The night was getting colder and colder, though still at the more comfortable level. The Pillar's coat was now thickening, readying itself for the coming winter that would soon claim the land. Blue eyes shown through the darkness, looking through the forest for anything that might capture his attention. Sleep would not come to N​ó​ttin this night, for bad dreams had claimed his mind.

He dared not give them voice, just in case they would come to fruition and he would not let that happen. Soft paws stepped kindly over the debris, moving fallen leaves and what greenery still decided to remain. The crisp night air filled his nose, bringing a refreshing sensation to his body that the male fully welcomed. He continued on through a silent world, quietly keeping to himself while the world still welcomed his melancholic company.

OOC

N​ó​ttin —

The evening was quiet. There was a starkness to the air, as if it were burdened by the cold of the coming winter. The season of darkness was upon them, and it would be particularly rough with the number of new mouths that Dawnbreak needed to feed. There was a melancholic weight, as if the whole of the universe hung heavy upon the peaks of the Vale this evening.

Tiberii could feel it, too.

She'd taken some time to walk — the midnight seemed to be the only time she had to herself. And when she couldn't sleep, she took advantage of the quiet. For a little while, all she could hear was the rough crunching of her paws against the freshly fallen snow ... the soft rustle of her body against the bark of the trees.

But soon, those noises were echoed.

Another soul was out this evening.

She saw him, dark upon dark, but stark against the moonlit snow. A softness entered her gaze. N​ó​ttin? He was alone — why? It was in her nature to worry, and yet ... she was out here too, wasn't she? So she remained as soft as one of her stature could, lifting her ears upward but not choosing to enter his space just yet. Perhaps there was a reason he wanted to be alone.

---

N​ó​ttin had expected someone to come around the bend. But wasn't so sure who it would be. So when Tiberii came into view, there was both a sense of relief yet also concern. Her eyes met his and her voice broke the silence. Hey Tiberii. I wasn't expecting to see you at this hour. His own voice was soft yet still filled with kindness. I'm sorry if I alarmed you. Just couldn't sleep. Bad dreams. N​ó​ttin stayed where he was, wondering if she would come closer and join him at his side. Tiberii would always be a dear friend to him, now sister in law. Family to the very core to the man. She would always be welcomed. Care to join me?

OOC

N​ó​ttin —

He turned toward her, and the silence that befell them lingered for but a moment. Finally, N​ó​ttin's voice broke the veil, somehow soft and small for a man of his size. Hell, I'm up at all hours nowadays, motherhood has taken away any sleep I ever had tha privledge of knowin', she'd tell him lightly, taking a few large strides through the moonlit snow to come a bit closer to her friend. But it wasn't just the children — Tiberii didn't sleep well as it were. But that was outside of the point. This was about N​ó​ttin.

"I'm sorry if I alarmed you. Just couldn't sleep. Bad dreams. Care to join me?"

She'd make her way up next to him, pressing a large shoulder against his own in silent comfort. Her gaze turned, bright amber blinking toward familiar sky blue. Her smile softened. 'Course I'll join ya, she told him easily, taking a deep breath in of the cold midnight air. She'd know N​ó​ttin for a long time. He'd gone from stranger, to friend, to co-leader, to brother.

She would always join him.

And after a moment, she dared a question, her voice something far softer than her average. Ya all right, N​ó​ttin? Tiberii's head would tilt, ears flattening slightly out of concern.

---