Sleek limbs, thick musculature treaded carefully over dark roots and uneven terrain, the arriving view of the herculean’s brother was a welcome sight. The lady that took a seat to his left stood at his entrance, but the bastard boy didn’t mind if she sat. It would have more than suited her when she received the abrupt news. Akuji smiled kindly before opening his maw to spew forth the words that had Horizon almost growling again. And it is good to see you, Horizon, though clearly you would belong better in Cold Summers. Shasta, this is my friend and brother, on my father's side at least. I met him today and he is a good fellow. I've decided that he would be a good mate for you and I would like you to get to know him, and let me know what you think. He even brought you your favorite meal! Neither of the kalaks, other than Akuji seemed even minutely pleased to hear these words. Before Horizon could do one of two things—lunge for Akuji, or protest against these words—Shasta picked up his slack and spit it back into both of their faces.

Horizon knew how awkward it must be for Shasta. She was not accustomed to the rigors and hell that Akuji and Horizon had suffered. Somewhere Horizon knew Akuji was only doing what he’d been raised to do, and that bothered Horizon. He had hoped that he could have dropped the traditions, but the bastard knew just as well as any kalak that lived under Farant, that old habits die hard. Sometimes wolves would die trying to rid themselves of his sire’s mind games. Horizon himself had only dropped a few of the more destructive habits through his escapade to Blossom Forest. The death that had consumed him on so many occasions had wiped away the mind controls and the majority of the implanted memories, but he still remained very unclear on his true history. Akuji’s resemblance and their reminiscing had brought a few to the surface, but the surreal pains kept them under lock and key otherwise. Horizon turned his mismatched gaze of flames and mud upon Akuji. The hatred that resided in his façade could have drowned the whole of Munashii, should it have become a plague that attacked Akuji. Shasta’s rage was hardly put under restraint as she glowered at Akuji. A swift shift of movement caught Horizon’s eye as her limb swung the rabbit back towards him. Whether she had intended to hit him or not he did not care or blame her, but a quick side step let the limp object fly by him.

You don’t get to decide that, father. She had turned her attention away from Horizon and the anger multiplied as she proceeded to verbally berate Akuji. I don’t know why either of you thought this would be a good idea. You’re both idiots for thinking I would take a mate not of my choosing. I don’t need a male. I can take care of myself. Her lyrics were harsh and biting and the swat of her paw at the snow sent flakes into Horizon’s face. He merely turned his crown letting the snow fall across his shoulders blanketing him in white. The cold crystals melted into his wintry coat sending shivers down his spine, his feathers ruffled from the anger let the watery drops down to his skin. Akuji you understood I only let this meeting occur to meet Shasta, I am under no circumstance obligated to ask her questions of such caliber. If it’s not obvious… He paused and looked to Shasta for emphasis Shasta has no intention of letting me anywhere near her. And Shasta I would hope to have you understand I had no intention of ever going along with your father. His lengthy limbs back away slightly, allowing space should the girl think him a liar and attempt to rip him apart. Shasta as beautiful as she is could have been just as deadly. Please take my word, I only intended to befriend you Shasta. Horizon looked to Shasta, searching her face for her chocolate pools. Should she allow him to see her, she herself would see the look of shame and apology lacing his gaze. The tortured bastard could only hope she’d understand.