hunting party...

At that time I had to intervene and abandon my post to get my clan to behave. I for one couldn't afford for us to go hungry just because they were refusing to cooperate with him. His timing couldn't have been any better; due to right after our agreement I had told him to head down and introduce himself, and that I expected him to later go hunting with a group from amongst my young warriors. I ultimately had to subdue my children, but also my family, before bringing them to an understanding. Once they all had a better understanding of the bigger picture at hand they eventually formed a group and reluctantly left with him.

When they returned there had been a much lighter tone of mood from them. They had even used a familiar tactic Able usually would execute with having the members jump scare the prey towards the den. Able would always wait in ambush to deliver the killing blow right outside where I could see him viciously rip their throats out. The only difference was Able was a lot taller than Luxo and out weighed most others like him and he displayed this fact with his acts of brutality and physical body strength; a reminder why he had been our leader for so long...

The fact he had even used such a method told me he had at least managed to engage in conversation with them and had expressed interest in what hunting methods they were taught. Witnessing him implement it on one hand had me completely on edge on how he intended to follow through. He hadn't disappointed me, or anyone else who had witnessed his...unexpected strategic sharp mind combined with his athletic abilities. Where Able would have done things in one quick and unexpected fluid motion; Luxo had resorted to disabling its movements and he did it with alarming speed as he caught it off guard and slashed at key important muscles and tendons in its forelimbs. The end result had; what was perhaps one of the biggest mammoths I'd ever seen since Able's time; buckling under its own weight. He had moved so fast I almost missed how he pivoted his feet at the last moment to change his trajectory of attack and deliver the finishing blow; now that it was within his capable reach to pull it off, but with an added touch of slitting its throat open as well at the same time as he ripped a piece out with his teeth.

The deafening silence that followed couldn't match the joyous cries that swiftly replaced everyone's initial shock. I don't know if what he did was because he was foolishly ambitious, or that desperate to impress me and start off on a good foot in the right direction of earning my clans acceptance, but I couldn't deny that I had been pleasantly surprised in how he handled himself and overcame what everyone would of seen as one of his greatest disadvantages; his height... His following actions however would determine what kind of parental instincts he'd likely express with children of his own.

As my clan in their excitement, forgot their social status and manners, tried to make a run for the fallen prey; he whirled upon them, bloodied fangs and claws bared in warning, a reminder of who was in charge of the situation. Immediately they came to a halt in alarm, and if looks could kill the one he was displaying surely would have. His hostility was just as quickly gone giving me a moment to relax. Though I couldn't hear what was transpiring between them his actions spoke much louder than words, and after my conversation with Grace she only confirmed what it was that had transpired during that hunt and every one that has taken place after it. Since then my family's attitude towards him has gone from being standoffish and even borderline hostile themselves; to admiration to the point they try to fight for a chance to be the next members to go on the next hunt. So far he's been taking new members every time; showing surprising patience to take the time to bond with each one of them. When he's not on a hunt I've witnessed him divide his time between the youngest and oldest members alike, even playing with the little ones in mock battles.

There was just one problem... Hudson should of been going on these hunts... Before Luxo entered the picture I had been leading the hunt parties; but with Hudson at my side. I was doing my best to fill in Able's shoes when it came to trying to prepare him for a life of a bachelor; before a leader. The problem was I could only teach him so much being a Matriarch and not a Great Baggi... He'd eventually outgrow me and at that point I would be unable to properly train him for stronger opponents like himself. I feared I would end up setting him up for failure, but I also understood missing out on these hunts was vital experience Hudson was also missing out on...

'If I can convince you to leave Hudson be... Will I be able to trust you to take him on outings with you?' As I considered these thoughts I watched him and the select few who were chosen to accompany him disappear into the frozen landscape beyond. 'Maybe I would be asking too much from you to possibly take him under your wing... But...' I sighed closing my eyes momentarily, 'What other choice do I have?' Whether I liked it or not Luxo was the closest; no, the only one capable of preparing my son for a life of hardship of being a young bachelor that no longer would have the protection of his family.

Their approach was heard long before they were ever visually seen. This was his fourth hunt with my clan and despite working with new members each time I was already gradually seeing them pick up hunting habits from him. From word of mouth or seeing it for themselves they were mimicking his antics as they chased the intended target and even sweeping in at random intervals between them to slash at its limbs. Unlike when Luxo delivered these attacks theirs only slowed it down and kept it terrified and blindly being lead to its demise.

I didn't stick around to witness how he was going to take it down this time. Normally I would; anxiously waiting to see where he'd come flying out in ambush. Always trying to predict what manner in which he'll attack and from where... So far I've been completely unsuccessful in guessing in what method or tactic he'd use... He was a constant enigma to me who only continued to surprise me and deepen my intrigue for him. No, rather then remain for the killing blow I turned away to begin my walk half way down the cliff side where I alarmed my brother Lucas of my sudden appearance.

"Silvia?" Gray blue eyes looked at me with clear questioning in them, "What're you doing down here?"

I smirked cheekily, "I'm releasing you from duty Lucas."

"What?" He blanched, "You can't be serious sis! You sure you thought this through?" His eyes shifted beyond me to where I had descended down from, "What about Hudson...?"

"That's exactly why you are being released from your post brother... I need this moment to speak with Luxo alone, before I allow him to step foot up there with me."

Lucas hesitated; his gaze lingering on me, "I don't know what it is you're hoping for, but I hope you aren't wrong about it..." Having said his piece he turned away from me to make his way down the rest of the way; most likely to join our mother's side.

Alone I found myself anxiously pacing back and forth along the pathway for his arrival. Several minutes ago I had been far more confident in doing this, but as time ticked by I could feel my resolve slipping... I was beginning to think I had made a mistake and wasn't ready for this. When I saw him though I knew it was far too late to back out now, but like a nervous teenager I had ducked out of sight to watch him. Luxo hadn't noticed me I soon realized as he was walking backwards dragging with him a contraption he himself had fashioned early on within the first couple of days.

He'd shown a surprising streak of creativity when he dragged out what was originally a massive hip bone from the bone graveyard. Everyone had watched him with perplexed curiosity; myself included, as he went about first breaking it in half to keep the larger smoother portion of it. By his second hunts success it became clear what exactly it was he had turned the hip bone into. As of right now he was dragging it up with him, for sitting upon the wide bone space was a mountain of meat that was keeping all his focus... It wasn't until he was considerably closer did I finally gather up the nerve to make my presence known to him...

"Luxo..." Immediately his movements ceased as he stiffened in alarm; luckily aware enough to keep his grip on the makeshift opening he had carefully carved out into the bone. Following after in surprise he quickly turned his head to peer over his shoulder where our eyes locked with one another. The surprise lingering in his golden amber sun kissed eyes a clear indication he had not expected me to greet him half way. Not that I blamed him... We hadn't spoken for two weeks after all...

"Silvia..." He lowered his head slightly in a awkward manner; perhaps just as flustered as I was in the moment, "You'll have to forgive me for not facing you properly... I'm afraid if I were to let go my...offering would proceed to slide back down the cliff on it's own..."

"Ah," I chuckled lightly, despite myself, "Perhaps I can help...?" I scanned the sides of our path momentarily, before spotting a potential anchor of sorts, "That boulder there... If you just hold still for a moment I could roll it into place behind it so that you may take a moment to relax..."

He seemed completely appalled by this suggestion judging by the expression that crossed his face; "I-I couldn't possibly allow you to do that. I'll be fine if we just continue really!"

"Luxo.." he stiffened once more; perhaps I had come across more harsh then intended... "I'd rather we remain here for a moment..." I could see the way he nervously swallowed on his own spit, but rather then speaking a response he slowly nodded in understanding. Objections silenced I moved past him; highly aware of his eyes following my every move...

I made quick work of dislodging the rock from its resting place not wishing to leave him standing for too long. In a couple of strides I maneuvered it into place behind the hip bone being used as a form of transportation. As an added precaution I stomped on the rock a few times to insure it would embed itself into the snow and in theory not budge.

"You should be able to let it go now, Luxo..." I assured him the moment I was done. He only expressed a moment's hesitation before releasing his hold slowly. The boulder barely budged a frog hair when the full weight of the load pressed up against it, but it proved it wasn't going to go anywhere anytime soon. Releasing a small sigh of relief I hadn't realized I was holding I stepped back around only to seize up when facing him again.

It was funny how quickly my resolve in facing him slipped when he was no longer in a bowed position at my feet. The moment he could let go of the platter of meat allowed him to stand up right, and though he was in no way remotely close in height to Able; who practically towered over me, I still couldn't help but be slightly intimidated by him. Maybe it was simply because of the unusual color of his skin, or the intensity of his eyes and how on closer inspection his golden iris's had flecks of amber's and reds that made him seem like an intimidating red devil in the moonlight... Whatever the case was the moment I had faltered in my movements hadn't gone unnoticed by him. It was almost as if he knew with how he relaxed his posture and lowered his head in a submissive manner; even averting his line of sight in favor of the ground.

"I...hope I have not displeased you in some way..."

The question was so sudden and unexpected I almost didn't react; rather I just foolishly stared at him, before registering why he would even ask that in the first place. "Displease me...?" Now I was lowering my line of sight sheepishly, "No... You've done no such thing. You have...exceeded all my expectations if I am being honest..." I raised my eyes back to his form, nervously shifting on my feet, "I know I have asked a lot from you already, but...there is one more thing I can no longer overlook or continue to hide from you before we can continue..."

"Hide from me...?" His eyes lingered on me in a state of peculiar curiosity, before looking towards the top of the cliff-side in quiet contemplation. Eventually his gaze returned to my form, but I couldn't read him at all; not even a clue to what was going through his head in that moment. It was enough to make me anxiously move between him and the pathway up, not that I believed I could stop him if he abruptly by passed me with murderous intent... "What is it you must tell me, Silvia..." His voice was but a whisper, but it was enough to send a nervous chill down my spine.

"You have to understand," I nervously glanced down to avoid his eyes, "he's my son and..." I peered awkwardly back up; "his father's legacy..." Immediately I watched him stiffen knowing he understood perfectly well the weight of my words, "But you did not overthrow his father in our current situation," Instinctively I changed my stance so the side and length of my body was facing him, acting as a barrier, "and as such I will not stand by idly if you try to harm him... I have not remained alone for the past couple of years simply from grief alone..."

I watched him with baited breath as he seemed engulfed by conflicted emotions. His eyes would shift across my form than beyond, before back on me frequently as he tried to reign himself in. As he closed his eyes he released a heavy sigh, before locking eyes with me.

"You are right... I did not kill Able," I stiffened hearing his name come from Luxo's mouth, but I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised all the same. He'd been spending time with everyone else; their father and former leader's name was bound to pop up in conversation... "and I can...respectfully understand how in your eyes I have no right to end his legacy..." His eyes slowly moved over my backside following the path of my markings, before returning to hold my gaze, "I have by passed a handful of other clans before hearing about you... Was even warned by other bachelors to not even bother... I must admit it only intrigued me further... When I first laid eyes upon you though I knew... I knew you were what I've been looking for... Silvia..." He stepped forward; closer to me then I expected him too; that I instinctively shifted my weight in such a manner that if I needed to I could quickly step back and away from him at a moments notice, "I would walk through fire for you," he lowered his head gently to touch his snout suddenly to my own; the action in itself being the equivalent of two humans touching foreheads to one another, "and that includes swallowing my pride, if I must; but only for you..." Luxo all but whispered that last part.

Flustered and caught off guard from his sudden bold contact, I couldn't help the blush that surely took over my face as I quickly stepped back; "If you truly mean that...than there is only one final thing I need from you. One last test if you will..."

"Anything... Just name it, Silvia..."

I paused in my answer, almost finding this too good to be true. He was being shockingly complacent and obedient almost like... Almost like my father with how he was with my Grandma... Ironic how there was a time I hoped someone would look at me the way my father looked at Grandma Linda... I had to wonder if that was actually happening now with Luxo... Of course that would be seriously tested out with my next words...

"I want you to meet him... But more importantly I want you to take him under your wing... I... I can not properly train him for a life outside his family... I know this is a role meant for his father, but Able isn't here. He hasn't been for two and a half years... I'm running out of time with him... Within a years time he will need to take that leap of faith and leave us for a life of a bachelor. Right now all I have is you... What other choice do I have, but to ask this of you?" I stepped forward with pleading eyes, "I... I can't keep doing this alone..." I whispered slumping against his side as the magnitude of my life choices and the stress and expectations it's amounted to came crashing down on me, "Haven't I done enough...?" I mumbled; a statement I hadn't meant to say aloud in the first place.

