Starcream

The air shimmered with heat along the exposed bits of trail that Starscream followed along the canyon. His mouth hung open and his tongue lolled from it, panting to help cool him down. Around his neck bobbed the tan tracking collar he'd been saddled with so many moons ago, and behind him, a unique set of prints were left in the dust from one mangled paw.

The ex-alpha's steps were slow, as much because of the heat as it was because of his age. Eventually, this idle pace would veer down a more sheltered trail, leading into a forested ridge below the upper reaches of the Canyon. It was an area that still offered a grand, if slightly obscured, view of the Valley, but had the benefit of cool, green canopy above. Here, next to a shallow alcove against the cliff face, Starscream finally stopped and sat down.

Tayzeka

She followed him closely and at the same pace. She was loosing her vision so stuck close to her mate

Starcream

Starscream's panting slowed and eventually stopped as the merciful shade offered reprieve from the broiling sun. He leaned himself against Tayzeka, enjoying her presence and the simple comfort of touch. And for a span of time, Star said nothing as they simply rested there in one another's company.

It was several minutes later when the old wolf finally spoke, his cool yellow eyes fixated on nothing in particular across the green expanse that spread so scenically below them. "It's not a bad day, heat aside." His nose twitched, picking up various scents that wafted up on the thermals, pulled from the deeper reaches of the Valley. "And the pack's doing good; Iopa's soon to whelp, and no doubt Waterlily will settle with Blackout before long."

Tayzeka

She enjoyed the fresh air. The walk with her mate. yes it is just rightShe said. Her ears twitch at his words. The pack is indeed and yes no doubt she willShe said.

Starscream

Starscream slowly lowered his head, resting it one his outstretched forelimbs. The weight of the collar didn't seem so cumbersome right now, and with Tayzeka at his side, the old wolf felt at peace. His voice grew a little drowsy as he continued, "If the pups are born soon, they'll have a few good months of growing before winter kicks in. Hmmph. Think Blackout and Waterlily will have any?"

Tayzeka

She laid beside him and placed her head on his back. Most definitelyShe said.

Starscream

Starscream chuckled quietly, thinking of the many pups that would soon be joining the pack. He then went silent for a time after that, until a distant wind caught his attention. He didn't bother to open his now shuttered eyes, nor pay any further attention to the incoming dust storm. In their little alcove, the pair would be protected from the wrath of the winds. They had nothing to worry about.

"Tay...?" The old wolf's questioning voice was just a murmur now, as if he were on the verge of drifting into sleep.

Tayzeka

Tay too was drifting Star?She murmured

Starscream

Starscream took in a deeper breath, as if he were preparing to ask the question he'd prompted her with. But no words ever came, and the heavy breath left in a quiet sigh, the query in his mind remaining unspoken.

In the warmth of his mate's embrace, and on the ledge where he'd so often brought the pack to pay their respects to his own mother, Starscream's mind began to drift. Thoughts of his future grandpups merged with the happier memories of raising his own children, some with Kaina, and many more with Tayzeka. And it was her voice, and her sweet scent that was last to depart from his consciousness as the steady rise and fall of his sides grew shallow, and quietly stopped altogether.

Tayzeka

Tayzeka own wasn't far behind him. She worried for Megatron but she knew there was little they could do and well most of them were happy and healthy. Her sides slowed and then stopped at the same time as Starscream her head resting peacefully on his shoulders.