Her paws closed tight around the pearl he had given her, holding it tightly between her pads. It was as if she were trying to hold onto a piece of herself, and them, on a physical level that no one could touch, as if she were holding their hearts together on the outsides of their bodies. Talien had talked to her about the strings of fate tying lives together, but following a heart down a different path. Inanna looked to the pearl, not only as a gift from a wolf her loved her, a symbol and a token of their mutual devotion, but as a source symbol and proof that they could be more than what fate declared them. Their love was physical and all encompassing. She treasured the moment of simply being able to hold this symbol and power, the peace and security it gave her. The warm comfort of the love and their words settled deep into them.

She looked up at Thor, a smile on her face. About to answer, she was taken over when he tackled her instead. Her body was covered in him. All of him from his scent to his kisses. At every opportunity she returned his touches with her own, burying her face in his fur, kissing his flesh, and nipping gently in playful passion. She let the fire of his energy consume and empower her. In their momentous play, she turned back onto her feet, covered in sand and bits of their picnic. Wicked grin plastered on her face, she sidled away from him, almost enticing him to chase her. Jumping back to the pearl, she froze for a moment, a realization falling over her.

His family was still present. Natu and Fenrir had passed, but his sister was set to be a ranked pack member. The realization that she would suddenly have a true family hit her like wave in the face. She smiled to herself. Do you think your sister will approve? Normally confident voice had a tremor of uncertainty. She did not fear the judgement of another, secure in her power and standing within herself. More than anything, she was apprehensive about being a part of something. Alone and solitary, a part of her chafed at the idea of suddenly being connected to so many so deeply. Her heart beat for Thor, and she would forever long to be close to him. It would be his assurances that could carry her through this fog.