Rurik hated it here, absolutely dreaded it. Even now as he treaded across the vast open fields, something in the air made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. If it wasn't for one thing that had led him here, the dark man wouldn't have come all this way.

Deep within the moors, lied the scent of his sister. At first he couldn't believe it. Perhaps it was just simply a figment of his imagination, a mirage playing mind games with his senses. Yet there it was again, guiding him to the woman that was hiding around here somewhere.

Over and over, he had asked himself if he really wanted to find her. If he wanted to bring her more horrible memories and end what ever peace she might be living in this place. But at the same time, Rurik needed to know that she was alright. Needed to convince himself and her that things could be different, that he wasn't trying to bring about the same levels of pain and suffering Mother had forced him to inflict upon her so long ago.

Still the past festered in his mind like an old wound, angry and full of malice. What on earth would he even say to his sister? Would Saga attack him on sight? Run away? How on earth would she ever forgive him? Rurik knew that if he was in her shoes, if she had done that to him, there would be no forgiveness.

Not for his sister, not for mother, or anyone else that had anything to do with it. Yet here he was, giving it his all in order to find her. His heart hoping that this time, things could be different. That they didn't need to remain stuck in their horrific past.

Rurik came around the bend, eyes filled with both worry and excitement. The thought of seeing his sister again brought out emotions that had once remained suppressed for so long. He cautiously approached, getting closer until her scent was practically in his face. Then just a few feet away from him, the ball of reds, peaches and white stood before him.

Her face was also filled with worry, but she seemed to be holding her ground. Now what? Saga.....you're alive. Rurik's voice was almost a whisper, though still held that rugged and tired sound to his voice. I can't believe that I found you. That was all that he could bring himself to say, still standing there in utter shock that he had found the sister he so longed to see again.

At first all he could do was stare at her, trying to convince himself that Saga was really right there in front of him and alive. Her voice soon broke the silence, almost quiet. As if she was expecting something awful to come out of this encounter. Rurik didn't blame her one bit, for Mother had always done this to them. Pitted sibling against sibling and forcing them to be the mindless killing machines they each grew up to be. But not Saga, she was always good and kind. Though a bit too soft for her own good. Rurik liked that about her however, not wanting to change her for the world.

I....I came to find you. To see if you were still alive. Mother sent me to find our brother as well, but I had a change of heart. Just never went home. It was a big deal for him to admit what his parent would see as a failure in her eyes. But he would know better then the monster. At least he tried to.

Hearing the news of Synnove being here as well, made him all the more happy and at the same time uneasy for her return. Before he could speak further, the massive wolf showed her face. Tears were building in her eyes, though the distance was still well kept. Snuh now huh? Went on did a life change on me. Missed you sis. Both of you.

Seeing them together again brought back many memories, both good and bad. But mostly bad. He could still feel what he had done to them all those years ago, wishing that he could take it back. What didn't occur to him though, was how affectionate and sorry his other sister would be towards him.

Snuh, as she was now called, came right up to him and embraced him. Rurik froze in place, fighting back the urge to just instinctively bite her. Knowing all the while that he was being watched and judged for a history he had no excuse for.

Please move away from me, Snuh. I'm not ready for that. No apologies, not a single acceptance of her own through his words. Just distance that he was trying to keep safely between them. Looking back to Saga, there was more to answer.

Simple. I was tired of the way she was treating all of us. Realized after a while that she was just using us for her own torment and as war tools. Nothing more and nothing less. There was no love there and never would be.

Several truths that were painful from the very beginning, though he shed no tears. Literally having a lot of emotions stripped out of him, Rurik had no need for pity or sorrow. Just a heart and spirit that wished to move on. Simple as that.