"Yes..." Instantly I blushed and awkwardly hid my face against him, "You've done more then enough, Silvia..." Luxo whispered softly; hesitating at first before lowering his head to wrap it around my backside as he tenderly nuzzled me close; the equivalent of holding me to his form as I leaned against him for support.

I hadn't intended to allow myself to end up in such a compromising turn of events, but I also couldn't bring myself to pull away... There was so much at stake that the weight of it all finally had taken its toll on me. I allowed myself to fall apart in front of him and he had simply accepted it without judgement...

"I don't know the circumstances of what happened all those years ago... But I know you made a choice of solitude in favor of protecting the lives of your youngest members... I'd like to think my grandmother would of done the same if presented the same situation you have been dealt..."

"Do you really mean that...?" I murmured; shifting my head slightly from where I had hid it against him in an effort to peer back at him.

"Yes..." Luxo managed to catch my peering gaze, "I know she would in fact... My Grandma Anita went to great lengths to protecting me from my own father... To him I was an abomination." He looked away from me just for a moment, "I've been told he tried to kill me just seconds from hatching... My mother had stepped in the way and was injured because of it, but not mortally wounded... It drew Anita's attention to things immediately... For whatever reason when she saw me she lashed out at him and had scooped me up and took me away from him, along with my mother..." He chuckled bitterly, "When she couldn't train me any further she made him train me, and wouldn't take no for an answer... But she didn't trust him to keep us alone with one another, so she took it upon herself to keep close and within my father's sight as she'd follow us..." He sighed softly; closing his eyes in favor of nuzzling my backside again, "Your devotion to keeping your children, and their half siblings alive and to do it alone... It reminds me of her and her devotion to ensuring my own survival..."

"Ah..." I turned my head away; choosing to raise it instead to rest gently upon his back; the smallest of blushes dusting my cheeks even though this contact was innocent by all means, "She sounds like a Matriarch I would like... Especially if she had no qualms in putting your father in his place." I chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood after learning of the unsavory relationship he clearly had with him.

"Heh... Grandma Anita certainly subdued him a lot... I will admit that... He never could refuse her." Though I couldn't really see his face in my current position I could still detect the smile that was playing on his lips as he spoke. Eventually though he released a sigh and stole one last caress of his cheek against my backside as he begrudgingly removed himself from me, "We should continue our way up..." Luxo murmured, "Your...son is likely hungry and waiting up there anxiously..."

"Yes..."I sighed as well, mildly disappointed by the warmth of his form disengaging from me, "You're right... The sooner you two meet the sooner Hudson can go and rejoin his siblings down below..." Turning I moved my way back to the platter of meat, "If I help push it up with you we should reach the top in no time..."

"I'd rather you didn't exert yourself, but..." Luxo smiled softly, " something tells me you won't simply stand by and let me do it myself..."

"Yes," I smirked, "You would be correct about that." Having positioned myself behind the mound of meat and boulder I had placed to keep it from moving, I waited for him to grab hold of it once more at the forefront. The moment he had and began to drag it again, while walking backwards, I was quick to step over the boulder and provide support by pushing it forward with him. To do this, like him, I had to bend down and maneuver my hands and somewhat tuck my claws just barely underneath the hip bone in order to push it forward. I didn't resort to just pushing with my hands alone though and even used the tip of my snout against the edge of the bone, while the flat of my head ended up against the mountain of meat that sat upon it. This might of resulted in my crest and fur getting saturated with blood, but it was a necessary sacrifice in order for me to retain my balance and walk forward in this bent over position.

With my added assistance we reached the peak in half the time it might of taken him by himself. He had stopped several feet away from my den where the ground was stable and flat; knowing with confidence that it wouldn't be moving on its own anytime soon. Free to remove myself from our cargo I stepped back around where he could see me and the fruits of my labor, literally all over my face. The mortified expression on his face was admittedly amusing...

"S-Silvia..." Luxo stepped forward, but stopped short of possibly doing anything, "What will...Hudson think if he sees you looking like that?" The worry was clear as day in his eyes that my son would get the wrong impression. Luckily for me, Luxo's back was to my den, so it was only I who briefly saw purple eyes glimmer in the shadows of the den before disappearing in hiding again.

"Oh Luxo..." I chuckled, "My son wouldn't be so brash to assume any misgivings." I shook my head side to side abruptly in an attempt to shake off as much of the blood that I could. Whatever blood that remained I could simply clean off when I groomed myself. I cast a side glance at Luxo. Or if I was feeling generous...maybe I'd let him groom it off for me... "Might I make a suggestion for..." I glanced back at our meals form of transportation, "future meals..."

Instantly he perked up at attention; clearly understanding the subtle hidden meaning behind my statement, "Yes?"

I gestured with my head, rather then my hand; "The openings you so cleverly placed for you to grab on to... Maybe replicate it again on the opposite side? Rather then dragging and pushing we could perhaps carry it between the two of us?"

"That's..." he sighed at first, before smiling, "That's a wonderful idea, Silvia... I'll be sure to begin implementing it as soon as possible."

"Good. Then that leaves only one thing left to do..." I moved to walk past him, but not before deliberately rubbing my side up against his and casting him a heated look, "Let's see how strong your self control is willing to go to appease me..." I knew he understood the weight of my words as he nervously swallowed, but wisely stood his ground as I created space between us and walked halfway to my den. "Hudson... Hudson dear it's alright... You can come out now." This time when purple eyes glimmered into view they hesitated between me and looking beyond to Luxo. Eventually Hudson nervously stepped out, but did so with his head bowed and tail drooping; a clear sign of how anxious he was, but also trying to appear smaller then he was, as well as submissive.

Having purposely put space between them and myself as an acting barrier; I spared a backward glance. To my relief Luxo hadn't budged an inch from where I left him. His eyes however were glued to us like a hawk... This clearly did not go unnoticed by my son, since I could literally see him trembling in fear, but whether out of fear or respect he wouldn't dare raise his head or meet his gaze head on. So when it was Luxo who broke the silence it was only natural that Hudson had visibly jumped and looked to me for guidance on how to act with frightened eyes...

"Hudson..." He had stepped forward; pausing momentarily likely noticing Hudson's panicked response, but choosing to continue his approach, "Hudson stop trembling and raise your head... I'm not going to hurt you..." He stopped only mere feet away and seemingly true to his word I couldn't detect a hint of hostility from him... Hudson must of sensed this too because he at least stopped trembling and slouching forward. However he couldn't seem to bring it in himself to raise his head, but he did at least look up at him in acknowledgement of being addressed directly.

"Hudson," his eyes lingered on him before looking back at the path we came up from, "why don't you head down below to eat with your siblings. You won't need to hide up here with your mother any longer..." When he looked back it was to me first before settling back on my son, "I expect to be seeing more of you from now on. It is in my best interest to..." he looked back at me, "remain in your mother's good graces... As such she has asked me to prepare you for a life of a lone wolf. From what I have heard I have some very large footprints to fill, but that doesn't mean I can't teach you how to deal with larger and smaller opponents then yourself..."

Hudson looked to me again in clear disbelief that this was seriously happening; but even I was taken by surprise by his self control and resolve... I could only look back to my son with what I hoped was an expression of reassurance, and a slight nod that it was alright for him to leave now.

"I... I don't know what to say..." He mumbled sheepishly as he bowed his head again.

"You don't have to say anything." Luxo chuckled lightly, "You need only to listen, observe, and most importantly learn..."

"Y-Yes sir." Hudson nodded awkwardly.

"Good... Now that the air has been cleared you are dismissed, Hudson." Spoken like a true leader to a soldier rather then someone who; under normal circumstances; would of been an equal or rival; Luxo once more gestured for Hudson to make his way down the cliff.

Not needing to be told a second time, Hudson once more nodded in acknowledgement, though this time with more confidence. Just before stepping away Hudson gently brushed up against me in a cuddling fashion; to which I responded with a gentle nudge of my own. I had to resist the urge to nuzzle him with my snout knowing he'd likely be appalled if I smeared blood all over him. Dismissed; not only by Luxo, but silently by me as well with this simple moment of contact, Hudson finally stepped away to walk past me and Luxo. I watched him just as much as I knew Luxo was too, until he was out of sight. It was only then did I find myself caught in Luxo's captivating stare...

Without thinking I said the first thing that came to mind, "You have got to be the equivalent of a living nightmare to anything that sees you..."

"I...hope that doesn't mean I terrify you as well..." His awkward response was a quick confirmation that I had unwittingly spoken words I meant to keep to myself.

"Ah, well..." I turned my head away in embarrassment, "If I'm being honest... Yes and no..." Out of the corner of my eyes I could see him deflate a bit in his stance, clearly bothered by this, "Watching you out there," I turned my head to face him once more, "the way you move... It reminds me of a Hunter... You are...unpredictable like one. I never know what you'll do next, and so far you've yet to repeat the same method twice... You're constantly changing it up making you unreadable..." I stepped closer to him, looking him over quietly to suddenly take note of his lower half; being his legs, underbelly, arms, and even bottom jaw and neck saturated in blood. I couldn't believe I didn't notice sooner, but I suppose his red fur does a great job of hiding it in plain sight; making my statement of him being a living nightmare seem all the more true. "On that half, yes, you do terrify me..."

"Silvia I-" I silenced him before he could continue, bringing up a hand to gently press two clawed fingers to his lips.

"But..." I smiled slightly, "You intrigue me at the same time..." Having said my piece I allowed my hand to fall back to my side. In turn Luxo seemed to relax as well.

"If we are going to be honest... You remind me of a Hunter as well..." Luxo murmured softly, "I've watched you survey the landscape in search of those plants in the same way they would... But I'd go as far as saying you're better at locating what it is you're seeking just beneath the snows surface..." He glanced at me nervously, "I'll admit I thought you were doing it out of curiosity from watching Hunter's yourself, but...it became clear you were deliberately looking for specific ones and gathering them with purpose... You even seem to know what to use them for... How is it you have that knowledge, Silvia...?"

"Does that frighten you, Luxo?" Against my better judgement I couldn't help but smirk; even more so by his unvoiced nod of a yes at my response, "I suppose that makes us even. A...mutual respect and fear for one another... If you're truly curious though I could always pass down what I know to you... Even the rest of my family has been given this knowledge through me... If you're lucky," I turned away from him in favor of facing my den, rather then our meal to be; and cast him a sly backwards glance, "I may even introduce you to the one who first taught me these things in the first place..."

"Are...Are you saying you didn't get this wisdom passed down to you from within your family?"

Now I was out right grinning like a vixen at him, "Indeed I am, Luxo... But that's a conversation for another time... Why don't you follow me inside for a moment?" I made a point of looking him over in a obvious fashion, "It would be best to clean up before that blood drys up in your fur..." I could tell from how he looked to me and then the den he was unsure on how to proceed, which only resulted in me chuckling softly, "There's a water source inside that you may clean yourself with. Deep enough to submerge, but shallow enough for you to stand comfortably within it." I gestured for him to follow me, to which he obliged, but not before sparing a glance at our meal with a moment of reluctance to leave it unguarded.

Aside from my children and the occasional visit from my mother; not many members had the luxury of entering my private quarters. He undoubtedly understood the importance behind me allowing him in here, let alone with me... The only time my den was bustling with life was in the spring when the eggs would begin to hatch... Everyone's hatchling's would be moved into my den within their first few hours of hatching. Being the Matriarch meant I also acted as the leading nursery mother to all newborns, not just to my children, but their half siblings too. The importance in doing this was for them to imprint with me first before their biological mother's. Of course I did not look after them alone for their mother's would join me in rotations to provide assistance, but also their father would be present and partake in caring for them as well. Now after two and a half years a stranger; someone with the potential to be my partner and equal; was finally stepping foot in here once more...

My den might of seemed dark and foreboding from the outside, but stepping inside was a different story. Once you by passed the opening bio-luminescent organisms and plant fauna alike illuminated the den into life, bringing into view the bundles of plants I've collected, but also the ones he's left as gifts. What he was viewing for the first time however was evidence of me replanting the herbs in an attempt to grow my own stockpile; much to my delight this process was starting to show success in working...

Not far from my attempt at an herb garden was the water source I had mentioned earlier; it too had a glow of it's own and a promise of warmth from the steam radiating off from its surface. A couple of feet further in eventually gave way to my makeshift nest in which I slept in; normally alone, but the past two weeks I had shared it with Hudson, and sometimes Grace, Lexington, or Sophia would join us... All of whom were my direct offspring.

