Twas a good day for a stroll, Archon thought, and he considered perhaps exploring the rest of Mythris now that he suddenly had all of this free time on his paws. He might as well, how else was he supposed to move on, if he didn’t know what - or who - was out there waiting for him?

He nodded, so that’s what he’d do, eventually - but first, what was that? It seemed a swarm of red cardinals were flying around, trying to get his attention. Chirping at him, and flying all around him. On landed on his shoulder - huh?

They lead him towards this pink pine tree that smells really, really good - and when he turns around, the birds are gone, and a path lies before him.

He proceeds to follow. Nothin’ else in his life could possibly go wrong, after all.

---

The Silvercreek had been keeping to himself. In these harsh wintry times, sometimes, that was best. Packs likely didn't want an extra mouth to feed and Silver was in no mood to bother with trying to keep anyone else afloat when he could merely focus on keeping himself alive.

Poor Frederick was most certainly not fond of the cold weather, and stayed half-asleep and nestled deep in the silvery man's plush winter coat most of the time.

The highlands were plentiful enough for food, but it wasn't food Silver followed the scent of now. A pleasant smell drifted on the breeze, and Silver followed it without much thought to what the origin might be. It was vaguely floral, and he couldn't think of any flowers he knew that bloomed like this this time of year. Curiosity had led him into danger and disaster countless times before, but Silvercreek followed it this time anyway.

The landscape shifted around him slightly as he moved, although Silver didn't notice until the young man stood and stared as a gorgeous tree absolutely oozing with pink blossoms, draped like lace off of dark mahogany branches. A petal drifted down to land on the stunned young man's muzzle, a few more joining the first petal to rest upon his silky pelt.

The crunching of snow underfoot finally broke the man's reverie, and his hackles bristled only slightly as he peered suspiciously over his shoulder at the approaching figure. This bizarre occurrence stank of fae interference, and Silver wouldn't be surprised if the godsforsaken Haven was not far behind.

Perhaps his freedom was more short lived than he'd thought - or maybe this was a stranger lured in by the alarmingly beautiful spell?

First the weird caves, and now these trees - Archon pondered: did the trees show up in all the exact spots the caves had been? Was there something significant about these places, on the earth? Homes of the fae, deep within the ground? Or something more sinister? But what could be so sinister about these trees?

They seemed so delicious, and there were beautiful, pink petals floating in the air - nevermind that they shouldn’t even be in bloom right now - like nature’s confetti - just lingering in the air, awaiting for him, but why? He didn’t know, and Archon was too distracted to care.

He finds himself with another, soon enough. His eyes wash over them and he wags his tail. They feel like home.

good morning, he tells them, tilting his head. enjoying the view?

---

The man approached, and Silver's nose twitched as he surreptitiously sought the distinct perfume of the Haven on this wolf's pelt. But there were no fangs bared, and all Silver smelled was an bouquet of sweet, ripe fruits and delicate springtime florals.

The realization this was just another stranger, not a creature hunting him, and the warmth of the pink petals floating on an unusually pleasant breeze put Silver at ease long before he intended to be. His pelt smoothed, ears cupping forward with interest as he gave the stranger a look-over. Silver didn't rush taking in the other man, although he didn't linger lest it be taken with offense. The wolf was about his height, although only a little broader than Silver's lithe dancer's frame.

Or a killer's frame, depending on what one knew him for - or if one knew him at all.

He returned the wave of the dark wolf's tail with a relaxed swish of his own, lifting his gaze to meet the man's as he asked if Silver was enjoying the view. Morning. I most certainly am. He replied smoothly - not one to lie, and not finding the moment worthy of trying to obscure the truth. He did like what he saw, sprawling behind the stranger and standing right in front of Silver.

He might as well say so. He was bored and lonely in ways even the trials of winter hadn't quite cured. A mild smile caressed the Silvercreek's features, walking the fine edge between cool steel and spring sunshine in his expression.

Does this...phenomenon happen often around here?

He’d - he’d meant the trees; the pink floating petals, the delicious aroma in the air. The butterflies, the moths, the birds - he had meant everything else here and not once had he thought himself as part of the view until that moment.

His tongue flickered tongue in interest, peeking out between his lips as if to nervously taste at the air as his eyes took in the stranger. If this stranger could look at him, then Archon could look too, couldn’t he? He looked like an angel; very nearly pure white - Archon was sure he was made from mist, or a cloud, or something heavenly.

As he spoke, Archon’s brows lifted, as did the curves of his lips, forming into a subtle smile. Well, that makes two of us then, Archon purred, nodding his head slowly, as if he didn’t want to take his eyes off the other - though he eventually did, but not for long.

Every season, like clockwork. Last season, there were caves. Everywhere - nothing can explain them, and I’m beginning to wonder if they appear in the same places. Guess I’ll have to mark this spot.. Somehow, and find out, next season - whatever that may bring. I’m Archon. Who’re you, little dove?

