Moranna: Ugh it was cold, winters harsh grasp invaded even the depths of her prison as she waited nervously for Squall to reappear. Everytime Tornado took him away she felt her weak heart beat out a frantic tempo. The sweet pup who had been thrown into hell with her was no longer little or prone to tragic outbursts. She had watched him mature before her very eyes and her eyes had lingered perhaps longer then needed at some points. She couldn't help it though, Squall was her one solace and the brave if not tragic hero to Tornado's cruel villain.

---

Squall: -He almost didn't recognize himself in the reflection of the lake that morning; he'd grown so much in the past passing months, months spent with his uncle and his Moranna, although he wasn't quite sure what to consider her. He wasn't even sure how to treat a girl, and here he was, supposed to be protecting her from him. His hackles rose a little as he paced through the forest, on the search for her even as he thought. Tornado at least had been teaching him how to hunt, so he wasn't completely useless...-

---

Moranna: The wait was always bad but this time she was worried, she never knew what to expect from Tornado, sometimes he would take them out and pretend to chat and be friendly. Other times he would just take Squall and...who knew what he did. And then there were the times he took her and tried to...well she wasn't sure, woo her maybe, but if that was wooing she didn't fancy it at all. He kept them all fed though yet his grand design if there was one completely eluded her. She crept slowly up and poked her nose out of the dark deep den. "S-squall?" She murmured softly, not daring to speak any louder lest she draw Tornado instead.

---

Squall: -paws pad the ground quickly, eating up ground with his long strides, and his heart lightens when he spies Moranna in the den- Mor... -carries with him a thick rabbit with a winter pelt, dropping it at her feet and wagging his tail. Even though she was obviously a submissive wolf, he got his small body smaller than hers and wiggles underneath her- Everything okay? You look worried... -his own voice is soft, but cracking with maturity-

---

Moranna: Ah thank heavens! She slowly smiled as she saw him and then glanced around again nervously to ensure Tornado wasn't near. She didn't want to think what he might do to Squall if he realized the extent of her feeling for the young male. She held back a giggle as he squirmed under her and nibbled his ears tenderly. "I was just worried about you, it's so cold and..." She trailed off, they both knew what the other danger was. Her tender licks covered his face before she smiled and glanced at the rabbit. "Lets eat inside, it is cold." Though she probably felt it far worse for her poor health.

---

Squall: -His insides squirm as she smiled at him, his smile enough to make him feel like a puppy again. He assumed that this was natural, that maybe he would feel that way with any female had he been around them, but the truth was, he wasn't quite sure. She made him happy... Besides, he had to protect her from Tornado... His uncle wasn't all there in the head and he didn't know what he would do to poor Moranna. He tried to stay with Tornado typically, to keep an eye out- Okay... -agrees softly and pads inside the den and parks his rump- I brought it for you.. You look so hungry...

---

Moranna: "Thank You, your always so thoughtful Squall." She nuzzled him softly and pulled the rabbit back into the den curling up with a shiver. It was true she probably looked hungry, she had tried to learn to hunt from a young age, but her health always interfered. She couldn't run or jump after any prey no doubt she would have starved if it hadn't been for her pack. Now the only reason she didn't starve was because Tornado didn't want her to...yet. Luckily she had Squall, his thoughtfulness touched her and he always phrased things kindly so some of her guilt was eased. "You'll have some too?" She offered despite the way her ribs showed through her pale fur. She would never hesitate to offer him anything.

---

Squall: -smiles at her gently, curling up beside her, not at all embarrassed because he didn't think she would ever be interested in him that way -- they were more like siblings, and it was his job to keep her warm- Nah, I ate one on the way -tail wags- It's all yours -noses it closer to her-

---

Moranna: She snuggled into him glad for his warmth and making quick work of the rabbit eating with the single mindedness that came from hunger. She licked her lips and set about cleaning her paws and nosing aside what remained of the rabbit, scraps of fur and bone. "Mmm that was good, your getting to be quite an expert hunter Squall." She smiled and nosed him softly. "You've been...alright?" She asked softly worried about what it was he did away from the den, and how much free reign Tornado gave him. She suspected that soon, if not now Squall would be able to escape, and she had to tell him.

---

Squall: -curls himself around her, thick tail wagging as he placed his head upon his paws, dozing while she ate. Her voice brought him back to himself and he gazed at her through mercurial eyes filled with curiosity as she nosed him- Of course... I mean, as alright as one can be being kept hostage by their insane uncle -a little wryly, snickering to himself- Why...? Have you been alright? -licks her cheek-

---

Moranna: What could she tell him, that she was slowly dying in this cold dark place? That her stomach had shrunk and her head spun in circles when she thought of food? That her heart labored with every weak beat? That Tornado was trying to...that soon he might...no no she wouldn't, couldn't tell him any of these things. "I'm alright..." She said instead and forced a smile. "It's you I'm worried about...Squall your...your getting bigger, and Tornado lets his guard down more with you. Maybe it's time for you to think about trying to...leave."

---

Squall: -blinks at her, then lifts his lips up in a grimace- No. No, Moranna, I won't leave unless you can leave too. It's true, I'm gaining his trust; even worse, I can see how he's family. I can see my father in his eyes and it...it disturbs me. But he trusts me more and more. He considers me a 'brother'... -spits out the word slightly- I won't leave unless you're beside me... I swear...

---

Moranna: "Squall, you can't throw your life away by saying here, you belong with your family." She tried to remind him of all the reasons he should go. Yet her heart warmed that he would stay for her sake, she knew once he was gone it would probably be over for her. Worse was that he held some hope she would be able to escape as well. She could barely manage a slow lope, infact being in the den so long and taking only little walks had weakened her further. "I'm not leaving this place alive Squall..." She finally had to tell him the truth.

---

Squall: -lunged to his feet in a display of strength, standing beside her and looking deep into her eyes- No. No you can't just give up like that! I...I know you're not a strong wolf, but we can build it up. I'll get Tornado to let you come along, strengthen yourself. Then we'll make a run for it. He'll never have to know the truth, Mor, please... -voice turns to a whine as he wiggled closer- I won't let you die.

---

Moranna: He was so hopeful it tore at her heart, what could she say? She wanted to tell him not to be foolish, but she finally sighed and nodded. "Alright...we'll try." What else could she say when he looked at her like that? "I would do anything to make sure you get out of here at least, your a prince remember?" She gave a soft smile and licked his cheek.

---

Squall: -tail wags happily as she agrees to try it out; he could get Tornado to go with it, it would just take a little pleading; besides, it would be so gradual of a change that he would never figure it out until they were long gone, back to Gomorrah where Momma and Dad could keep them safe- Prince...hah. -his voice softened- What good's a prince without his princess?

---

Moranna: She had to smile, her tail matching his in a soft waver. His happiness was infectious and she doubted she would have been able to deny him anything. No matter how hare-brained this scheme seemed. Her heart melted at his words and she felt her skin flush with sudden heat. Oh how silly to think he meant her, he would find a real princess someday far from here. Besides her love was something she kept locked away, he was young still and she was confused about her own feelings. "Oh Squall, you'll make a magnificent prince, I just know it."