Niernan had decided to bring Bran on his patrol today, relishing the time that he an his brother had alone, giving both of them time to finally catch up. When they had been wandering in the wild and forced to spend each and every day together, they had been at each others throats. But now that they lived in a pack and their lives were taking different paths they hardly saw each other. Nier was often patrolling, helping with building, training Darcy or spending time with Grace. While Bran was usually patrolling at different times, pursuing his carpentry or partaking in little projects all around Vinattas lands. It was only when both men led alone in their beds that they ever realised it had been such a long time that they had seen each other, or even spoken more than a greeting to each other. The last time they had spent much time together had been Eclipse's feast. Bran was far too manly to ever admit that he missed his brother, but Niernan had taken care of that, calling on the caramel furred man the day before and revealing how he felt and how he desired time with his brother. It was a reassurance to Niernan that his brother felt the same when Bran had practically leaped at the chance to spend time with him.

So now they were patrolling, walking side by side, playing and teasing each other like they had always done. Nier was aware that those in the pack that didn't quite know them as well as the core members saw them as fools, the hopeless, Irish idiots that were constantly playing, but Nier was ok with that, and Bran didn't care. They were both just happy that they could bring at least a little joy to the pack every now and then. A small period of comfortable silence had fallen between them but Nier could see the sideways glances and smirks that Bran was sending him. Finally he snapped, What Bran!? Just ask me. He half shouted, laughter lacing his words. His brother laughed as well, his heavier Irish accented tones revealing his thoughts, "Ah brother, you're hopeless against me! I was wondering when you were gonna tell me all about your lady friend and how in love you are." Nier gasped and looked playfully shocked, as if scandalised by Brans words. But how did you know, dear brother. We were keeping it a secret. He laughed, a besotted grin spreading across his muzzle, momentarily putting aside the play he stopped walking and looked at his brother, cyan eyes meeting sparkling mahogany. You remember back in the Solbjorg, when we were nought but pups and Ele was fascinated by love and all that? She kept asking Mam how she knew she was in love with Da, and Mam would say that she just knew. Well, He paused, shrugging his shoulders and sighing, With Grace, I just know, ya know? He asked. Bran smiled wryly and shook his head, "No brother, I don't know. But I'm more than glad you've found yourself a girl." Bran clapped him on the shoulder and they carried on walking, falling back into step with each other, the mood slightly less playful, but still upbeat. Bran shoulder bumped Niernan, sending the dark Stormbringer slightly off course, "I like her. She seems like she won't let ya get away with anything. Strong girl that one." He said, laughing as Niernan sighed and gave him a look, Aw brother, you're gonna tease me about being whipped all me life, aren't ya? The caramel man laughed loudly, throwing his head back and guffawing, affirming Niernans fears.

They had just reached the North-eastern border of the pack-lands and Bran had managed to reign in his mirth so that now he only giggled in small bursts, Nier was trying to look offended but couldn't help the smile that kept fighting its way onto his muzzle. His face suddenly fell as he scented something on the border that shouldn't be there. he stopped abruptly and followed the scent trail, his face full of dismay as he realised that the familiar smell crossed the border line and disappeared off into the neutral lands. Bran looked at his brother, concerned by his sudden change in mood. Nier sighed and looked back, Teme's been here. He's crossed the borders." Brans face became troubled then, realising what Niernan already had; their time together had been cut short. Nier had thought that he had taught his nephew the lesson he needed to know about the borders the day he had caught him greeting a stranger alone. It seemed the boy had forgotten that lesson in all the excitement of becoming an 'adult.' In all honesty the boy was just that; a boy. He thought himself grown up and able to protect himself because he could shift now, when they were young Bran and Niernan had felt exactly the same way, it was their Uncle Emeris that had taught them differently. Emeris had given them the scare of their lives, Nier had been half convinced that his large uncle was going to kill Bran when he had found them a mile outside the Solbjorg all alone with no weapons, his jaws had been around Brans throat and Niernan couldn't even move he was that scared. It was after that incident that Emeris taught them how to fight, Bran choosing the bo-staff and Niernan the skains.

There was no uncle Emeris to go out and teach Teme, so Nier figured it was up to him. Bran saw the resolve in his brothers face and nodded, "I'll go back to Jordheim, tell Saul where you've gone." He said, his voice now concrete and weary. Nier gave a small, weary smile, Thanks Bran. I'll be back soon. He said before turning away and bursting into a sprint, following the faint paw tracks that would inevitably lead him to his miscreant nephew. He looked up from his run, rolling his eyes as he noticed the general direction that the tracks were heading in; Amherst. It was natural for the boy to be curious and want to explore, but surely he could have asked someone to go with him. Surely he should know that it wasn't safe to venture out on his own, not after what happened to his step mother and Coli. the thought of Teme thinking that he was immune from harm and trouble only served to increase Niernans anger. He snarled as he slowed to a jog, his ears pricking as he caught the sound of a familiar tune on the wind, that was one of Brans favourite tunes, and Nier knew for a fact that his brother had taught it to Teme because he had been there.