I had to admit that in that time frame I had started getting used to having warmth from others beside me again... Now that Hudson no longer needed to remain hidden away with me I speculated that they wouldn't tests their luck in trying to spend the night by my side... Least of all when there was an alpha male; other then their father, trying to court their mother... I couldn't blame Luxo for that of course... My babies were no longer babies... They were at the age where it was only natural and expected of me to cut back on allowing them to remain attached to my hip so closely. That meant letting them find their place amongst their kin on their own. Sometimes they'd make their own nests, but more commonly they'd group up with other members; sleeping in groups ranging from three to eight at most... During this time I'd be; I glanced back at Luxo catching him observing his surroundings with a heightened sense of intrigue; I'd be strengthening my bond with Able...

Whether that meant simple nights of sleeping beside each other; hunting a calf for just the two of us; moonlit patrols together; grooming one another; or setting the mood to partake in a night of pleasure outside of spring breeding... These were all acts of strengthening ones bond and a reminder more importantly of ones devotion to each other... This was especially important by this point in time since a few months prior would of been the end of the mating period... With Able breeding with all capable females, besides myself, it was more of a reassurance to me that no matter what he only had eyes for me... Mating season was just a means of procreating and expanding the clans numbers and size, but also to replace the members we may have lost through age or conflicts... As such I knew my sisters, aunts, and even mother did not hold a special place within Able's heart; that was strictly a place reserved for me and me alone... Still...it didn't hurt to be reminded of this through said antics of bonding...

"Silvia?" Having unwittingly allowed myself to daze off into space; staring at Luxo no less, I sheepishly turned away fighting off the blush that threatened to take hold and cleared my throat.

"You may slip inside the water Luxo... You should find the temperature to be to your liking I hope." Saying this I moved to stand beside the water source in question, "You need not worry about contaminating it either. It's not obvious or accessible, but it does seem to have an under water current that disappears through its walls."

"What about you?" He was hesitating, but he was also looking specifically at the blood I knew was covering my face.

"Me?" I chuckled lowly, "I'll be fine right here." Having said this I lowered myself down to lay casually beside the hot spring. "It's just my face after all." I smirked from my position, "You on the other hand are the one who needs a full body soak..."

"I knew I should of cleaned up first before coming up here..." Luxo mumbled with a slight blush of his own, but this time he obediently moved towards me and cautiously made his way inside the hot spring. Once he was settled in I could see him immediately begin to relax as the warmth of the waters undoubtedly did their magic in soothing whatever body aches he could of potentially had. By the time he made himself comfortable he had managed to find a way to lay within so that he could rest his head at the waters edge. "You never cease to amaze me with your resourcefulness..." he whispered while looking up at me from his resting position.

"Oh?" I smiled softly as I dipped my claws into the water beside him, "Then I suppose I have many things that will amaze you the longer you remain here..." I spared him a side glance for just a moment before lowering my head down in order to splash water up and on to my face with my hands. I repeated this action a few times to not only saturate my fur in water, but to also encourage the blood to hopefully wash out with it. This would only work so far of course leaving me to try and work it out with my arms, more so then my hands to avoid scratching my own face. Whatever blood I could smear on to my arms I would then lick off to remove completely. I would of continued by repeating these actions if not for the fact I noticed a disturbance in the water alerting me of Luxo's approach. I was literally in mid-lick when I peered up at him into his heated gaze...

"I could help you with that..." He was standing up in the water facing me and in my current position it brought his head to hover above mine. His eyes spoke volumes; giving everything away, where his expression and body language did not. Because of this I couldn't help the flustered blush and glance away to avoid his intense gaze. Granted I had earlier considered letting him groom it out for me, but actually being presented with the offer was an entirely different situation all together... Especially knowing from our first conversation he'd been watching me for a month, if not longer for all I knew...

"I..." I sheepishly glanced back at him. I couldn't deny him; the least I could do was grant him at least that... He had after all refrained from harming Hudson... He didn't snap or chase after him... He was cool as a cucumber; and that was just strictly to eat beside me, certainly not expecting this... "Alright..." I sighed, turning to face him and rest my hands along the waters edge. "You did keep your word..." I couldn't quite bring myself to look him in the eye; finding every time our eyes met it stirred up butterflies in my chest and made me anxious all the same. Instead I simply lowered my head and closed my eyes with baited breath.

I felt his hands first overlapping my own. It had caught me off guard that I almost opened my eyes to look down. I wasn't given a chance to however, cause just as sudden as the gentle placement of his hands over mine was, his tongue soon followed gently over my muzzle and across my left eye lid following the natural flow of my fur... His actions were slow, deliberate, but meticulous and above all else gentle... Unlike the promise and intensity of his eyes he didn't move with rushed or anxious movements of eager desperation, nor was he rough about it... Even for something as the simple contact of grooming me he remained calm and poised. As innocent as this was though I couldn't help my mind from twisting it into perverse actions else where across my body, that I was pretty sure my face was several shades darker in a blush... Needing to distract myself from this I gathered up the courage to speak...

"Thank you..." I whispered out; a tremble in my voice betraying the fact I was flustered.

His actions ceased, if only for a moment, "This? This is nothing..." His voice was low and husky, whether intentional or not it only flustered me further. Just as sudden as his response was his tongue was once more back at working out any blood still present across my face and forehead.

"N-No not this... Thank you for...for Hudson..." I murmured sheepishly, "Thank you for not forcing me to stand in your way if you had done anything..." This time when I sensed him stop I dared to open my eyes and peer up at him.

"I told you..." the heated look in Luxo's eyes sent a shiver down my spine, "I would walk through fire for you, Silvia..." I felt his hands slightly tighten over mine, "We can't let primal instincts rule us all the time can we? You're proof of that..."

At this I couldn't help but look down trying to hide my embarrassment, "What do you mean by that?" I managed to whisper out as I admired the strange way his crimson fur blended into my blackish blue between our hands...

"You've been alone for a couple of years..." he removed one of his hands from mine in favor of coaxing me to look back up at him, "Hostile to anyone whose tried to approach you... Need I say more?" He quirked a brow playfully with the faintest of smirks tugging at the corner of his lips.

"No..." I blushed glancing away to avoid his eyes, "I suppose not... You mentioned passing up on other clans and crossing paths with other lone wolves..." I peered back at him, "I'm sure some of those other rivals were the ones who warned you about me... Why didn't you listen?" I looked down momentarily to the waters surface, "And why did you pass up on other clans...?"

"My grandmother once told me not to settle on the first woman I saw..." he hummed softly, "Her exact words were, "If they don't speak to you from a distance. If they don't captivate you on sight and through quiet observation, move on until you find someone who does." As for the other lone wolves, as you put it... Quite a few of them did in fact warn me of you... They even painted you out to be sick in the head with how you'd lash out so readily, no questions asked... I just figured they had approached you wrong." He chuckled, "There was a couple that stood out though. I found it odd to see them traveling together due to the obvious age difference between them... Perhaps it was pity that the younger one traveled with an elder, but I never really questioned it either. They didn't warn me so much about you, rather they seemed to know who you were."

I couldn't help but blush under his words. In his own indirect way he was admitting it was I who captivated him and was the reason he waited patiently for me to notice, or acknowledge him in the first place. However the moment he mentioned the traveling pair of Great Baggi's of varying ages I found myself looking up at him anxiously, "Their names... What were their names?"

He looked at me with an underlining air of curiosity that betrayed the clear question in his eyes that he didn't voice. "Axel was the name of the younger of the two... I never caught the name of the old timer... He...was not as willing to speak to me I'm afraid... He remained close by as Axel spoke with me and commented every now and then. But otherwise remained stand offish... They didn't know you by name, but they referred to you as Star..."

I sighed softly, " I know that name... Axel is my mother's brother... The old timer with him must of been my grandfather Luther... We've never met, but I've heard stories... How... How did they look? Were they doing alright?" I had to wonder if this meant the two have been together since my father Isaac overthrew him...

Axel, from my understanding, was around Hudson's age when my father defeated Luther in combat. Instead of killing him he showed mercy, but at the price of having already broken one of Luther's arms during their duel. That mercy had also extended to Axel by sending him off to live along side his fallen father. To think after all this time Axel would still choose to remain with Luther rather then leave in search of a partner of his own the moment he was of age... That was nothing short of true devotion of a son to his disabled father...

"I don't want to give you false hopes..." Luxo whispered avoiding my gaze for the first time, "But... Luther doesn't look like he has much time left in him... Despite this..." he turned to look back at me, "they were well off from what I could tell. Your uncle certainly isn't allowing your grandfather to go hungry. I'd say it's probably safe to claim that if not for Axel I do not imagine Luther would have lived to such a ripe old age as he is now."

"Yes," I sighed, "I'd imagine you'd be right about that..." I smiled slightly, "They called me Star, huh? Bit odd isn't it?"

"No... I found it rather fitting actually." he had that heated look in his eyes again, only this time I couldn't bring myself to look away, "By the light of the moon; when it hits you just right..." he dared to longingly drag his eyes across my backside, "you shimmer like a cluster of stars... For not knowing your name to call you Star seemed very fitting... Now if I may be so bold... I'd like to ask a question of my own..." I nodded in quiet consent to ask away, "If Luther is your grandfather, what has become of your father? Surely he'd still be around?"

"'Fraid not..." I sighed quietly, "Isaac... My dad, was actually older then Luther. He was in fact closer in age to my Grandma, then Luther was... He... He passed away about two years before I met Able..." I glanced around my den in quiet thought, "It was in this den that he passed away in... It had been peaceful... Just slipped away in his sleep in the same way Grandma Linda had gone..." I sighed once more allowing my head to drop slightly, "You know I had tried to prepare myself for it... I mean...I knew his time was coming; even more so once Grandma passed away... He wasn't quite the same after losing her... I watched his health and mental state slowly spiral into a depressive funk... I just..." I closed my eyes trying to reign in my emotions, but my grief still settled over me and the tears still came, and my voice still trembled and cracked, "I just thought I'd have more time with him. Instead only six months after Linda's passing he soon followed after her..." I turned my head away in quiet anger and embarrassment at myself more then anything. "But nothing really prepares you for waking up beside the body of someone who was warm and breathing the night before to cold and dead the next day... Ironic to know I'd end up experiencing exactly what he did when he woke to Linda gone..." I half laughed bitterly between my choked quiet sobs.

"At least they weren't alone..." Luxo whispered as he gently brought a hand up to brush tears from my face. The action in itself drew my eyes back to him to bare witness to the swirling depths of sympathy reflecting in his gaze. It was almost as if he was feeling my pain with me... "Surely there is some comfort in that, Silvia..."

"Ha..." I half chuckled, but shamefully brought my free hand to place over the one he was using to brush away my remaining tears, and willingly leaned the side of my face into it, "I suppose you are right about that..." I peered up at him with the smallest of smiles. If I didn't know better I would of sworn he was faintly blushing... "I'm sure you've been wondering this, so I'll address it while we are on the subject... Unlike you I was not trained for a life outside of my birth family..." His one hand that was still resting over mine by the waters edge; I silently intertwined our claws together seeking nothing but innocent comfort in the action, "Don't get me wrong... I had older brothers and sisters alike; some I never personally knew, who were trained for that kind of life... But..." I closed my eyes once more willingly rubbing my head into his opposite hand; and mine, "by the time I was born and started showing signs both my father and Grandmother were quite old... Well past their prime years you see..." My smile turned into a sad one at this point, "I think Linda knew her time was near, more so then my pa realized..."

"She trained you to take over..." he murmured softly; cheeks flushed in a soft glow. With his hand trapped by my own and pinning it to my cheek; all he could do was gently caress my face.

"They both did... But I wasn't ready for either one of them to leave me..." I sighed softly closing my eyes to gently rub into his hand once more, though this time I removed my hand from over his to give him the freedom to remove it. His hand only lingered for a moment longer before allowing it to fall back a top my hand that was holding it in place to my face prior. "If not for the never ending support from my mother I'm not sure I would of been able to keep things together... She became a pillar of strength for me in those early years..."

"Your mother seems to have a good head on her shoulders... She speaks of you with such pride and warmth in her eyes." Luxo smiled softly, "There is no questioning how blessed she must feel for you to remain; even if it was at the expense of losing her mother..." he shifted his head abruptly, catching me off guard at first as he moved to groom the opposite side of my face. Rather then objecting to it I instinctively closed my eyes and lowered my head once more in permission.

