Suddenly alerted by the trembling ground, Laris dashed out of the lair despite his body's protests. He grabbed clothes with him and dressed in a hurry on the way out. He grabbed Atlas that stood in a daze while watching the ceiling of the small cave shake. The crumbling dust and small rocks came falling down, captivating his attention as it was his first time experiencing this phenomenon.
Laris was afraid of a cave in and getting trapped. He dragged Atlas by the hand outside and into the safe clearing just by the entrance of the lair.
Laris wasn't the best at sewing, but he did manage to make a large coat for Atlas. There were no other holes in this coat save for where the head goes. It covered up Atlas' body, but if Atlas would raise his hands out of the coat, the lifted fur coat would certainly expose a magnificent sight to behold. But, it was better than having him walk around naked all the time.
When the earthquake finished, the quietness of the woods restored.
"I'm going to check something. Stay here." Laris was about to walk away when Atlas clutched his wrist.
For some reason, Atlas never does what he wants when he says the word 'stay'. Laris had taught this word to his mate and he knew that Atlas understood since he'd use it on him a few times before he went out to hunt or search for food. Unfortunately, Atlas did not like to do it himself.
Laris held back the hand that clutched his wrist, intertwining their fingers. Atlas stared at their hands fixatedly until Laris hooked his neck. Atlas leaned down until his forehead touched Laris'.
"Wait for me here. I'll be back." Laris gazed at Atlas' crystalline eyes.
It took a moment until Atlas surprisingly agreed. Laris bit his chin gently only to be reciprocated.
"Go ahead and make breakfast. Do you remember how I taught you?" Laris saw Atlas nod. "Then go on. I'll be back, so wait for me at home, alright?" Laris earned another nod.
He then set off in search of a high place. He slowly climbed the branches of the biggest tree he could find. Stopping midway, he gasped and panted as the soreness of his body, particularly, the legs and waist, made him feel like he'd just gotten better after a bad flu—the body fatigue was eating his determination bit by bit.
As he made his way up, his mind expected Atlas to have followed by now, however, there was no trace of his mate. He had left the range that Atlas could smell his scent, but the other didn't come after him like he'd usually do. Laris looked thoughtful at this, part of him a tad bit disappointed even though it was him who told Atlas to stay and wait for him.
He cleared his mind. This wasn't the time for it. If his mate would come, then let him come. If not, then that's fine too. Focus. Let's focus.
Cutting off a few branches that obstructed his view, Laris held the tree trunk as he surveyed the area. Even a Lycan's eyesight, although not the best, was still superior to most. Additionally, he was an Alpha. His sight was enough to observe their surroundings.
As this area was close to the mountain ranges of Faerie Valley, the land was relatively higher. Laris could even see Jurell and Garath Forest from here.
That's when Laris froze.
There, to the northeast, was a blazing fire that consumed a part of the eastern forest of Garath. If such a fire was visible to him at the other side of the continent, then Laris could only imagine how big that forest fire could be up close.
Aside from the fire, he noticed a nearby odd-looking mountain. The side of this mountain looked as if it had a terrace to one side. Laris was unsure if he saw correctly. He could only squint as that part was hid by the mountain's shadow.
He didn't forget to survey their immediate surroundings for landslides, or avalanches. This was mostly his purpose for surveying the area after an earthquake. He just did not expect to have come across what he saw.
If he wasn't mistaken, then that direction was where the Girtro's party went to escort their Lumean relations.
Laris was absent-minded on the way back to Atlas' lair. His complete consciousness only resurfaced after tight arms squeezed his sides. Atlas was hugging him desperately tight.
"Laris", Atlas mumbled, as if to say 'I knew you'd come back'.
"You waited for me. Good job." Laris reached out and hugged back just as tightly.
He finally found it—the method of escaping from his mate.
"It's cold outside. Let's go in?"
Atlas didn't answer. Instead, he continued to hug Laris as he picked him up and brought him inside the cave. As he was carried in, Laris rested his chin on Atlas' shoulder, watching the fleeting snow once again dance as they fall.
He'd have to prepare a bit of food if he was to travel during winter.
On the following days, Laris had acted the same, but deep down, he was very distracted. He would keep a warm expression when Atlas would try to enact how he hunted with his whole body in action.
He no longer forced a neutral expression on his face. He smiled a lot, much to the enthusiasm and adoration of Atlas.
Wasn't this good? He could now feel at ease. His mate would never leave him. Even if he did, he was sure that he'd come back. He just needed to wait like he did before! And then he'd be praised by Laris. He was always hungry for the praise of his mate.
On the exact thirtieth day that Laris had stayed at Atlas' lair, he finally decided to leave.
"Atlas, come here." Laris grabbed the bag made out of strapped craps of fur and tied it over his torso inside the coat he made. It was similar to Atlas' coat.
"Laris?"
"You remember everything I taught you, right? That's good, that's good." Laris petted Atlas' nodding head, committing to memory the smiling face of his cute and silly mate. "I need to go somewhere. Do you think you can wait for me here?"
Atlas paused and stared at Laris, who started to sweat the moment Atlas refused to answer. However, he wasn't sure if he'd be happier or disappointed if his plan were to fail.
"There's a lot that we're missing here so I wanted to gather a few things and buy them."
"Atlas come."
It was the first time Atlas uttered his own name. For a moment, the breath on Laris' throat almost got stuck.
He cleared his throat and said, "But we have a lot of food at home now. Who would guard it? I can buy what we need since I'm experienced, but you haven't been out of this woods, have you?"
Atlas looked extremely reluctant. Laris smiled softly. He hooked his arm around Atlas' neck to bring him down for a gentle kiss. Shallowly, he bit his chin after.
"I will be back. You just have to wait for me. I'll definitely be back."
Atlas finally nodded, gathering Laris in his embrace unknowingly for a farewell hug.