The past few days had been a whirlwind of thoughts, emotions and forlorn looks. Four days ago, Saul had been setting up for a birthday party to celebrate the collective birthday of the four Stormbringers with Bran's help and he hadn't been happier. The party had gone well and all of them had gone past intoxicated. In fact, he remembered Bran toppling over backwards off of his log and having to be dragged back into their hut by Niernan, who hadn't been that steady on his feet himself. It had been fun, especially when Bran had suggested they play a game of 'Truth or Dare' that had been funny to watch and participate in. But the events after the party had thrown everything upside down. The feeling of his lips moving against hers had been heavenly bliss and he hadn't been able to help wrapping his arms around her and bringing her closer. He knew, without a doubt, that it hadn't been down to his inebriated state. He might have gotten his confidence from the alcohol, but the act itself had been the culmination of days of covert glances and butterflies in his stomach. And he had to admit, kissing her had been the best feeling in the world. In that moment, there was no thought about relations, blood, genetics or anything of the sort. It was one man and one woman expressing desire for one another.


His world had shattered when she'd pulled away, ducking quickly back into her hut and keeping the door closed in a way that clearly stated that he wasn't welcome. He'd stayed there, frozen in place for a few minutes at least before his brain had forced his limbs to move and go back to his own hut. He'd settled around Elias and Temeraire, shifting into his lupus form to conserve space as the boys had spread out. Sleep had come quickly that night, filled with dreams that he was sure weren't appropriate. Of course, the silence that had come from Lilin's house the next morning had worried him, but he didn't want to make things worse so he'd left her alone. His own headache and dry mouth had him groaning for a good few hours before he'd dragged himself to the lake to bathe and drink his fill. His run had been short, but his thoughts were on Lilin the whole time. When he'd returned, he still hadn't seen her. The next day, it was painfully obvious that he was being avoided. Fresh scent paths told him that she'd come out of her hut, but he hadn't seen her and he didnt know if speaking to her would be the best thing. He'd learnt early on that Lilin was set in her ways, and she would talk when she wanted to. The tension between the two however was sure to have been picked up on.


Dawn rose early this morning and Saul rose wearily. Since Lilin's avoidance, he hadn't been sleeping properly and his face was set in a mask of worry. He didn't know what to do and that worried him the most. He had, usually, always been sure of his direction in life, but that had been thrown completely out of orbit when his lips had touched hers. Frustrated, with feeling like shit, with her not talking, with the endless questions rolling around in his head, he exited his hut with a soft huff and made for the trees. Perhaps he could channel some of this frustration into something constructive, instead of moping around his hut and waiting for her to emerge.

Preoccupation was one of Saul's major flaws- the ability to turn so in on himself that he didn't notice what was going on around him. As he made his way across camp, trying desperately not to look at her door, to silently ask her to come out and speak to him, he didn't notice the form of his cousin by the fire. His gaze was, firmly, set on the trees in front of him and the plans that were playing out in his mind. He knew that building more things here probably wasn't the best idea- if they had to leave, there would be a lot of work that would be wasted. But at the same time, he didn't honestly know how long they would be here for and if it was for a while, he might as well build something that could be fun for everyone to use. Even in his preoccupation, and depression at being avoided and ignored, Saul was thinking about his son and Elias, and the brothers who would no doubt take as much pleasure from the plans in Saul's mind alongside their younger counterparts.



The soft, tentative 'wuff' that echoed from the camp ground stopped him immediately. He could hear the concern in his cousins vocalisation, even if he didn't say anything. A small part of him was pleased that his cousin cared for him enough to want to help him out, but the other part hadn't begun to grasp the enormity of what was going on. Let along how to vocalise it, or what to even say. He could feel himself clamping up, giving himself plenty of reasons why he shouldn't say anything to Niernan about what had happened. It was painfully obvious however that something hand changed in camp and in a way, everyone had a right to know why the atmosphere was more tense than it needed to be. With a sigh, he turned back, green eyes weary as he gave his cousin a smile. Without thinking much about it, he decided that four hands were better than two.