"May I ask you something?" I whispered.

He paused only to answer me momentarily, "Ask me anything..." then resumed his persistent cleaning of my face.

"How... How long have you been wandering the lands since leaving your family?" I was met with silence at first; perhaps gathering his thoughts since he hadn't paused in licking my face just yet.

"About as long as you've been without a partner by your side, if not longer... Three years give or take..." Luxo eventually commented offhandedly, before delivering one last slow grooming lick, "Now a question of my own... How long was Able at your side, before his sudden unspoken demise..."

I knew by default that Luxo was younger then me. I just didn't realize how much younger he'd actually be... I knew now by his answer alone that he was eight years to eight and a half of age; making him six years younger then I, give or take. My question may have been my indirect way of trying to figure out his age, but now presented with a question of my own I realized he was turning the tables on me. This was his indirect way of trying to figure out my own age... 'Ha... Clever man using my own tactics against me...' I thought in quiet amusement...

"Five... Five and a half years..." I murmured looking away from him, "You know... that first year without pa and grandma I had; on countless times, during the night would call out in hopes of a potential partner to answer my cries back... None ever did though..." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Luxo tilt his head slightly; a clear indication of curiosity, "By the second year I had honestly given up hope... I had stopped calling out for anyone..."

"Then..." his hands grasped mine tightly, yet gently at the same time, "How did you ever meet?"

"My mother..." I chuckled softly, "She had approached me one night... Plead with me to try again... To not lose hope... The toll of two seasons with no new blood to speak of was...unbearable..." I sighed remembering the torture of being in heat those first three years; both my Grandma and father still alive during my first in heat cycle; and no male with the given right to breed with to be seen, or found... "Under her persistence I finally tried again... When an answer came back I..." I blushed sheepishly, "I almost didn't respond back from initial shock... When Able found me I was...overwhelmed if I'm being honest. I thought my father was large, but Able...he would of made my dad seem small... In hindsight he made every rival look small..." I chuckled dryly, "He was a giant among your kind... No one had ever succeeded against him... Well, not in a fair fight anyway..." I all but muttered that last bit bitterly... "If not for that..." I glanced up at him, "I'd imagine he'd still be here. I wonder how you'd fair against him in an actual fight..."

Luxo's eyes oddly darkened; almost in a foreboding way, "Do not take this the wrong way, Silvia... But I am glad that is not the case... Judging from what I have heard you two were...quite close..." he lowered his head slightly to brush the side of his face against my own softly, "I would not have hesitated to overthrow him regardless of his size," Luxo whispered, "but I wouldn't want to be the one to break your heart at the same time..."

"Isn't such things expected...?" My voice trembled; unable to shake off the cold chill that seemed present in his voice from affecting me.

Growing up I was taught to expect the change of leadership to happen. Sometimes it could be a common occurrence, but on average a Great Baggi may reign from five to seven years at best, before being overthrown. My father was a special case... My family had been spoiled by having my dad for almost twice the average expectancy; and that was even with him being no young buck; so to speak... Even I was at risk of being overthrown, though this wasn't nearly as common as it would be for my male counterpart. There was even a time during our years of Able's absence that I had seen another Matriarch in the area. However realizing I had no partner at my side, and a clan to care for on top of it, she had simply moved on without incident...

He sighed softly, "That... That may be..." Luxo spoke so softly that I almost didn't hear him, "But the length to which I would go to achieve that goal I fear would only have created a rift between us... That is the last thing I would want..." Luxo slowly nuzzled his head and neck up against mine, "No... I do believe it is best that fate has chosen a different route then the norm for us..."

Perhaps he was right... Maybe it was better this way... Having witnessed the way Luxo could hunt and the methods he could execute in just a short two weeks time, despite his size, a fight against Able was something I'd likely not want to bare witness too... Made even more so by the dark look in his eyes and chill in his voice that promised that I hadn't seen anything yet... It brought to mind our first conversation on how it was he was surviving out in the open looking the way he does... He had said he hid in caverns a lot, but now... Now I was convinced his odd appearance wasn't just skin deep. I was beginning to believe it was a warning of something far more dangerous... I just hadn't seen it happen yet...

I sighed; subconsciously returning his acts of affection with my own, "I do not doubt that you would have done everything within your capable hands to achieve your end goal... It wouldn't have been an easy battle I'd wager, but... I fear you are right in it being best that such an outcome didn't have to pass... I..." I peered off to the side warily, "I do not know how I would handle such a situation..."

"Not well I'd imagine..." Luxo murmured lowly, "You mentioned foul play being behind his fall..." He raised up one of his hands to brush against my cheek lightly then down the side of my neck in a gentle stroke of claws.

"Yes..." I willingly caved into his touch as I leaned into it, "I... I did not see how it came to be only discovered the outcome... But it was clear that he had been blindsided by a second attacker from the pair of tracks leaving the scene. They were easy enough to track down since one was bleeding quite heavily..."

"Track down?" He pulled away momentarily looking me over seeming with a air of curiosity and seriousness, "Don't tell me alone..."

"Oh yes..." I smirked, "Alone I was indeed... I'm sure they heard my anguish scream in the distance, but they never saw me coming until it was too late. I put the wounded brother out of his misery first..." I looked Luxo square in the eyes, "He'd of likely died from the amount of blood loss he was suffering from; regardless of his brothers intentions as he kept him upright by letting him lean against him. I guess you could say what I did was can act of mercy... Simply finished what Able had started when I jumped them and tore the wounded one off his brothers backside..." My eyes glazed over as I recalled the memory, "The manner in which I attacked them allowed me to kick off the one who was supporting the wounded one; in the process knocking him off his feet as I followed in hot pursuit of the one I flung off his back..." Unconsciously I lowered my line of sight down to Luxo's jugular, "I ripped open his throat before he could react, let alone knew what was happening. It was then did I turn my attention on to the one who clearly delivered the killing blow..." I couldn't help the scowl that worked its way across my face as I could practically hear my angry screams in that moment filter through my thoughts that I had to close my eyes in order to silence them, "He was a fool... My intent was clear and still he refused to attack back..."

"I do not blame him..." Luxo's eyes oddly softened, "If you were to strike me down I would not stop you..."

"Ha... Then you are a fool too." I turned my head away as I chuckled bitterly.

"Silvia..." I found myself looking back at him of my own accord, "Remember how I said I passed up on other clans before finding you...?"

"Yes..." I slowly nodded; curious on where he was going with this.

"In my three years of wandering I only ever witnessed two other Matriarch's; not including my Grandmother Anita..." he gently brushed his snout against my own for a moment, "A lot of those clans were lead by a Great Baggi alone with no Matriarch by their sides... So you see..." he nuzzled up against me once more, "those like you have seemingly become scarce. Knowing this I do not blame him for not raising a claw or fang against you... He accepted the fate he was dealt, even if that meant death at your hands. After all it was an outcome they both brought upon themselves..."

I spaced off in quiet contemplation under his words. Thinking back on it now all those countless suitors that tried to approach me they had all chose to flee... They never tried to retaliate or attack back at all. All this time I had assumed word had some how got spread that I had killed those two brothers bringing with it a new found respect... This on the other hand made far more sense... But it also left me with a feeling of dread...

"What are you saying, Luxo?" I murmured, "Less and less like me are being born? That...that can not be... I've had countless sisters before me leave this clan for lives of their own..."

"I can make no such claims, Silvia... But I have noticed an increase in human presence during my years as a bachelor. I fear that Hunter's are to blame... I..." he hesitated at first for some reason, "I have seen Hunter's seemingly target Matriarch's in particular... At first I thought they were after her male partner, but that was just a ruse to draw him away. It became painfully clear that in the end she had been their target all along... They cornered her, but wouldn't riskily try to attack her." Luxo shifted unexpectedly finding myself in his embrace, "They eventually tricked her into exposing her neck and the rest was history..." I stiffened under his words and he clearly sensed it as his hold only tightened around me, "They skinned her and walked away with nothing but her hide as some sick twisted trophy..." There was a cold bitterness in his voice; a clear indication of his detest for all Hunter's alike, "It had been the first time I witnessed it happen, but it wouldn't be the last skinned carcass of your kin I'd come across..."

"Hunter's..." I went limp in his arms; slumping my head and neck essentially along his shoulder, "Are... Are you saying you have seen Hunter's in my territory...?"

"No..." He purred as I remained in his embrace; the sound in itself bringing a strange comfort to me, "Your family is very...unique... You live among the cliffs edges unlike any other clan I have observed before... You..." I could sense the gentle smile on his face rather then see it, "You were not easy to follow after... I...must admit I have hurt myself on a handful of occasions trying to follow in your footsteps... It has taken me a lot of time, patience, and trial and error for me to adapt to your lifestyle up here... Having said this... I do not foresee Hunter's ever being in the area any time soon... They would have to climb the cliffs to get to you in the first place; and that's under the assumption they even know you exist in these mountains... However I've seen zero human activity in the area, which tells me no Hunter has a clue we even exist up here..."

"Ha..." I sighed heavily as I closed my eyes; completely letting my guard down with him... "That...is good to hear... And best if kept that way..." I opened my eyes to look across his backside; "They'd have a hay day if they ever saw you..."

He chuckled darkly, "You need not worry about that... Every Hunter that has ever seen me never walks away to speak of it..."

"What...?" I stiffened slightly as the weight of his words sank in, "You... You've killed Hunter's before...?"

"Yes..." He pulled away slightly in order to face me, "I am guilty of killing a few of their kind..."

"How... How can you be so sure none have gotten away to speak of you?"

"Silvia..." Luxo was chuckling once more, "If that was the case..." he gently cupped my face; stroking the fur present on my cheek, "there would be far more Hunter's scattered across our homelands... And they wouldn't be targeting you or your sisters; they'd be here for me like a plague upon our kind... That is how I know no Hunter has ever escaped my grasps..."

Again I sighed and closed my eyes; willingly leaning into his touch. In truth I couldn't deny anything he was saying to be false... If a Hunter had indeed lived to speak of his existence there was no doubt in my mind that this land could potentially become overwhelmed by human activity. It was an outcome I had considered when even proposing this...courtship with him. Still... I went through with it anyway... 'Does this make me seem desperate?' I thought. I couldn't deny that being alone again; even if it was of my own doing hadn't affected me... 'I missed this... This contact...' I found myself being captivated by his eyes and touch all at once. 'But you aren't Able... I mustn't forget that... Or be so easily swayed by you... No matter how charming you may seem...'

"It seems..." I raised a hand to mimic his own actions and cup his cheek, "I have much to learn about you yet my Hunter Slayer..." My actions oddly enough had caught him off guard, causing him to avert his eyes.

"That's a side of me I'd rather you never have to see if I can help it..." He mumbled awkwardly.

"Luxo..." I smirked, "saying such things only spark my intrigue..." I leaned forward and slyly stole a lick across his exposed cheek; successfully flustering him further, "You won't be able to hide everything from me..." I teased lightly, "But... I must admit hearing these things that you have seen and come across is...unsettling..." It left me questioning the fate of my sisters and if such a demise had befallen any of them; if not potentially all of them...

"I..." Flustered as he was he licked his lips nervously, "I would never allow such a fate to befall you, Silvia..."

"That's a tall claim to make, Luxo..." Despite myself I couldn't help the small sad smile from finding its way across my face, "Come what may, not even you can foresee or prevent whatever the fates decide for us..."

"Doesn't mean I won't try everything within my power to keep you safe..." Luxo whispered daring to steal a kiss of his own from me though brief as it was... Just as quickly as his tongue left my cheek he moved away; effectively putting some distance between us, likely to avoid overstepping any boundaries with me.

I stared at him for a long hard moment, before choosing to stand abruptly, "We shall see about that... Come... You should get out to dry off." I turned to walk towards the adjacent wall of my den. Growing on a large portion of the rocks surface was a dense thick moss vegetation that glowed with a dull bio-luminescent blue. "This moss will help..." I turned to look back at him as I heard him remove himself from the hot-springs waters.

"Help?" His fur was drenched and sagging in a comical manner that gave him a more shaggy appearance as water dripped down from his frame.

"Yes..." I smiled coyly, "Not only will it help absorb the water out of your fur it will thank you for it."

"Thank me for it..." Luxo stared at the wall of vegetation with clear hesitation, "How does a...plant thank someone?"

"Rub your body up against it and you'll find out." I chuckled, "Trust me. It will appreciate it..."

