The small pup that had last been seen her, had disappeared some time ago. Where she was is unknown, but upon her return she took far taller, she was now a young adult. She was gaining muscle and looking her pupish charm. Although she was still cute in a sense, she showed her wolven blood with flying colors.

Her nares twitched as she neared the place she left her family to call home. Her grey form had taken on a lighter hue, getting ready to better match the winter ahead. As her moonlite words fell on the Ranch home, her dial tilted back, a howl of return sent to those who knew her when she was young. Slowly she longer pistons caried her towards the ranch house, harks alert to the friendly sounds of Timber or any of the other pets she was known to.

Aidan came padded swiftly towards the Ranch, his throat area matted with blood. He seemed not to notice Artemis at first as he made his way, almost blindly, towards the porch where he planned to plant himself. Yet the hybrid's rattled mind came briefly back to normal and he stopped, looking fully to the now grown wolf, recognizing her voice and scent. He forced something of a welcoming smile on his haggard, blood-tinted muzzle. "I haven't seen you for a while. Welcome back." His voice was very feathery and shaken, for he was trying to block out the horrible things he had seen; and that one last thing that he had to do.

Rihanne came trotting in, and was slightly alarmed when she saw the blood on Aidan and Artemis standing there. She had begun to assume the worst and prepare an attack when she realized that Aidan was smiling at the little female. Quieting and looking significantly cowed, she padded up to them, her look to Artemis apologetic. Still her attention remained on the steely fairy for only a moment before turning to see to Aidan's wounds.

My friend, what has happened? Where have you been, and whither such wounds? She began to wash him down, her tongue pressing the blood away, cleansing it all up.

He gave a single wag of his tail as a greeting to Rihanne, but the hybrid was in too much mental shock to properly greet his friend. Aidan's voice was lost for a moment, but when he retreived it, it was still ghostly and shaken. "Stallis..." He swallowed hard, his head dipping down slightly, "His childeren... they are murdered." Aidan finally stated, though he had killed one of the collie's sons himself, through an act of mercy. And that's why he was more than a bit shaken up.

She instantly went silent, her head bowing. She was familiar neither with Stallis nor with his children, but Stallis was Timber's brother, and Timber was a good friend. Sighing, she spoke. Well... give him just a moment. I think that wolfboy is helping him with an injury right now, and we don't want to tell him til it's over. And she continued to wash him up, murmuring to herself quietly.

The silver huntress stood, a smile planted on her face, that as until she hearde the news. Then it seemed the mood complatly changed. The air became deathly silent, and took on a far dark feeling to it. She had not known the dog they spoke of, but her dial bowed in respect witout being asked. She was young and with little life expirience now, but seeing this great pain had brougth a new perspective to her eyes. Wolves were horrible enough to kill even their fellow canines... and the thought sickened her.

Rihanne turned soft brown eyes to the silver fae. As sure as she was born, she knew that this was Artemis' first experience with death by the paw of another canine. Leaving Aidan for a moment, she came up close beside the younger female and used her own nose to lift the head of the little fae. Smiling quietly, she said, I am sorry for my rudeness to you earlier. I was here when your parents attacked the Ranch, and I assumed you were the same. But your sorrow just now for four pets you have never met has convinced me. To assume is unfair. I am Rihanne. Welcome to the Ranch.

Aidan sat down on his haunches, still recovering somewhat after being nearly strangled a while earlier. His eyes flashed thankfully to Rihanne and then came to rest on Artemis. He remained passively quite while his friend talked to the grown wolfess, for his mind was still distracted about the disturbing ordeal he had gone through. And he dreaded telling Stallis about it.

The fae lifted her chin, a slight smile forming. This was the one who was not fond of her presense as a pup, but from what she had heard, she now knew a reason why one would be weary.

"I am greatful you have found me worthy of welcome."

Her smile stayed planted, though as she turned to see Aidan, it began to fade.

"Who is Stallis? I don't remember him from my last visit."

Rihanne smiled, glad that the small rift between them had been healed. Speaking softly in answer, she nodded her head across the yard in Stallis' direction. There he is. Brother to Timber. I hate to tell him...

Elder Brother had overheard the conversation, and now got up painfully to trot over to Rihanne. Never you mind, my friend. I will tell him. His eyes were solemn as he began to trot toward Stallis.

Aidan looked to Elder Brother, at first opening his maw to sway the wolf, but thought better of it. With a thankful smile, the hybrid dipped his muzzle a bit, "Thanks, Brother..." A familiar scent wafted to Aidan, causing his head to swing in its direction, "Hydras!" He whispered, recognizing the scent of his aunt at once. Glancing to his friends, he spoke quickly, "My aunt is here... no doubt she is looking for me. I must excuse myself." He only hoped there would be no fight or anything. With a swift gait, Aidan made for the Barn.