Wanna help me out Nier? He asked, jerking his head softly towards the trees. Unlike the usually happy demeanour that Saul wore as a blanket, he seemed more reserved than before, quieter. Still, it was an opportunity to bond with Niernan and he wouldn't pass up that chance.

The tension and concern coming from his cousin was something Saul never expected to feel, but it was certainly there and very potent. When he'd kissed Lilin that night, his thoughts certainly hadn't been on the effect it would have on the rest of the group- he hadn't thought much past the feel of her soft lips on his. Then again, he hadn't foreseen that she would avoid him and especially for so long. With a sigh, he tried to force thoughts of Lilin from his mind. There was no point in pining and worrying about it- she would emerge when she was ready and if that meant he didn't see her for a week or more, he had the patience to wait until she was ready to come and talk to him about whatever the hell was going on between the two of them. Cousins didn't kiss cousins like that. On the other hand, he now refused to refer to her as his cousin, even in his own thoughts. It felt wrong, especially after that kiss, the way his body reacted to her, the thoughts that raced through his mind whenever he thought of her. A shudder rushed through him as he tried, unsuccessfully, to push out those fantasies- Niernan managed to bring him back from the brink of oblivion with a carefully placed joke, although Saul could tell that it seemed strained.



He did, however, appreciate his cousins concern and the attempts to joke and take his mind off of other things, because Saul was driving himself mad. An appreciative smile washed over his lips as a half-amused snort jerked his body softly. Everyone was well aware of Bran's sleeping habits, and the fights the brothers often had in their sleep- it usually sounded like Niernan trying to roll his brother over to relieve some of the pressure on the chest and therefore stop him snoring. They could tell however that it rarely worked, and usually ended with Bran rolling back over and somehow hitting his brother for interrupting his sleep. Niernan's concerns over his cat were mirrored by Saul- who hadn't seen Eirias in a few day. No problem- keep an eye out for Eir as well. I dont think the move has done either of them very good, but hopefully they'll settle down soon.


He attempted to inject some nonchalance into his voice, but the unexpected contact of Niernan's paw to his shoulder caused him to freeze for a moment. He almost missed the worried whine that slipped out, but he allowed a smile to break his worried mask as he looked across at Niernan, grateful to the mans care. They didn't need to say anything to each other, but Niernan cleared his throat, looking away before he spoke again, a plea to get going. He didn't know what they were doing yet, and Saul was grateful that his cousin trusted him enough to follow without question. With a nod, Saul stepped deliberately towards the woods, thinking Niernan was likely to follow him. I was thinking we could make a tree house. The boys would love somewhere to play, and it could come in useful if we ever get flooded and the huts are destroyed." He said, his mind always thinking of back up plans in case something went wrong. We're going to have to find as much flat wood as possible, maybe from the ruins over there He gestured to the humans dwellings that weren't too far away. If we run out, we'll have to cut down a tree and use that. He said, his mind strategising easily on how they were supposed to work this.

He should have expected the over-excited response from his cousin- sometimes it was too easy to see the elder of his cousins as serious, compassionate and gentle. He was all of these things, but there was also a larger part of him that enjoyed his mischievousness far too much to let it go. Saul thought that this was perhaps why he enjoyed Bran's company so much- while they were brothers and therefore naturally close, especially when their personalities complimented each other so well, Saul thought that a large part of it lay in the fact that Bran made Niernan forget that they may have had bigger worries and he was more than happy to immerse himself in whatever scheme his brother concocted. As the excitement registered on Niernan's face, Saul allowed a rumbling laugh to jump from his mouth, despite the melancholy that had been dragging him down.


I thought it might be fun, plus it would help you to learn a bit more about construction!