Before approaching Luxo shook off a majority of the water from his frame. He continued to eye me and the moss with clear skepticism, but eventually he caved in; walked up against it; rubbing his right side of his body against the vegetation first. Immediately where he made contact the moss went from being a dull blue to a bright vibrant aqua. It wasn't the only difference as Luxo surely noticed for himself as he looked down to his right side; likely noticing the lack of water in his fur. Clearly taken back by this, but not at all disappointed by it he was quick to repeat his actions, but with his left side and against a patch of moss he hadn't touched before. Not only did the moss glow with glee as it sucked up the water like a sponge, but it also became more plump and lush as it did so. In return unbeknownst to him, the moss repaid him by coating him with an alluring and calming fragrance.

"You see?" I smirked casually, "You've quenched its thirst and it expresses its thanks by not just glowing brightly," I moved to brush up against his side casting him a playful cheeky look, "but by bestowing a pleasant smell to the one who rubs against it..."

He was blushing sheepishly and awkwardly and cleared his throat before answering, "I hadn't noticed... The fragrance that is." He quickly corrected in embarrassment, "It is...fascinating however... How did you ever discover using it in such a method?"

"Grandma Linda showed it to me..." I gazed upon the glowing vegetation in quiet thought, "I never did question how she came across that knowledge..." I placed a hand gently upon it, "Perhaps it was accidental... Or maybe someone else showed her. I'll never know the answer to that now..." I sighed dropping my hand back to my side as I turned away from the wall, "We should go eat, Luxo..."

"Of course..." Was his quiet reply as he followed me out of the den and back to where we had left our bounty.

"Your first few nights here..." I peered back at him, "You slept beside your first kill did you not?"

"I..." Luxo was looking at me warily. "Yes... Yes I did..."

I stopped beside the mound of meat and faced him; looking at him for a spell, "Then am I mistaken by having seen you approached by a... Leviathan that first night?" Judging by how he stiffened and the widening of his eyes it was safe to say I had not been mistaken at all... "Granted it was just a babe, but it approached you with clear excitement and recognition in its eyes." I frowned slightly, "Care to explain?"

"I didn't realize you had been watching..." He blushed sheepishly as he glanced away seemingly to collect his thoughts.

"I'm always watching." I smirked slightly. "Specially when it concerns you..." His face brightened ten fold from my statement, causing my smirk to turn into a full blown grin, "You'd be surprised how much I see from up here..."

Luxo laughed nervously, "I guess I will need to be more vigilant and aware of my surroundings from now on. Least of all if you are watching me without me realizing..." he cleared his throat then, "That...babe; Gail as I've come to call them, has been an...unlikely companion for the past two years... I... I did not think I would see them again once I came up here."

I stared at him in clear disbelief, "You mean to tell me you befriended a Leviathan? You do realize what that babe will eventually grow into? Don't you?"

"Yes..." he whispered, while avoiding my gaze, "I am very aware of what Gail is... We...we parted ways only because Gail had been unable to climb the cliff side after me..."

"Judging by your expression this separation must of caused quite some distress for...Gail."

Luxo sighed; slouching forward slightly, "It was...heart breaking to listen to Gail's cries as they called out for me in distress... I must admit I felt guilty leaving them behind like that..."

"It would seem leaving them behind didn't create resentment in that babe, but a determination to find a way back to you..." I sighed softly turning my head to look out towards the landscape beyond, "It may have not been able to follow you from the start, but it has certainly found a way here now."

"I understand your concerns, but trust me when I say you need not worry about Gail..."

"Ha!" I scoffed, "How do you expect me to not worry when there's a Leviathan suddenly where its never been? It may be a babe now, but as an adult it could very well put an end to us!" I sighed heavily in agitation, before glancing back at him, "Don't get me wrong, Luxo... I do not fault you for it being here. You may have made an unlikely companion in Gail, but it's clear to me when you dared to traverse the mountains you left them behind believing you'd never see them again... Granted..." I peered back at the landscape, "I've only seen that babe during your first night with us." I completely turned my body in favor of facing our meal and him again, "I am however not naive to believe Gail isn't far from us..."

"Silvia..." Luxo stepped forward, hesitating for just a moment before placing a hand over mine; seemingly in his best efforts to reassure me, "You haven't seen Gail again because perhaps like the way humans underestimate us, we have underestimated our Leviathan brethren..."

"What are you trying to say, Luxo?" I eyed him suspiciously.

"What I'm saying," he raised his other hand to cup my cheek gently, "is you haven't seen them again, because I have asked Gail to keep their distance from this area... Gail may not be able to converse with me like you and I do, but I know they understand me... They take orders and follow through with surprising understanding... But," he allowed his hands to fall back to his sides, "you are right to believe that Gail is not far from the area... I..." his eyes shifted to the side and down; clearly second guessing himself about what he was about to say, "I have been visiting them regularly when I go out to patrol. I bring them a small treat as a gift or offering; though I know it is not necessary, but old habits die hard I suppose..." he smiled sheepishly, if not nervously.

"You've been feeding it?!" I hissed, baring my fangs in the process as if moments from lashing out at him. He had visibly flinched and raised his hands; shaking them side to side as he practically physically said no by doing the action in itself.

"No!" Luxo quickly answered in response to my behavior, "No... What I give Gail is not enough to out right live on... They are more than capable of gathering their own food. I am positive that Gail has retained our methods of hunting together and has been implementing them on their own to get by without me. What I bring is more or less my way of... reaffirming our bond and companionship..."

"Why?" I scowled, "So when it's older and big enough to kill you it might not?"

"Yes... But I don't think you are seeing the bigger picture here... If I bring you to Gail, to where you can become familiar with one another, and eventually the whole clan then, Gail being here could be far more advantageous for us as a whole..."

It was strange how right then and there everything he was trying to imply fell right into place, "You intend to use Gail as a protector of sorts don't you..." the small smile and twinkle in his eyes only affirmed my assumptions to be correct, "When did you consider this? Was it when Gail appeared here two weeks ago?"

"Yes..."

"Ha... You really thought that far ahead..." I sighed softly, "I don't know if you are being foolish or actually on to something..." I hummed in thought, "But...if it's possible to tame or befriend a Leviathan as you seem to have done, perhaps it will be okay for Gail to remain if it can be used as a Guardian to our domain..." I could see him visibly perk up from my statement, with lingering hope in his eyes.

"So you will consider it? Meeting Gail that is..."

"Yes," I allowed a small smile of my own to form across my lips, "I will...consider it... For now though we should eat... Oh, and Luxo..." he looked at me with heated expectancy, "About Axel and Luther... If you could you should speak to my mother of your encounter with them... I'm sure she would appreciate knowing that they are still alive and well out there, even if Luther may not have much time left..."

"Your mother...is Maria, yes?"

"That is correct..." I smirked, "I see you've been acquainting yourself rather well with my family to know Maria is my ma."

"If it means I can remain here by your side I will do all that I must to earn their acceptance for the right to be with you..." Luxo whispered softly, "I will gladly speak to Maria of her brother and father."

I couldn't stop the small blush that dusted my cheeks from his soft spoken words. In an attempt to cover it up I awkwardly glanced away and cleared my throat, "Good... I know she will be delighted to hear what you have to say." The time for talking was over, as shortly after saying my last statement I moved closer to our meal and made no hesitation to begin digging in. Luxo soon followed suit taking up a place beside me where we ate in a comfortable silence...

That following morning I awoke drenched in my own sweat again; the contents of my dream imprinted so clearly in my minds eye this time around as opposed to the morning before. With an exasperated sigh I dragged a hand casually down my face as I peered up at the forests canopy above. "What is going on with me...?" I whispered to the wind, "Why am I dreaming of such things?" Sitting up I glanced off to my right at my equipment and materials.

What really was the unsettling factor was how this dream seemingly was a continuation from the night before. The only difference a span of two weeks had transpired since my Matriarch counter part had first spoken with Luxo, but it was still a continuation none the less... To make things even more perplexing was how my mother Maria also seemed to be my dream self's mother as well... Question was if I really could simply write it all off as mere coincidence. After all I had been reminiscing about Maria the day before... Who could say if it had been just my subconscious mind planting her there.

There was one thing this time around I couldn't deny, let alone help but notice in my observations. The Luxo in my dream he did not bare that awful scar across his right thigh. In fact he seemed younger if possible... But why would I dream of a younger version of Luxo? This to me made very little sense... I did not consider myself to be a very imaginative person, so to dream of him in a way I've never seen him personally was rather out of character, even for me...

On the other hand I learned something valuable and that was a better understanding of why my counter part had been so standoffish towards him at first. Dream as it may be it begged the question of if such intellectual pack monsters experienced grief and the pain of loss in the way my dream seemed to lead me to believe. But more importantly did that also mean they felt love and compassion, or...lust? The Luxo in my dreams certainly expressed all these qualities, but how would I know if the real Luxo held them too? I suppose only time would tell... Along with another chance meeting...

I wasn't naive by all means. I knew fully well how dangerous Luxo was. Even more so after witnessing the manner in which he could deliver killing blows to prey in my dreams... Still...despite knowing this and the imminent danger he clearly possessed I still dared to be in his presence once more. Or rather I still wished to be in his presence once more.

"I wonder..." I bit my bottom lip in thought, "Would you react if I called you Red? Or would I be presumptuous to believe that's your given name just because of some silly dreams...?" I closed my eyes with a sigh. Even I couldn't help that the "what if" factor was incredibly tantalizing... Even if he did though I still would have to agree with my counter half in Red being a label and not a name... "Luxo is definitely more suiting..." I murmured softly; reaching to remove my canteen from my pack, I popped it open to take a swig.

"Well..." I turned my gaze down to the fur bundled beside me; closing my canteen and returning it to my bag, "Looks like it's just you and me again today Emmy." I gently patted the hide, "Hopefully I can get you one step closer to completion..." If I kept up the pace I was going I estimated by at least tomorrow I'd have a finished product. Of course that was only if there was no distractions involved... So far I've been incredibly lucky without incident of any Monster's wandering into the area I've taken root in.

Gathering my things I once again left the run down building where I first encountered Luxo in, to return to the stream and quiet little grove it provided. With purpose I quickly set up camp and went to work on; not only a fishing line, but my winter coat to be. Minutes ticked by and turned into hours of feverish stitch work. Somewhere in all the midst of it all I vaguely recall the chime of my pole announcing something tugging at the line. It was only when I began to make the arms of the coat did I throw the pelt over my shoulders. Having kept the upper half of the Emerald Congalala's face and fashioned it into a hood; I had also threw this over my head to keep the pelt in place. This ultimately caused the upper half of my face to remain hidden in shadow as the pelt casually sat upon my armors shoulders. It was here I had the tedious job of trying to temporarily pin together the arm fur into a sleeve on both sides. To make accurate adjustments I repeatedly would remove the pelt and make small stitch work before putting it back on to test the placements. When I was roughly ninety percent done with both sleeves and about to remove the pelt once again, I painfully became aware of a disturbance across the forest floor.

Instantly I stiffened and warily raised my head slowly, before abruptly turning around. There, standing across the other side of the open field and stream, was none other then the red Great Baggi who had been tormenting my dreams the past two nights...

"Luxo..." I whispered apprehensively and licked my lips nervously. I couldn't believe my luck... There several feet away from me he stood in my presence once more. He had that burning intensity in his gaze as he looked at me with what I could only presume was intrigue or curiosity. "Ah..." I glanced down at myself sheepishly and held my arms out to the side in an effort to make it obvious to him that I was unarmed, "I suppose my appearance to you must seem odd..." A nervous laugh, which only became even more so as I was positive I witnessed him give a slight court nod as a corresponding yes to my statement. "You know... I was hoping to see you again," he suddenly stepped forward and yet I stood my ground as he gradually closed the distance between us, "I just didn't think it would be so soon..." I had long since abandoned fiddling with the end of my left sleeve in favor of anxiously twiddling my fingers together as I watched him come to a stop on the opposite side of the stream. For a spell we stood there eyeing each other up, or rather he eyed me up and at one point cocked his head down and to the side trying to peer underneath my hood.

It was here did he suddenly emit a low rumble of a vocalization; to which I responded with raising my hand as if to stop him. "Luxo..." I chuckled softly, "You know I can't understand you..." His nostrils flared as he snorted in clear agitation by our obvious road block in communication. Despite myself I couldn't help but find amusement in his response. "But..." I held my hand out across the stream towards him, "I know you seem to understand me. Don't you...?" The stream itself wasn't very wide; roughly six feet give or take... If Luxo wanted to I was confident he could jump across with ease without a moments hesitation.

