The Hope of Spring [Open]

[shrinerbaby]

Désirée and Sacha

The slim gray wolf gave a sigh as she crested the hill and the cool early spring breeze whispered through the long grass and ruffled her fur. For a moment she relaxed and let her ever-watchful eyes rest. There seemed to be hope in the air this morning. The early birds were beginning their songs as the buds of new flowers began to stretch toward the sky. They'd survived the winter, if only barely. With spring came new life and she meant to make one for herself and her son.

Sacha.

The thought of him had the young mother looking back over her shoulder to check on him. The round little pup was struggling up the hill after her. His going would have been much easier were it not for the stick he dragged with him. It was nearly twice as long as he was and got tangled in the tall grass he couldn't yet see over. A smile touched Désirée's silver muzzle and she gave an amused shake of her head.

"Mon cher, would it not be easier if you left the stick behind?"

Sacha didn't even stop as he fought his way through the grass up to where his mother stood. "But I like this stick, maman," he protested around his mouthful.

Eventually the young pup did make it and he threw himself to the soil next to Dez. He dropped his chin between his paws and gave a wuff that caused a puff of dust to rise up. The breeze threw it back in his face and he blinked it from his eyes. Désirée bent to wash her tongue over her son fondly before she too lay there in the grass. Her watchful yellow eyes roamed the sea of rolling green hills. With any luck this place would be abundant with food and she could put back on the weight she'd lost over the long, brutal winter.

Sacha dropped the stick from his mouth and looked up at his mother again as he asked, "Is this where we are going to find a new family, maman?" Although he was young, he was very well spoken. His mother often stressed the importance of his lessons. He didn't really agree with her on that, but he wouldn't argue with her on it. He wanted to make her happy and strove to in every way possible. For this reason he didn't voice his thoughts again on her idea of a new family. He didn't want a new family. Sacha didn't think they needed anyone else. He didn't want to share her time with anyone else, either. The thought of it alone was enough to make the coarse hair on the back of his neck start to bristle.

"Perhaps, mon fils. The scent of the others is on the land. You must keep your senses alert for strangers. You must not approach anyone else." Her voice was soft and concerned as she spoke to her son. She pushed her nose against the ruff of his neck, soothing him. "Before we go looking for others I think we should consider breakfast. What do you think, mon cher?"

Sacha's eyes brightened considerably, as they usually did, at the prospect of food. "I bet there are lots of rabbits around here, maman! I would love rabbit for breakfast."

Désirée smiled warmly and turned her gaze back over the sea of waving grass while her son enthused eagerly about his thoughts on rabbits, the best method to catch them, and his favourite parts to eat. He was the brightness in her life and even if it killed her she'd get him a rabbit for breakfast.

[skylark50]

Kaj was running. His great paw steps were muffled ny the long grass underfoot and the wind blew in his face. He grinned happily. His tounge lolling out the right side of his mouth. Suddenly a great grumble was heard from his stomach. He paused and took a dee whiff of the wind. His eyes lit up with hunting lust as the scent of rabbits hit his sensory glands.
" I can do this. A rabbit for breakfast sounds great!" he tasked to himself. His voice rang around him reminding the dire wolf that he was alone. He whined quietly but moved into his hunting mode. He silently slunk forward and stalked his prey. The large buck rabbit. He growled and launched forward with a snarl.

He missed and his nose bit The ground. He grunted and charged after the rabbit.
"get back here!" Kaj barked and licked his chops. He bounced high in the air and landed square on the rabbit with a satisfied snort. He broke the rabbits neck and he began to eat.

[shrinerbaby]

Désirée and Sacha

Dez heaved a contented sigh as she lay on the hilltop with her young son. The only thing she could imagine that would make this morning better were if the sun would peak out of the cloud cover. Sacha nudged her side insistently and sulked up at her.

"Mamaaan. I want breakfast," he whined.

The gray wolf chuckled and kissed his face. "Very well, Sacha. I'll go get breakfast. You stay here and stay hidden."

Once she had secured his agreement that he would indeed remain where he was she gracefully rose to her paws. Her forequarters dropped to stretch before she carried herself down the hill, slipping through the grass with a quiet rustle. Black nose brushed the ground as she drew in the scents of the countryside, filtering out the insignificant. The distinct tang of lapin stuck with her however and she began to follow the fresh trail.

It wasn't long, however, before the scent of a wolf--male, she noted--entered the picture as well. The breeze carried the chilling squeal of an unlucky rabbit to the huntress and her lip curled in irritation. Of all the animals in the grasslands, this male had to have taken her intended meal. Instead of slinking away to find another, she continued to follow the trail to where it ended with Kaj's muzzle buried in warm rabbit flesh.