Saul chuckled, thinking how hopeless Niernan had been when Saul had asked him to help out with their hut. Bran had been marginally better and Saul had kept the brown male on as an apprentice of sorts as he'd constructed the wooden hut that the brothers now lived in. The black and tan males words caused him to look up, an amusingly crestfallen expression on the mans face as he asked, in a small voice, whether he and Bran would be able to play in it as well. Saul couldn't help the grin that slipped across his face, the subtle shift of his tail in the breeze that was the prelude to the second laugh in a while now. His nose wrinkled softly as he allowed his hand to raise up attempting to clap his cousin on the shoulder, before he jumped forward, turning and walking backwards in front of Saul.


Of course you two can... Who else is going to keep an eye on the boys?


He questioned, a glint of amusement in his eyes. With a quirk of his eyebrow, he turned and began to comb through the woods, picking up various flat pieces of wood wherever he found them. When he'd found as much as he could carry, whilst also loading it onto Niernan as well, he began to walk back towards the tree he wanted to build in. It was big and sturdy, with the added advantage of having some well placed lower branches, so the boys could get up without too much assistance. Settling his wood in a pile at the base, he stretched and glanced back to his cousin, a grin on his face as he turned back to take in the tree in front of him. It was going to be a bit of a task, but they would do it just fine.

Gathering the wood was undeniably a boring job, but it wasn't so bad when Niernan walked beside him, more than happy to be a mule as well as pointing out bits that looked like they would do well. His cousin was a comforting presence, even if the stress in the camp was seeping slowly into all of them. What made it worse was the belief that Saul had no-one to talk to. Bran and Niernan were his cousins as well as Lilins- they were all blood related. If he asked Niernan for help, surely the man would think it disgusting, the thoughts and feelings Saul had for her. There was no way he could speak to Ezra- Saul had seen the giant grin that had planted itself on his muzzle when Lilin had appeared when Ezra had called for them. He would no doubt sway it in his favour, although Saul got the distinct feeling that Lilin say Ezra as a friend only. His only other option was his son, and while Temeraire was getting bit now, there was no way on this earth that his son would understand and be able to give him some advice. A snort escaped him as he thought about talking to his son about all this- what a ridiculous concept.


The two came to stop by the tree he'd chosen, dropping their wood in the heap that they had been accumulating. The wood gathering had taken them about an hour and the sun was shining brightly when they came to a stop. With a groan, Saul put his hands on his lower back, leaning and cracking the vertebrae in a satisfying crunch. Niernan seemed far to excited to worry about any aches and pains and turned to him, exclaiming that he was going to have a look. With a light chuckle, far from what he was actually feeling, he nodded and waved his hand softly, the non-verbal permission probably missed as Niernan launched himself forward and up the tree. Satisfied that Niernan was gone for a few moments, Saul dropped into a crouch, hands between his head as he took a few deep, shuddering breaths to calm himself. Everything was going to be okay.


The sudden thump of a body to the floor and the following yelp that he recognised as Niernan's jolted him out of her reverie and he stood up quickly, trying to control the spin of his head. He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him, a deep laugh that was contradictory but nice enough at the moment. His cousin didn't seem to want to discuss his blunder as he rolled over, brushing himself down before standing once more. He asked what they needed to do, and Saul glanced up at the tree. We're going to need to get up there and clear away the branches to make an area that we can build in. He said, confidence in his voice. With a grin, he lumbered over to the tree, swinging up in one easy motion. The climb was a gentle and easy one, before Saul stopped around halfway up where the four main branches of the tree were most stable and offered an almost square area that he intended to build in.

Niernan wouldn't be left out for long and Saul chuckled quietly as he heard his cousin moving up through the trees. He liked Nier- the male was easy to get on with and he had a sensitive side that Saul associated well with. His cousins body came up to stand across the little platform area from him, blue eyes assessing the area. He knew that Nier wasn't the best at these things, but he could at least try and teach his cousin something today. His question was answered with an eager nod of his head as he glanced around. As it was, most of the branches around them were flimsy, half grown and easy to break. They didn't need to worry about many of the bigger, more established branches as they appeared to stretch out away from the tree instead of inwards. Niernan's question made him chuckle softly and he reached over, using his hand to snap away a branch and releasing it to drop to the ground. I think we'll be alright- a few of the thicker branches we'll need to use a knife on, but for now we can clear most of this away. He instructed, grabbing a handful of branches to break, tugging hard and hearing the satisfying crunch as the broke away. He didn't at first notice Niernan's expression, his discomfort.