He seemed fixated on my out held hand momentarily, before his gaze shifted back to my face trying to catch sight of my eyes peering through the eye socket openings within the hood. Again there was a pause in silence between us, but this time when he gave a slow affirmative nod I knew there was no mistaking the clear answer intended by his actions.

"Good... Good, that's good..." I couldn't help my nervous excitement from showing through, "In that case perhaps it would be wise to keep things simple with yes and no questions between us... But before that...there is something I would like to correct from our first meeting..." I smiled sheepishly as he tilted his head to the side as if silently asking what it was that needed correcting, "You see..." I poked my index fingers together in my nervous sheepish energy, "I was so quick to address you with a name that I completely failed to tell you mine..."

At this I knew I had Luxo's full attention. It was almost immediate as his stance completely straightened in an attentive manner. What caught me off guard was the human like motion of him extending his right arm and slightly waving it casually with a rotation of his wrist; leaving his claws facing me. I could practically hear the unspoken words of, "Well? Go on then..." in the gesture alone.

"You see my name," I placed my hand over my chest to make it clear I was referring to myself in this moment, "is..." I watched him closely as I hesitated for a moment, "is Silvia..."

I swore he seemed to stiffen the moment my name left my lips and his eyes widened. His lips trembled as three distinct tones were emitted from him; almost as if he was repeating the three syllables that made up my name back at me... Than again perhaps I simply just imagined that out of my own desire for it to be true.

"There... There is one other thing I wish to show you..." He was looking at me now in what I could only describe as anxiousness, "Please don't be alarmed when I take off this hood. You see when we first met I was hiding behind a false mask so to speak..." His head cocked to the side abruptly and his eyes narrowed, "N-Not to intentionally deceive you!" I quickly added as I raised both my hands up defensively, "I..." I moved my hands to grab the edge of the hood; painfully aware of his intense gaze trying to burn a hole through it. I hesitated only for a moment before slowly pulling the hood back as I continued my sentence, "don't exactly fit in with my fellow humans you see..."

Immediately Luxo's eyes widened and he took a step back in alarm; completely caught off guard by my appearance. Again those three distinct tones he had made before left his lips, but to my ears it almost seemed said in a painful disbelieving question. This detail alone left me with a sense of unease; for he looked at me as if he was seeing a ghost...

"I was abandoned at birth for looking the way I do..." I whispered softly; unconsciously touching my cheek as I said this, "There is a place for unwanted children; that is called an orphanage... That is where I was left at the doors of one the night I was born. The woman who found me has since then become the only person I've ever considered my mother... She's the only one who ever saw beauty in me the way I am..." I moved my hand away from my cheek in favor of grabbing my helmet to abruptly remove; allowing my hair to cascade freely from its confinement. "To everyone else," I nervously tucked a strand of hair behind my ear; taking note of how Luxo freezed up the moment I let my hair down, "I'm a freak. A..." I watched him closely; specifically his eyes, "monster some would say..."

The turmoil in his eyes was almost too much to bare. Seeing it so distinctly present caused a heavy weight to lay claim over my chest. I could not fathom why it stirred such a feeling within me, but seeing him look so...distraught left me with the desire to comfort him some how... Alas I was unsure how to and the stream between us was an obstacle in my way of doing anything.

"Please don't look at me like that, Luxo..." I smiled softly in a sad manner. I watched as his pupils enlarged as if he was suddenly refocusing on me. I was left to question what it was he had been seeing if not me to begin with as he saw me for who I really way... "I thought you of all beasts would be more accepting..." I bit my bottom lip awkwardly as I glanced down and off to the side sheepishly; holding my left wrist with my right hand in a nervous fidgeting manner. "At least the Luxo in my dreams looked at me in a..." I couldn't help the blush that was surely eating up my whole face; the intensity of his gaze in my dreams clear as day in my minds eye, "v-very different way..." I all but fumbled out under my breath as I dared to peer back up at him.

I was met with his intense stare followed by a low growl as he stepped forward; only to pause as he was reminded of the stream between us. Something in the tone of his vocalization told me whatever was said had been in question and not hostility. His focus turned to the stream; seemingly in disdain for it's presence, before looking back at me in contemplation. Another low growl; maybe even a repeat of what was said before; followed by other distinguishable sounds ending with those three distinct tones I was convinced was him saying my name...

"That was a question wasn't it..?" I laughed out nervously, "One ending in my name...?" He nodded with no hesitation; which only sent a chill down my spine as my legs almost buckled out from under me... Maybe it was the dreams these past two nights that made me foolishly believe I was understanding him; let alone be able to read his body language... However I couldn't deny the unnerving aspect of it all either.

"I...can only speculate what was asked..." I admitted half-heartedly, "But if I was a betting kind of person I'd wager you are inquiring on what dreams I speak of..."

Luxo cawed at me immediately with an aggressive confirming nod of his head. His energy seemed rather high strung to borderline excitable as he looked at me with expectancy, but also anxiety. I was left wondering why this seemed so important to him, to the point he was stepping in place. The behavior in itself reminded me of a cat wiggling its butt side to side excitably just before a pounce...

"Well since you seem so eager to know..." I murmured lowly, "Ever since seeing you two days ago I've..." I paused momentarily as I searched his eyes, "I've been plagued by these dreams... You've been in them since the first night..." A small warm smile found its way across my face with the faintest of blushes, "You had a voice than... One I could understand... You even," I paused to look around the area, "Well you brought me healing herbs, though none are visible or near us right now..." My smile turned into a sheepish one, "At first I didn't think much about it, since it was a dream... Why wouldn't I understand you, you know?" I laughed lightly as I averted my gaze away from him to peer down at my hands, "But then I realized I myself was not human to begin with in these dreams... I..." I looked back at him, "I was a Matriarch Baggi..." I watched him visibly stiffen with an unspoken emotion flickering across his eyes that I couldn't decipher or place.

"You... You told me your name in our first encounter between us..." I chewed on my bottom lip warily, before finding the courage to continue, "I do not want to seem presumptuous since it was said in my dream, but would I be out of line for believing that your birth name is Red...?"

I could visibly see Luxo trembling in place the moment the name left my lips. There was so many conflicting emotions swirling in his eyes; let alone in his body language I couldn't even begin to decipher what it was he was going through. Sadness, remorse, an overwhelming sense of grief perhaps? I really couldn't say; only that it pulled at my heartstrings in the worst kind of way...

"It is, isn't it...?" I whispered softly, my own voice trembling in the moment in how surreal this was all turning into... "Red...?"

The sound he emitted back at me was perhaps one of the most heart wrenching I ever heard, but with it was a pained slow nod. There was even a glossy look to his eyes; one that made me question if this magnificent beast was on the verge of weeping in front of me...

"I...hope you don't mind, but I'd like to keep calling you Luxo if that's alright..." I was met with another slow nod followed by choice words I couldn't fathom or understand from him, "Good..." I smiled slightly, "For I would have to agree with my dream counter part... Luxo suits you far better then Red..."

He stumbled suddenly with a choked cry; and in that moment I witnessed tears fall freely from his eyes. My name was most certainly the first thing he said in his pained vocalization and though I knew not what he was saying I felt his raw emotion deeply. It affected me so profoundly that I was completely unaware that I had begun to weep along with him... I had foolishly looked to the canopy thinking it was raining, but as I touched my face and stared at my hand in disbelief I realized it was I who was crying... In the midst of this realization Luxo had been pacing the shoreline with his anguish howls and animated movements of his arms and hands; tears still cascading down his own face.

"Why..." I managed to sniffle out, bringing both my hands to my face desperately trying to wipe the tears away, "W-What's wrong with me?" A choked sob, but despite my best efforts the tears wouldn't stop... I couldn't rationalize it. My body was reacting on its own and with it an explicit unexplainable pain that took root in my chest. It was like someone had stabbed me with a blade soaked in venom; where at the core of the wound that venom spread out like a dull agonizing ache. "I-I don't understand you..." My sobs came harder and my tears fell uncontrollably as I allowed my legs to give out and fall to my knees, "So why am I crying like this...?" I half laughed in between my heart felt sobs as I hid my face within my hands; unaware that at some point during my own break down Luxo had gone silent.

The thud of weight impacting the ground quickly drew my attention to peer up. However as I looked across the stream I realized my red maroon colored companion was no longer visible. Instead out of my peripheral vision; despite the tears blurring it, I soon realized that sound had been Luxo jumping the distance across the flowing source of water. Now that very Great Baggi was standing to my right and occupying the same ground as I; emitting a low familiar sound that had been expressed in my dream this past night.

Dazed and wary with his sudden proximity to my state of vulnerability as I sat there on my knees; all I could do was look up at him in uncertainty through my tears. "L-Luxo...?" It was then did he do the most unexpected course of action as he brought himself down beside me.

In his own strange way he sat; or at least as close to sitting as his species could get, all the while still vocalizing that gentle sound. Without hesitation he lowered his head and brought it to brush his muzzle and cheek against my own. Initially my first instinct had been to flinch away, but as he made contact I immediately deflated and any concerns I had flew out the window.

I closed my eyes with reckless abandonment as I released a shaky sniffle of a sigh. Unconsciously I brought my hands up to wrap them around his neck; holding his head close to mine as I all but rubbed my head into his own. I knew then this gentle purr of a sound Luxo was making was the very same he had made when comforting my counter part in my dream. The bigger surprise though was the fact Luxo had felt the need to comfort me at all...

"Shouldn't I be the one comforting you?" I whispered lowly as I clung to him; keeping his head pinned against mine as I buried my fingers into the fur of his neck, "After all... It was you who started to weep and speak with such anguish cries..."

My name was surely mumbled from his lips; having come to associate the three distinct tones as being my name, but everything else spoken a mystery to me. As my name was spoken he rubbed his head and neck against me; much like a feline would against its owner in affection. In the midst of his verbal conversation he had weaseled his left arm around my backside; holding me essentially in a one armed hug as I held on to him. In hindsight I suppose in this moment we were inevitably comforting one another, though my own distress in the situation was still a confusing factor... At no point during our strange embrace did his gentle purr ever stop though; acting as a subtle reminder that he had no ill intentions towards me...

"I don't know why you chose to come back here," I whispered softly, "but... I am glad to be able to see you again..." I gently caressed his cheek as I slightly pulled back and away from him so I could see him eye to eye, "Though I do not know if you feel the same way... Especially after seeing how distressed you were mere moments ago..." As I gazed deeply into his eyes I couldn't deny the underlining sadness present there, but more importantly there was no mistaking that these were the very same eyes who had gazed so intensely upon me in my dreams.

I low rumble of a growl left his lips; his eyes never leaving my own as he gently leaned his head into my hand. There was this unmistakable tenderness present across his face despite the sadness that lingered there. It was almost as if he had uncovered an unknown truth; one he could not readily tell me... Maybe I was being foolish, but I wanted to believe he had wanted to see me again. Why else would he venture back to where he knew for a fact a human Hunter resided?

I shifted my legs out from under me; the length of which I had been sitting there on my knees starting to become uncomfortable. Luxo didn't skip a beat and surprised me as he moved into a upright laying position on his side. Even in this pose though his head remained on the same plain as my own. If he wanted to Luxo could easily lay his head down in my lap if he was bold enough to do so...

"May..." I gently brushed my thumb along his jaw momentarily before allowing my hands to fall to my lap, "May I ask you something personal?" I didn't miss the way his eyes followed after my hands; seemingly in disappointment, but just as subtle as it was he was quickly looking back at me with a small nod. His eyes spoke where his mouth did not as they silently told me, "Ask me anything..." in their warm golden hues of flecks of ambers and reds.

"I've...never been to where you originally come from... In fact you're very far from home," I cast him a curious side glance, "Even stranger still you've chosen to come to a environment that's tropical with temperatures you'd never experience to hide away in..." I glanced down to my hands casually; a small smile playing at my lips, "What I know about your kind comes from books and artistic illustrations, but I've always been deeply fascinated by your species in particular..." I looked back at him meeting his gaze head on once more, "Nothing I've seen or read has ever depicted a Great Baggi to look like you though... I must admit I am glad for that..." I moved my hands to the ground in order to shift my form to face him, as well as scoot myself closer, "What I'm truly curious about however is Matriarch's... I've only seen images of them in very old documentations and little to no information on them in general... They had so many beautiful variations to their purple stripe marking... I..." I frowned slightly; avoiding his gaze if only for a moment, " I never hear whispers amongst others about them... Luxo... Are... Are there any Matriarch's that still exist amongst your numbers?"