She's not sure what she had expected to see but she was infuriated none the less. The brief thought to try and bully him away from it flashed through her mind, but she knew in her current condition she wouldn't stand a chance. With a grumble she turned tail and started off. She would find another. There would be plenty, she was sure.

[skylark50]

The wind brought her scent to him. It was sweet and kind and Kaj had to lick the rabbbit blood from his nose to get a better wiff. He lifted his head and watched the young mother walk away. She looked thin and worn out. Kaj felt a pang of tenderness and he padded forward.
" the rabbit Warren is the other way marm." he shuddered at his raspy voice but waited for the female to turn. He thought a moment and turned back to the half eaten carcass of his rabbit.
" you can have this one if you life. I can catch plenty more. I see the winter was harsh on you and I am no threat to you. I would be glad to help if you will allow it so." Kaj smiled in a gentle manner and waited hopeful that the female would accept his offer. He was terribly lonely after all.

[shrinerbaby]

Désirée

Désirée glanced back over her shoulder as she heard the other wolf walking toward her. Tall ears swiveled back and she eyed him cautiously. While his posture was not aggressive she couldn't see any other reason for him to approach. She had walked in on his kill and his meal, after all. It would be only natural for him to be territorial of it.

Her maw cracked to explain she meant no harm to him and that she intended to leave him to his meal when he spoke. Surprise was written on her silvered features. Yellow eyes widened as she looked over the large, dire wolf. Was he really being so kind to a stranger? She licked her lips nervously. The scent of fresh meat so close after so long without was nearly maddening. Still she took the time to think on his words, looking for anything that might give away a trap.

Finally she dipped her head in reverence to the male's kindness and spoke, "I would be very grateful for your assistance. It has been a very long, unlucky winter for my son and I." Her voice was quiet and carried a distinct accent that gave away her distant heritage. She was far from her native home.

The femme offered a smile laced with tentative hope. Perhaps things were already starting to look up for them.

"I do not want to take your meal, monsieur. Please, enjoy your breakfast. My son and I can wait until you have finished." She dipped her muzzle to him again and lowered herself to her haunches. Through sheer power of will she kept her stomach from growling.

[skylark50]

Kaj liked her voice. It was sweet and musical to his large ears. He smiled back at the female and nodded his head in understanding.
" your son is very lucky to have a graceful and caring mother like you. But a hunter hunting on a empty stomach won't catch anything to fill that stomach. I am full and I can catch a buck for your son and you on a half a rabbit. Where I came from you learned many things. Such. Is life." Kaj rasped. He padded back to the rabbit and brought it back to her.
" if you will not eat it perhaps your son will like a small snack before we bring him a true meal."
Kaj sat on his haunches and began licking his paws to clean them of rabbit fur and keeping his blue eyes down as to not frighten her. He waited to she what she would do. Then he chuckled in his weird way.
" my name is sorano Kaj yursi. My father called me Kaj though. What is your name kind lady?"

[Le Mad]

Spring was here. It had dumped itself on the land, like a blanket dropped on a bed. It breathed life into the ashen-colored femme known as Tristesse and had sent her, in good spirits, toward the Harukani outlands. She had not been there in months, and felt as though she should pay the lands a visit.

Her form was small, fast and agile. Her wings did not work for flying, but she had learned long ago to use them to boost her speed as she ran. She had come a long way in the past day or so, and left her pack. She would be back in the next few days, but escape is necessary sometimes. It's not like she needed to get away, she had just felt like traveling to the outlands. Who knew, she might have come back with a meal for her pack.

She had been traveling for twenty four hours, including the time spent to rest during the afternoon, and was now nearing the outlands. She was heading toward the rolling hills of Gorotsuki Riku. The air was cool and fresh here, one of Spring's many cool breezes fluttering through her fur and feathers. She slowed her speed, trotting through the green grass. The sun was warm on her fur, and she remembered being here so very long ago.

She remembered vaguely, but the memory was there. It had been a cold day, during the winter four months earlier. She remembered running to the top of a hill and looking down below at a wolf, as old then as she was now, being chased by an angry mother bear. She had distracted the bear by barking, and the wolf got away. She escaped narrowly, by hiding in one of the many rabbit holes that riddled the hills around the area. She remembered the kind face of the wolf when he found her.