---

That the stranger hadn't meant him as well as the scenery hadn't crossed Silver's mind. He knew what he looked like - and more importantly, he didn't step foot into any interaction without knowing it was a dance of give-and-take. In this case, it seemed their interests aligned, and Silver couldn't entirely quell the flutter of excitement the thought caused in his heartbeat.

The Silvercreek hummed in agreement to Archon's response, daring to close the distance between them with a graceful step or two. His tail lifted only slightly from its usual place by his ankles. Seduction was like a muscle he hadn't stretched in a while, and Silver was eager to feel the burn of rediscovering that skill.

And Archon's simultaneous indulgence of his curiosity was the cherry on top. A thoughtful look crossed his face. Perhaps a cairn would suit that purpose. He offered freely, fascinated by the idea of this particular magic. Surely it had something to do with the fae's realm, or their influence on this world. The Haven would know more, he supposed, but the thought put a bitter taste at the back of Silver's tongue and he quickly tried to find a new direction to divert his focus.

Little dove earned a soft chuckle from the man, mostly out of surprise. He hadn't been expecting such a swift assignment of pet names, but he offered a more coy look in return just the same. You may call me Silvercreek, Archon...But I wouldn't protest hearing more of your voice, no matter what name it calls.

Archon had never been at the receiving end of a male’s desires in the way that he now held Silvercreek’s attention. Outside of his recent divorce, there’d been only Hawking; a stag who hadn’t returned even a lick of affection for him and had always focused more on training; more on proving his worth to everyone but Archon.

And now Archon finds himself here, in Silvercreek’s sights, and he’s coming straight towards him. He sits a little taller, eyes lingering towards that thoughtful look that comes across the lighter man’s face. A cairn would be a lovely idea, thank you very much for the suggestion, Archon says thoughtfully, though he isn’t skilled in such a practice.

It is nice to meet you, Silvercreek, Archon dips his head, glancing over him what feels like a millionth time, arching his brows, is that so? He chuckles, ignoring the pitter patter of his heart as he strides forward, aiming to brush his muzzle over Silver’s shoulder.

Is that the only thing you wouldn’t protest to, darling? His voice is thick with a hunger he cannot explain.

---

Silvercreek only offered a mild hum in reply to Archon's gratitude for the cairn's suggestion. The man's attention had long since shifted to other matters he found much more interesting.

He shouldn't indulge, he knew. He didn't know this wolf, and Silver wasn't sure what benefit this sort of thing would even bring him. And if there was no obvious transaction to take place, there was the threat of this backfiring instead.

But, alas, Archon was pretty, and the way he straightened beneath the intensity of Silver's focus made any thought of self-restraint flutter away on the wind. He wanted to feel powerful, in a way that wouldn't leave him sick and scared like the awful rush that came with killing a....monster. And this wolf had everything Silvercreek wanted written all over him.

The pleasure is mine. The pale wolf purred in reply, quite certain that statement would soon be made true. His tail swayed in small, stiff movements where it curled just a bit lower than his spine. Archon's chin brushed across his shoulder, sending an electric spark zipping down the knobs of the man's spine. Silver didn't bother with a verbal response - instead, he snaked his muzzle out to sink his teeth into the fur that draped over Archon's hip. Harm was the last thing on his mind. Silvercreek only aimed to scrape his teeth lightly across the skin he knew lay just beneath that deliciously scented fur; another chess piece moved in an effort to turn the handsome man into molten putty in the man's paws.

I'm flexible to all sorts of suggestions, gorgeous. I wonder what you have in mind? Silver angled his chin over his shoulder, procuring a mischievous, inviting grin to glitter across his features.

Archon’s mind had been already swirling; how long would it take him to find all the perfect pieces to all the cairns - how many would he even need to make? He didn’t, wouldn’t know, would he? The only thing in life he’d ever manage to make that was ever beautifully perfect was his children, and he was doubtful he would be able to repeat that process to create something as beautiful as a cairn.

His thoughts on such things seemed to melt away, though, as the pale would purred in reply. He quickly found his teeth within his hip, and Archon blinked. It hadn’t hurt, but Archon had never been touched in such a manner. He stood still, ears flicking forward as his eyes lingered curiosity over the other.

On the contrary, my dear, I wonder what it is you have in store for me.. Archon tilted his head with the arch of his brows. .. but something tells me I am soon to find out.

---

Beneath Silvercreek's teeth, the sable wolf went still. Silver quirked a brow slightly, wondering if the contact had not landed quite as pleasantly as he'd intended, before he caught a glimpse of Archon's face. Those handsome features seemed interested, relaxed - curious, but not wary.

The intensity of such lovely eyes, their focus captivated by Silver's performance, stroked Silvercreek's ego. Pride and desire mingled where they bloomed within him. A seductive smile snaked across his expression. Oh, darling, He flicked the tip of his tail to brush beneath the sable wolf's chin. I think it's best if I show you. A physical demonstration, if you'd be so inclined.