To my surprise Luxo turned his head away from me. It was so sudden I failed to really catch a glimpse of what emotion had briefly flickered across his face. Even though I could only see one side of his face, there almost seemed to be a slight frown tugging at his lips; a clear indication to me that this was a touchy subject. He closed his eyes and released a slow heavy sigh, before turning his head back towards me. He held my gaze for a moment, but eventually shook his head side to side slowly with a low growl.

I felt my heart drop from the obvious implications in his actions, "No...?" I slouched slightly in a defeated manner, "So you're saying that Matriarch's; the Queen of your species, are...extinct?"

Luxo nodded slightly, though with hesitation at first. Perhaps his hesitation stemmed from a reluctance to out right claim that Matriarch's were extinct, but I could only speculate this... Luxo was after all a seasoned warrior and alone as I've only seen him, so perhaps it was safe to say he hasn't seen one in his life time...

"That...is unfortunate..." I sighed sadly, "I would of liked to have seen one, just once, you know? Not to harm mind you... Just...to see them alive doing whatever it is they do in their lives..." I raised a hand up to reach for him, but stopped short of touching his face, more as a curtsy to not rudely touch him without consent. As intellectually bright as I believed Luxo to be he did not disappoint me. His eyes glimmered surely in understanding as he met my hand the rest of the way, emitting a low welcoming purr, "I'm sorry..." I whispered sympathetically as I caressed his cheek and jaw, "You shouldn't be alone..."

He looked at me with an emotion I couldn't quite place in his eyes as he crooned at me. It wasn't a look I was personally familiar with, but it left me feeling strangely flustered all the same.. I didn't allow this to show; let alone falter in my speech though...

"You should have a Queen at your side, "Another vocal interruption ensued of caws, growls, and coos. In all that garble of sounds my name was surely in the mix of it, but all I could do was smile apologetically for being unable to understand anything but my name. I simply let him carry on until eventually he trailed off, looked to the side in a frustrated sigh, before back at me with that look I couldn't place. Only this time there was a twinge of sadness overlapping it as he nudged his head into my hand still gently petting him.

"Selfish human greed is to blame I fear..." I brought my other hand up to hold his head in between them, "That and foolish belief that there will always be more to take their place. You would know that better than anyone else, wouldn't you, Luxo?" He looked at me; resting his head willingly into my hands with remarkable trust as he cawed softly in reply, an underlining sadness lingering in his eyes. "I bet they have it wrong when they believe all male Baggi's become leaders like you..." This time he openly rolled his eyes and scoffed that I couldn't help but out right laugh, "I'll take that as a definite wrong assumption haha!" I didn't miss the way his expression soften; reaching his eyes even, with the faintest of smiles teasing at the corners of his lips. The emotion in his eyes strangely made my heart skip a beat and flutter uncontrollably; forcing me to break contact and look away bashfully. Awkwardly I coughed to clear my throat; silently berating and questioning myself for responding in such a way in the first place. My hands absentmindedly caressed both sides of his jaw as I reigned myself back in; quietly being rewarded by his delighted gentle purr. When I finally looked back at him he had his eyes practically half closed drunk in pleasure.

"May... May I ask you another question?" I murmured softly. This time when he refocused his eyes on me a serious expression took place. Much to my disbelief he gently shook his head no in between my hands. "N-No?" I blinked; awestruck by this response, pausing the caress of my fingers on him, "I suppose cause you wish to ask me a question? Is that it, hmm?" I chuckled lightly, "That would be fair, but I don't speak the tongue of Baggi's."

Luxo snorted as if insulted by this reminder. He seemed to grumble to himself looking anywhere but me as if trying to figure out how to overcome the issue at hand. When his eyes finally returned to me they narrowed ever so slightly seemingly with a revelation or idea. Shifting his head gently Luxo removed himself from my hands; emitting a low rumble as he surprised me with gently brushing his snout against the pelt on my shoulders. As he pulled his head away he repeated the sound while gesturing at the pelt again with his head.

"T-This?" I moved a hand to touch the pelt I still had adorned over my armor, "You want to know about this?" He nodded only resulting in bringing a smile to find its way across my face, "Ha... I suppose that is a clever way to ask..." I shifted than in order to remove the Emerald Congalala's hide from off my frame in favor of setting it aside, "I hope you don't think poorly of me because of it. He attacked me... I simply defended myself." I gave a small sad smile as I gently placed a hand upon the hide in question, "We...call them Emerald Congalala's. You've probably seen the common variant that is typically pink in color." He crinkled up his nose in distaste then; definitely implying that he had come across them. "They are indeed foul smelling beasts..." I chuckled; lightly tapping my hand on the hide to draw his attention back to it, "Emmy here," an amused smirk flickered across his face, "is more...hostile. You won't find underlings around them. Bit of a loner they are. Oh...and if you think the pink ones smell bad this guy is way worse. Took forever to get rid of the smell as it is." He definitely just chuckled at that, "Oh, sure, laugh it up wise guy," I smirked, "but something tells me that nose of yours isn't a fan either."

Immediately he ceased laughing and averted his eyes. He vocalized a long low dragged out hiss, that eventually morphed into a growl as he awkwardly scratched his right cheek. That growl eventually turned into other tones with the end result having him shaking his head no.

"Heh, that's what I thought." I didn't need to speak Baggi to get a general idea of what he was imply through his body language, "I... I just wanted to get by without being noticed, you know?" I glanced down to the ground with a heavy sigh, "I didn't feel right not taking something from it though. Originally I had no plans for it.. I figured someone else might have interest in it, but...guess you could say I had a change of heart. I'm... I'm turning it into a coat to throw over my armor. I don't plan on it staying that way." I grabbed the pelt again to move a bit of the fur to expose some of my stitch work to him, "You see," he curiously lowered his head with a slight tilt, "this stitching is intended to be temporary. Once this winter passes and things go back to normal I'll most likely disassemble it back to being a full skin again. I haven't cut off any of the overburden of extra fur in order to retain as much potential value as I can. Ah..." I scratched my cheek sheepishly, "Not that you worry about the value of things. You just take what you need. We humans can't always do that I'm afraid." I chuckled softly, "Such antics could lead to conflicts one would rather avoid... But you probably want to know why I'm doing it, don't you?"

I was met with a slow nod from Luxo, before he abruptly shifted his weight into; what I presumed was a more comfortable position; as he casually crossed his arms in front of him and lowered his head to rest upon them. In this new pose Luxo was forced to look up at me, but overall seemed very much at ease with the circumstances.

"Alright," I smirked coyly, "I'll tell you, but only if I may ask you another question in return. Do we have a deal?" Without thinking I held my hand out; momentarily forgetting I was speaking to a beast and not a human being in this moment. Realizing the folly of my actions I awkwardly laughed as I retracted my extended hand in favor of scratching the back of my head, "Ah ha..ha... Right you probably don't strike up deals by shaking hands..."

Luxo on the other hand had followed my every move with peeked curiosity. His eyes in particular had followed my hands movement, before he himself lifted his head to seemingly peer down at his own hands in contemplation. Bewildered; I watched him shift his weight in order to raise his right arm and extend it out towards me. All I could do was stare dumbfoundedly at his waiting extended clawed hand, before warily finding the courage to reach out and meet it with my own hand. In disbelief his hand gently grasped mine. No; more like an appendage with built in weaponry designed to disembowel had taken hold of my hand with remarkable care; once more showing how very aware Luxo was, not only of himself, but me as well...

"Does..." I licked my lips nervously, "Does this mean we have an agreement?" I was met with a low hum of a growl as his response; along with a court nod of his head. I couldn't help but laugh with a mixture of excitement and relief as I brought my other hand to the back of his; essentially holding his right hand between the both of mine. In my eagerness I shook his hand between my own; "You never cease to amaze me with how brilliant you truly are..." I smiled warmly with reckless abandonment, "It pains me to know how wrong we are about your kind. If only people weren't so quick to attack what we don't understand..."

Luxo's eyes in this moment were focused upon my hands encircling his lone right one. Even as I shook the limb in agreement he never once tightened his grip on my own. Eventually his eyes flickered back up to me and I could of sworn his face softened and a pleased sigh escaped his lips.

"I suppose I'm getting off topic, aren't I?" With an apologetic smile I removed my left hand from the back of his right and allowed my right to go slack in his. I wasn't about to jerk my hand out of his razor sharp clawed one after all! He followed through with clear understanding as he just as quickly released his hold upon my hand; to return it back down along with his head to rest upon his arms once more. "I plan on leaving the Babda Rainforest;" Maybe I was just seeing things, but I could of sworn he stiffened... "for Gildegaran. It is only temporary. Even with this fur hide turned into a coat it is unlikely to keep me warm in such weather for too long..." I gestured to my bag, "That's why I brewed up some heat droughts the other day. I should have enough to get there, as well as return back here. You've likely went pass Gildegaran on your way here without realizing it... Knowing you though I'm sure you noticed the stone structures and bridge leading into the settlement and avoided it like the plague."

Luxo's eyes narrowed slightly; perhaps in a moment of recognition or realization of what exactly it was I was describing to him. This of course was merely speculation on my part. As subtle as the expression change was he soon followed up with raising his head and emitting a questioning whine like growl. He caught me further off guard as he also reached out with one arm again to place his hand upon my leg; the tip of his tail flickering up and down like a strange testament of his patience as eyes I once viewed to be so fiercely predatorial looked at me with a gentle almost human gaze of questioning.

"R-Right, why, I-I'm getting to that..." I couldn't help but become slightly flustered; for a moment last nights dream flickering to mind. Specifically the moment at the hot spring where he had placed his hands over mine at the waters edge. This felt no different; only it was my thigh and only one of his hands upon it. Logically I should of been freaking out, but in hindsight the thick padded armor made his talons non-existent; leaving only the weight of his hand felt upon me. "You see about eight years ago my mother; Maria, the one who raised me from day one at that orphanage; brought some information to my attention." I briefly glanced down to his hand upon my thigh; certain I had felt his grip tighten momentarily at the mention of Maria.

It was almost like he recognized the name... I didn't allow myself to dwell too much on this; for the implications it would imply would be too much to bare... My presumption from my dream on Luxo's true name being Red surely was coincidental, but Maria? Maria as my dream self's mother could only be my subconscious mind placing her there and nothing more.

"I suspect with the weather being this bad that Gildegaran is devoid of human life behind its stone walls. This..." I placed my hands over his lone one on my leg, holding it to some extent excitedly, "This could be my only chance to slip into the Guilds halls and get my hands on a book kept under lock and key..." At this Luxo tilted his head; emitting a peculiar questioning sound that I couldn't even begin to describe in words, "I know a book must sound strange to you, but its the author behind it that's important to me... It's suppose to be his last known work and sits upon a pedestal open to a depiction of a beast when alive. The very beast whose hide hangs across from it on the wall. At least that's the rumor I've been told by Maria..." I glanced down to my hands over his right; idly stroking my thumbs over the fur present on the backside of his fingers. "You have to understand my mom has never shown interest in Monster's before... She's always been more interested in past records; ones from other settlements' orphanages to be exact. She...found something... I don't know what, but she's been restless ever since." I looked back up at him, "And Gildegaran does little to help with that restlessness. Time and time and time again they have refused her access to their records. It makes them look suspicious... Don't you think?" His eyes most definitely narrowed in understanding as he nodded in agreement with me at this, "So you see for my mother to express interest in this beast surely must mean it's important and connected somehow. By going not only do I get to get my hands on The Scout's last known work; before his disappearance, I also can see this creature for myself and figure out what about it has gone and drawn even my mothers attention to it... I wouldn't put it past her to take the same opportunity to break into Gildegaran's records knowing her..." I chuckled softly, "Has this answered your question, Luxo?"

He was silent for the longest time it seemed. A serious expression having replaced the thoughtful questioning one from before as his tail flicked almost in irritation. I dared not disturb him from what ever deep thoughts seemed to have his attention. Luxo was still a predator; the last thing I wanted to do was startle him. Eventually he refocused on me and purred out a reply with almost a begrudgingly nod of his head. His question may have been answered, but he clearly had others. This surely had to explain why he responded the way he did...

"Good..." I smiled in a gentle pleased manner, "Now a question for you... I..." I turned my gaze downwards once more to his hand in both mine; once again gently moving my thumbs over the back of his hand in small circles, "know this is our second time meeting again... And so far," I looked up at him; "no group of Baggi's have sprung out in ambush... However I don't want to assume that you truly are alone in this rainforest... So my question for you, Luxo, is if you are alone, or do you perhaps have a clan hidden away from here?"