She didn't know why they parted ways, and almost regretted it. The young Dion was probably around her somewhere, but she wouldn't even know where to look. Besides, she was happy where she was; accepted in the Voyani pack and working up to the Annager position. She narrowed her eyes, her nostrils flaring as she began to ascend a larger hill. She heard talking, and could smell other wolves. The ten-month-old fae picked up the pace.

Cresting the hill, the dark gray wolf flared her wings. With the sun at her back, she was silhouetted against the sky and probably looked larger than she actually was. She could see a femme and a larger male. Farther back, she could also see a young pup. Her ears swiveled backward. Now she was wary. She didn't know what their conversation was about, but she knew she wouldn't trust this male. Not yet at least.

She snorted and stood, waiting for their attention if it came.

[shrinerbaby]

Désirée and Sacha

Désirée gave her graceful head a shake as Kaj spoke and turned back to bring her the rabbit. She was a self sufficient wolf and she did not want to accept charity. It went against everything that her mother had taught her. At the same time, she didn't want to offend the male by refusing his offer after he persisted.

Conflicted, she simply watched as he cleaned the bloodied fur from his paws. The rabbit at her own feet was an infuriating distraction and the tantalizing scent was wearing down her resolve. Thankfully he spoke again, snapping her from the desire to snatch up and devour the remains of the lapin.

Her maw cracked to reply when a shrill little howl broke through the air. The femme's eyes widened as she whirled around to look back behind her. "Sacha!" She cried, breathless.

The pudgy little puppy was racing through the grass toward her, protective indignation written on his young features. He had been watching the winged wolf race across the landscape and noted that she was headed in his mother's direction. The shift in the wind had also brought the scent of a male to his nose and he hadn't waited a moment for thought and raced down to protect her.

The young mother had been so distracted by her son's antics that she hadn't even noticed the young female's glorious entrance on the scene until Sacha took up a defensive position between them. His short hackles stood on end and he growled up the hill at the stranger. His bright green eyes darted over to Kaj as well, making sure the male was keeping his distance from his mother.

Dez's shock and worry passed with the heavy sigh she heaved and she turned a frown on him. "Sacha, what are you doing? I told you to wait for me," she said, voice stern and reprimanding.

The pup's fierceness diminished and was replaced with confusion. "But maman.. They were going to team up on you. I had to come save you." His voice was shaky and uncertain, laced with hurt that his mother would scold him for trying to protect her.

She gave a sighed again, softer this time, and dipped her head to nuzzle him light. "No one is here to attack me," she said to reassure him. As she did, however, she looked at the winged stranger. At least, she thought they weren't. The female looked too young to be a real threat. Not even a year yet, she guessed. "It is fine, Sacha. Thank you for trying to protect me. You are very brave. But you have insulted these nice wolves. What do you say, mon fils?"

Sacha seemed pleased with her praise now, if a little sullen at being required to apologize. "I'm sorry," he murmured and hung his head. Fortunately he was a master of distraction and he found his perfect opportunity to take the negative focus off o himself. "Who ate my breakfast?" He padded over to the rabbit and nosed it curiously before looking up at Kaj with his bright, piercing green eyes.

Dez couldn't help but smile as she watched her son. Her attention, however, returned to Kaj and the stranger. "I'm Désirée. This is my son, Sacha," she said by way of getting them back onto the previous situation. She couldn't help but admire the wings the young female bore. Such a lovely novelty.


[ooc: Sorry this took a while and that the quality isn't that great. Struggled with it all day and could only force out this.]

[skylark50]

Kaj stared wide eyed as sacha glared at him. He bursted out in delighted laughter and dropped down to the pups level.
"You are very brave little hunter. My name is Kaj , and if you want the rabbit as a snack you are welcome to it as your mother and I get you something bigger and better to eat." he grinned at Desiree.
" he will be a great alpha one day. Now it is truly great for me to have company again. Your son and yourself have my protection if need be Desiree." Kaj spoke softly and solemly as he turned and faced the stranger. He took a deep wiff and noted that the winged wolf was female and very young. He murmured to sacha.
" sacha to the left is the rabbit warrens. If I tell you to take your mama there it is a safe place you run as fast as you can with her ok?" Kaj looked down at the pup.

He then padded forward in front of the duo and yelled up at the wolf.
" hello! Are you friend or foe?!"

[Le Mad]

She watched with calm eyes, her tail swaying back and forth caution. The pup howled, causing Tristesse to jump. She watched the round little furball speed down the hill and take a brave stance. The pup eyed Tristesse and the male cautiously and bristled. A coy smile played her features as she watched him. He was adorable, that was for sure.