The black and tan male did gain Saul's attention with his next words though and Saul looked up, green eyes confused but also stained with understanding. He'd been pretty absent since Lilin's retreat and it was clearly showing. He was about to apologise when Niernan plowed forward and Saul stopped, mouth half open in an attempt to get some words out. Cinnamon backed ears alternated from twitching forwards to listen and laying flat against his skull to avoid the words his cousin so gently tried to tell him. The words made sense for the most part and Saul felt them touch a deeper part within himself. Pursing his lips softly, after having closed his mouth once more, he looked up in shock at Niernan's last words. He approved? Saul hadn't been aware of the weight on his shoulders before now, but as he registered his cousins words, he felt a small smile, genuine this time, tug at his lips.


We're family Niernan- it doesnt matter how long you've known me. Thank you- He paused, trying to find some way of concisely summing up what he was thankful for. In the end he settled for; For reminding me of everything else that needs my attention. And for voicing your concerns. He said, his words heading towards diplomatic while his tone was warmth and gratitude. Of course, there was still the matter at hand- Lilin was avoiding him and wouldn't talk to him so there was very little he could do about whatever it was between them. He watched as Niernan ducked away, swinging down to the floor. Voicing opinions was always a stressful thing to do and Saul respected his need for a moment.



Saul smiled softly as Niernan's voice came up from the ground, a little shaky perhaps. His hands were moving fast, ripping out branches here and there, creating space, room to move around. Well, I think I've got most of the smaller branches. Can you bring up my hunting knife? He asked, relieved that his cousins outburst hadn't affected them. It was refreshing, to bring things out in the open and not have to have the long, drawn out issues afterwards. Green eyes moved to a large branch, hands reaching to get a good grasp before he put his weight on it, hearing a crunch and snap before his knees hit the branch below and he huffed in pain. Perhaps he should wait until Niernan got back up here.

The sharp twinge in his knee was not an encouraging sign and Saul took a mental stock of himself. He knew nothing was broken or fractured, it wasn't that serious. But he could almost feel the burst blood vessels leaking blood, forming a bruise over his knee cap. It would be sore for a few days, but he didn't think it would get any worse. A soft scowl pursed his lips, irritated that he'd injured himself. It would hinder him however and Saul knew that their building would be cut short for the day. He at least wanted to lay down the floor of the tree house, a flat platform that would eventually give rise to a house in the trees. The sound of Niernan swinging back up the tree caused him to struggle to his feet, hoping his cousin didn't see him with a bruised knee. It wasn't to be as Niernans concerned voice came once more. Saul snorted softly, a quick shake of his head which did not necessarily mean a negative response.



I'm alright- I hit my knee though and I've got a big old bruise now.


He offered, the shake of his head given mostly as amusement at his own stupidity. He took the hunting knife from his cousin and began again, removing branch after branch and allowing them to fall to the ground. The pair chattered quietly to each other, exchanges of stories from their lives, directions and teaching on Saul's part to what his cousin should be doing. They managed to clear the tree of the branches that were in their way, creating a good sized pile at the trees base. They would use the branches some other way, but for now they were content to start laying down the foundations of their tree house.


By nightfall, the pair had managed to lay down a flat, stable platform. It had been a little difficult and they'd occasionally had to cut away chunks of the wood to get it to fit around the branches. But as they swung down from the branches, an accomplished grin on both their faces, they both felt satisfied that they'd managed to accomplish something that would benefit them all, even if it would serve as a playhouse for the boys.