Nier raised his nose to the air, the scent of his nephew was stronger here, he was getting close, but then so was the edge of Amherst. He didn't think he was going to catch up with the boy before he entered the old city. Nier thought quickly, knowing that he could stalk the boy easier through the city, using the buildings as cover, he would be more effective if he masked his scent. He scouted around frantically, looking for something strong enough to confuse Teme's nose. He found the mostly decomposed remains of a rabbit, recoiling at the stink of the fur scraps and bones, he hated the idea of disguising himself with that stench, but it would have to do. He plucked the largest scrap of fur he could find on the carcass and scraped off any meat left on it on the grass, rubbing the now dry pelt over his neck, wrists, ankles and the base of his tail, covering all of his scent glands. He discarded the pelt quickly, shuddering in disgust before ripping out handfuls of grass and smothering the rest of his body and shorts in the damaged ends, crushing the green stems against his fur to mask the rest of him. Once done he jogged towards Amherst, knowing that he'd have to scare the fur off the boy to make him think about what he was doing, he silently cursed himself for leaving his skains in his bag at his house, knowing that the addition of sharp weapons would only add to the fear and danger factor, for now his claws and teeth would have to do.

It wasn't long before his nephews white tipped tail came into view, he narrowed his cerulean eyes and darted out of sight. The wind had changed as soon as he had spotted Teme and he was sure the boy had caught his repugnant scent on the breeze. He found himself hanging out in the doorway of an old human building, the sign above the door reading 'Barber'. He had no idea what a barber was, but the building was convenient for him to hide in, the large window out front filmed with dirt gave him a cloudy view of the younger Stormbringers movements. He crushed himself against the wall, glad for his dark colouring, ensuring that he blended in with shadows.

He started as Teme disappeared, dashing down an alleyway and out of sight. Nier moved swiftly through the barber shop, heading straight for the back room and the door that he luckily found their. He emerged into a tiny, dingy alleyway just as Teme passed the opening. The boy didn't seem to see him and he sighed in relief, glad his cover wasn't blown. He sidled out of the junction and proceeded to stalk the boy, his foot-paws making no noise on the paved floor, glad the the air was stagnant in the city and didn't carry the stench of him to the boy.

He watched as the tip of Teme's tail vanished into a large building, he stood outside the doors, listening to the rummaging that commenced. He was glad that Teme was curious and looking for things to take back or use, but he was still angry about the boy sneaking off to do it. He could have asked to go on an expedition, but it seemed the boy got more of a thrill from sneaking out. He decided that Teme had had enough time feeling safe and searching through the debris, he moved around to the doorway, as quietly as possible and stood there, watching the boy. He had hoped that Temeraire would feel his gaze, showing more of an awareness of his surroundings and maybe a sixth sense for these things, but he didn't.

Nier let out a menacing growl, forewarning the boy slightly before he leaped forward, teeth bared as he opened his maw as wide as possible, hand-paws flung forward and grasping.

Niernan flew through the air easily, it was a strange feeling, soaring towards someone blood related to him. he had thrown himself at family members before, mainly Bran, but that was always in play, this time he was actually flinging himself at family with intent. These thoughts took only milliseconds to process, because within a moment he was crashing into the black furred boy, his arms wrapping around the others body, claws grasping but not puncturing, teeth scraping but not drawing blood. The two of them crashed to the filthy warehouse floor, Niernans heavy body on top of Teme's slightly smaller frame.

Nier was shocked that the boy hadn't reacted, it looked to him like the boy had completely frozen, cementing it in Niers mind that Teme needed to be taught how to defend himself. he heard the boy whine and felt his resolve wavering, his desire to wrap the boy up in a hug and comfort him nearly over-riding his anger. the key word there was nearly because Nier dismissed the need to comfort the boy. He let a spine chilling growl rip from his throat, pressing his teeth against the back of the boys neck, the rest of his body pinning his nephew to the floor. he thought about playing the territorial wolf role, but he knew he wouldn't be able to disguise his voice as effectively as he disguised his scent, his Irish brogue always came through. He remained where he was, waiting for the boy to do something. he resolved that if Teme remained frozen he would flip the boy over, let him see he wasn't in true danger.

Nier was about to grasp the boys by the arms and flip him over, his hand-paws already moving, when the boys footpaws swept his legs aside, sending him off balance. He could feel himself sliding away from the boys body, realising that he would relinquish control of the situation if he let it go any farther. He set his footpaws on the floor, digging his blunt claws into the stone and dust, trying to find purchase as he reached over the body of his nephew. His large hand-paw aiming for the nape of Teme's neck, he saw his mistake as he made it; he left a moment when he didn't have a hold on the boy at all. He had left himself wide open and a flicker of fear passed through him as he realised it. He hadn't missed Tem's growls and snarls, the noises had shown that the boy had instincts and now Nier had given him the opportunity to use them.

He waited for his nephews attack, ready to stop the dark boy in case the attack was too strong or wild, not wanting to earn himself a scar in a little scrap.