It wasn't until then that Saul noted the near identical pose the two old friends shared. One arm cradled protectively around a bundle of furs that had begun to wriggle and squirm as another blast of cold air blew past them. Green eyes met cherry red as he tried to put dates together. The child in Nayru's arms was clearly hers- whilst Saul knew she liked pups, she would never have been holding another pup in this way. And he clearly understood that it was not Gideon's. At the same time, her own eyes dropped to the dark bundle in his own arms and Saul offered a sheepish smile. It was rather ironic, the situation the two now found themselves in. Her gentle voice, sounding weak to his own ears, told him that there was no need for him to be sorry. He perhaps might have protested before, but he allowed her the words with a simple inclination of his head.
He could hear the gentle, but growing louder, squall of the little female in her arms. He was burning with curiosity about how this had happened, how this little life had been created as it was clearly burning through Nayru. Instead of speaking once more, she shuffled forward, her arms outstretched in a silent offering to take his son from him. He didn't think twice as he shifted his son in his arms in time for her to deftly scoop him away. As soon as Teme was gone, Saul felt the absence of his slight weight against his arms. But his leader was moving towards the earthen den she appeared to have settled in. For the moment, he thought of Cerne Rise, but settled for asking her about it later.
He was mildly surprised to catch the strong scent of Saluce around the den. So his adopted father had returned. And another female, who didn't register in his mind. So many questions bounced around in his head as he watched Nayru squeeze into the den. He would clearly have to shift to get in, unlike Nayru. He glanced back towards Hermes, patting his nose softly. With soft, quiet words he tried to tell Hermes that he was home now, and that he was free to wander on his own. As if he understood, the stallion butted his head forward into Saul's chest before walking away, With a calming breath, Saul pulled his bones back together, making sure to lean forward so that he landed on his paws at the right time.
Even then, it was a bit of a squeeze to get into the den. Brushing the sides, Saul made his way inward. He could hear his sons plaintive wails- he hadn't had any food in a day and a half. He would be completely starving. Moving swiftly into the larger inner area, Saul caught sight of Nayru once more, her daughter and his son in her arms. "Thank you Nayru." He stated simply, moving to sit down across from the Jiryu. He had no idea what to say, but he allowed the happiness that he had found home to fill him for the moment at least.
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