An awkward almost uneasy expression took root across his face, before he gently removed his hand away from mine to place back on the ground in front of him. His tail was doing that irritable twitch again; while he himself made what could only be described as an exasperated disgruntled sigh, as he turned his head away from me to peer down at the stream beside us.

I was by no means naive to his hesitance to reply. Like the Matriarch Baggi topic; this too could be viewed as a touchy subject. On the one hand he could always lie to me and I'd be none the wiser for it. However that didn't necessarily mean he would just because of his blatant precaution to out right answer readily. There may be a tranquil peace between us, but it didn't change what either one of us was to each other... He a Monster, a brilliant red devil of a Great Baggi, and I a Hunter, a natural born enemy by every right...

I leaned forward slightly; my movements slow to avoid catching him by surprise, as I gently reached forward to place my hand a top his own, "Luxo..." It had the desired effect of drawing his attention back to me without startling him, "I only ask so that conflict is avoided. I do not ask this of you with any ill intentions in mind. When I leave this forest wouldn't it be best for the both of us if avoidance is in mind?" He oddly had a conflicted expression on his face about the matter at hand. At the same time I knew he had some form of clear understanding for it reflected so clearly in his eyes back at me.

Another sigh; but this time as we held each others gaze his expression softened. He surprised me as he placed one hand over mine, essentially trapping my hand under it, while my own hand sat atop his other. I was greeted with a garble of vocalized sounds, and though I could only guess what was said his reaffirming nod at the end of his statement was all the confirmation I needed.

"Haa... So you are not alone then..?" He may have nodded his head yes, but he could of simply been agreeing with me on avoidance being best. However there was no hesitation from him as he once again nodded his head along with a vocalization of what I assumed was him saying yes as well. "And here I thought you might of been alone due to your appearance..." I couldn't help the slight smile from finding its place across my lips, "I'm glad, "a gentle squeeze to his bottom hand with mine sandwiched between his other; "that is not the case... Though I am curious," with my free hand I reached out to him; to which he readily responded by eagerly brushing his head into my awaiting extended hand, "why you've chosen to come here alone and not with others... Shouldn't the prospect of getting rid of me be far more beneficial for you?" I whispered lowly.

At this Luxo stiffened, going still against my hand; eyes narrowing almost in distaste at my remark. A low dragged out growl slipped past almost snarling lips; and though he did not move his head there was no questioning the obvious "NO" in his response. This only lead me to question why he would say, let alone feel that way...

"No..? Haa... you are a strange beast indeed..." I chuckled softly, gently caressing his cheek.

He sighed; relaxing under my touch as he emitted a obvious whine of my name back at me followed with further vocalizations. At some point he had removed his one hand from atop my own to catch me completely off guard when he brought it up to delicately brush the backside of his clawed hand against my cheek.

Instantly those private, almost intimate, moments from last nights dream flashed to the forefront of my mind. I couldn't help but become flustered and instinctively pulled away, and by doing so I inadvertently cut my cheek along the tip of one of his talons by pulling back into it. The cut was superficial and minor; hardly serious at all that initially I hadn't even registered it happened. It was the delayed sting that brought my attention to it; resulting in me quickly pulling my left hand away from his cheek in favor of pressing it against mine.

Luxo's reaction was immediate; likely smelling the blood before I even knew it happened. He had jumped up so abruptly on to three out of his four limbs; up on his feet, but leaning forward and appyling weight on to his left hand that was still on the ground with my right hand still on top of it. The hand he had used to brush against my face was retracted towards himself, but not on the ground; conflicted on wanting to reach back out with it but stopping short of doing so. Oddly enough this stance brought his face closer to my own, but his eyes were fixated upon my hand covering up the cut that I had thought nothing of it... He whimpered my name that there was no mistaking the apologetic remorse expressed in the tones of his voice, let alone across his face.

"It's okay!" I flusteredly replied, "Y-You didn't mean it. I-It's my fault. I shouldn't have moved back like that..." I pulled my hand away from my face to show it to him; very minimal blood smeared across a few fingers, "S-See? J-Just a scratch!" a nervous laugh; "It's already starting to-" I gasped in alarm as I suddenly found myself met with his tongue over my cheek. The action in itself so unexpected I didn't even have time to react; for as abrupt as it was he just as quickly pulled away with a look of guilt still apparent in his eyes. I knew than that his actions were not done with intimate ulterior motives, but rather much like one would expect between pack mates tending to each others wounds; specifically the ones you yourself could not clean without the help of another. I silently berated myself for believing they were anything but innocent, and threw the whole blame on to these dreams my blasted subconscious mind was wrapping me up into with him. Dreams as they were even I couldn't deny that they strangely made me feel closer to him...

His expression changed suddenly to one that was struck with an idea or moment of genius, before he tilted his head up sniffing the air. Eyes narrowed before he turned away from me with no warning and darted off into the foliage and out of sight. I didn't even get a chance to call after him, for as abrupt as he had disappeared he was quickly bursting back out and hastily making his way back to me.

"What was th-..." a curious murr of a sound cut me off as he extended his hands towards me. I felt a cold chill run down my spine as my eyes followed his movements. There clutched in both hands he held out herbs; roots and all, in offering...

"D-Do you know what those are...?" My voice trembled betraying my clear anxiety. When he nodded his head I thought I was going to have a full blown panic attack, "H-How?" I barely managed to breath out. At this he tilted his head, as if perplexed by my question, but as he muttered my name and extended one of his talons; still gripping the healing herbs in his hand; to point at me the message was clear in my mind of, "Silvia you taught me..."

"M-Me? N-No I... I said you brought me healing herbs to my counter part;" he visibly grimaced..."in my dreams, but I never showed you the herbs..."

He visibly inhaled before sighing my name as he set the herbs down at my feet and nudged them forward with his snout; crooning at me with such longing intermingling with sadness in his eyes... This time when he tried to reach out for me I hastily jumped up to my feet and stumbled back in panic; completely failing to see the way he flinched back dejectedly.

"No..." I mumbled in a cold panicked sweat, "No I... T-That was just a dream so you see..." Another nervous step back as I brought my hands up to hold my head on the cusp of a full blown melt down, "I... I couldn't have taught you such things... I... I don't even know how my dream self knew about herbs..." I mumbled sounding hysterical to my own ears.

A low whimper from Luxo reminded me he was still very much present and anxiously pacing in place, at a loss on how to react or proceed. He looked to me with concern and apprehension so clearly displayed within his eyes and all I could wonder was why... With hesitation he moved to step towards me, calling out to me, but even now all I could hear was not that of feral sounds, but my name as if spoken in plain english.

"No!" I jumped back still clutching my head as tears began to well up at the corner of my eyes, "Wh-Why? Why do you call to me so, Luxo...?" I looked to him as the tears began to spill over, "Why do you look at me as someone you've not just met for the second time, but have known for a life time?" I choked out in pitiful sobs, "They are just dreams aren't they...?" I muttered out in between my broken sobs; more so to myself than to him.

"Silvia please..." I clenched my eyes shut as I trembled in place; positive now that I was surely losing my mind as words replaced what should of been predatorial beastly sounds from him, "Don't push me away... Let me help you..."

"Ha..." I half laughed hysterically as my tears flowed freely, "Now I really am losing it to be hearing your voice." I half heartedly voiced out bitterly.

"Silvia?" I heard him make to step towards me again; my name falling from his lips in clear question. I on the other hand matched his movements with a step back of my own; reopening my eyes to land on him in panic.

"Enough! Please!... Please..." I pointed to the horizon across the stream in desperation, "Leave me... Go back to your clan Luxo! I... I need to be alone..." I must of sound like a frightened deer to him babbling hysterically, because he refused to listen, or walk away.

Instead Luxo lowered his head in a bow; emitting a low pained like vocalization that mirrored the pain in his eyes. I couldn't coop with any of it though, too far gone in my own emotional and mental break down to accept it. I lashed out instead. Probably not the wisest thing to have done in hindsight, but I wasn't exactly in my right mind either... I had grabbed the closest thing to me, and being close to a stream that happened to be a river stone, and promptly threw it at him...

"LEAVE!" I all but screamed in my hysteria at him as the stone left my hand.

The stone never made contact with his form, for Luxo had easily avoided it by jumping back and hissing in surprise. The snarl across his face was only present for just a second; quickly vanishing just as soon as it had appeared. I couldn't quite decipher the expression he was wearing now as he looked at me, seemingly in contemplation yet with an underlining degree of remorse, or was that pity and sympathy I was seeing now?

Again I pointed to the horizon from which he came, "LEAVE LUXO!" I made to move and grab another stone, threatening to throw it but never following through with it, "Don't make me ask again!" I raised my hand up clutching the second stone in warning as angry tears spilled from my face, "I promise I won't miss next time... So please just go!"

He stepped back warily with a low growl, his eyes fixated on my hand threatening to throw another stone at him. Eventually his gaze flickered back to my face to which he sighed and slouched in stance a bit. It was almost as if he was silently relenting and admitting defeat... Awkwardly he cawed at me while giving a slight upward bob of his head as if saying, 'Okay... Okay I'll go...' while taking a few strides back and away from me.

With him no longer advancing, or attempting to approach me I allowed my own stance to relax; lowering the hand still holding the rock. Perhaps this acted as a sign for him since he in turn fully turned away from me in order to make distance between him and the stream side. When Luxo turned back around he briefly looked to me; to which I responded by warily tightening my hold on the stone in my hand, but never raised my hand up again. It was only after holding my gaze for but a moment did he abruptly sprint forward with no warning and leapt back across the stream, only stopping when he reached the forest line he had stepped out from.

As Luxo paused in his movements he turned to face me again. Shifting his stance he surprised me with a bow of his head, before extending himself up right as he called out to me seemingly in promise. A promise that I surely would see him again, but for now he would respect my wish to be alone. Having said whatever he needed to he turned back to the forest line, and with one last longing look back over his shoulder at me he finally disappeared back into its overgrowth.

Alone and with Luxo out of sight I dropped the rock in hand and allowed myself to collapse to my knees again. In dejected broken sobs I dragged myself to the herbs he had left behind. Picking them up I clutched them close to my chest as I wept in my confusion.

"What the hell does this all mean...?" I clenched my eyes shut as I quietly wept, "I don't understand what is happening here..." Alone as I was now I didn't feel any better. In fact I felt as if a part of me had left with him too. This of course did little to calm my feelings of traumatic confliction... "Why," I lowered my head to bury my face into the herbs I still clung to so dearly, "is this happening to me..." I sniffled peering up from between the leaves, "And why do I feel as though I've sent away the only one to understand me?" I whispered to the wind; a bitter feeling of numbness replacing the ache that felt like it would rip my sanity in two. I suppose the numbness was preferable to that in the long run...

Unfortunately that numbness only went so far, before it began to morph; creeping slowly at first, into feeling of dread. Even after I had pulled my shit together and tried to go about the remainder of the day like I didn't just have a psychotic breakdown; THAT numbness couldn't hide the dread... The dread that revealed itself in my lack of enthusiasm in working on finishing my coat with haste; or how I ate my meals at a very leisurely pace... It boiled down to that I found myself actually terrified to sleep for the first time. And for good reason. If the past two nights wasn't a good indication on what was to come I don't know what is. Still...even I should have known that no matter how much I dragged things out it still does not stop the night from coming, let alone the sandman from knocking at your door... And so, despite my best efforts to keep awake, I too had to admit defeat and fall victim to the realm of dreams once more...

*End Chapter Three*

Author's Note: Well my darlings you've made it to the end once again! I do hope I did my best to describe the traumatic break down Silvia was going through... I also hope you grasp why it unfolded into it too. Also hope you go away with a better feel and understanding of Silvia's character in general and that through glimpses in her past you've learned to hopefully come to love her. I know it must of been weird to read a whole day of her and her thoughts; or talking to herself, but imagine how I feel. I didn't know I could write so much without physically having a second character present to interact with LOL! But in a way the dreams and memories make up for it, right? With Chapter three done I'll be working away on chapter 4, but as always don't expect a speedy update. Should be fun to do the flip side for Luxo of these past two days... In the mean time please, PLEASE, leave me a review? They are little rays of sunshine for me. You guys have no idea how much they mean to me. I also apologize for any mistakes and misspellings I may have missed. I am only human after all!

Until next time,
Love,
RSG