The male took notice of the small pup, and offered the rabbit. Tristesse narrowed her eyes as his mother took notice of her. She began to feel very vulnerable up on that hill, and when the large male turned and called out to her, she felt obliged to answer.

"I am a friend." She said just loud enough for it to travel down to where the three were. She slowly began the descent, ashen paw after ashen paw. A cool breeze ruffled her fur as she made her way down and she lifted her head. The wind caressed the sun and moon markings beneath either of her baby-blue eyes.

She smiled awkwardly at the pup as his mother introduced herself. Tristesse's tail began to wag. The male introduced himself as Kaj and the dark femme turned her head to him. Her small body was about six feet to his right. It allowed some fleeing room, and she had no doubt that she could escape the jaws of either of the adults there.

"My name is Tristesse." She almost sang. Her voice was sweet, almost bell like as she introduced herself.

[[OoC: That's alright! Part of it was my fault anyway. c:]]

[shrinerbaby]

Désirée and Sacha

Sacha would have glared at Kaj when he laughed at him, a growl rising up from his young chest. Certainly not intimidating to the great brute by any means. On the other hand, however, he himself was not intimidated by Kaj's size. He was, for better or worse, rather fearless. When the male brought himself down to be eye level with the youngster Sacha lashed out with a paw to take a swipe at his nose. Even his words sounded mocking.

"I don't want your rabbit. I don't like you. Go away!" He bared his narrow little milk teeth at the older male, spikes rising up along his back and neck.

Désirée was rather shocked by her son's behavior and, frankly, she was a little embarrassed. "Sacha!" she scolded.

The round little pup gave his mother an apologetic look but turned his glare back on Kaj. "Stay away from my maman." With that said he pressed his head against his mother's foreleg, trying to steer her away from him.

Dez was not moved, however, by his display of force. She dropped her muzzle and spoke quietly in his ear. "You are being very rude, Sacha. There is no excuse for that. If you behave in this way to every wolf we meet then we will never find any friends in this land." Her tail gave a lash behind her. She was not pleased with her son, but he didn't seem to be backing down in this.

"Lets be friends with her then, maman," he said, otherwise ignoring her words. "She is très jolie. I like her."

He really did not like Kaj, perhaps because he felt mocked and belittled by the male. Perhaps simply because he was male and thus more threatening. Truth be told, he didn't want any males getting the idea that they could replace his father. Sacha didn't remember much of his sire, but he certainly didn't want anyone else moving into that place.

Tristesse, on the other hand. Well, it might be that the pup might have been struck by love-at-first-sight. Once he decided she wasn't a threat, that is.

"Yes, she's very lovely, mon cher, but that does not excuse the fact that you are being very rude to Kaj when he has volunteered to help us catch our breakfast." Her words again seemed to fall on deaf ears as Sacha's eyes were cemented on the winged wolf and his little tail was wagging mindlessly. She lifted her head and offered the dark femme a weak smile before looking at Kaj again. "I am very sorry.. He does not normally behave like this. He's usually a little angel, but he has not been around others much."

The young mother wasn't quite sure what to do. Her son was so adamant in his dislike of Kaj, for whatever reason. She felt entirely uncomfortable with the entire situation. She couldn't remember her mother having to deal with problems like this. Sacha must have gotten it from his father's side of the family, she thought with a scoff. [/font][/color]

[skylark50]

Kaj wiped his nose with a massive smiling at the little drops of blood.
"it's ok. I probably sounded a little mocking to him." Kaj looked down at Sacha with his blue eyes and pulled his lips back. Not in a smile but not a snarl either. He then turned again to Tristesse. " you are more welcome here! Come down with us while I hunt for our breakfast!" Kaj called out. He paused and again looked at Sacha.
" I will come back with food for all of us. Rabbit deer or whatever I can bring down. I will let you eat tour fill just like your mother will then I will leave. Does this sound good to you?" Kaj waited, digging his long claws into the soil and keeping his body neutral. But alas he was scared that this protective pup will send him away from the only company he had in months. Secretly he wanted to stay and maybe be a teacher or storyteller to the pup. Kaj loved puppies, never siring his own litter but he loved them none the less. He wanted to beg to stay but he was suppose to be a dire wolf. They never begged.

[Le Mad]

Tristesse had to hold back a chuckle at the fierceness of the pup. She couldn't help but smile though, and felt the awkwardness quickly melting away. She was still wary of Kaj, though she would never let that show. She watched Désirée scold Sacha for his rudeness, but Tristesse respected him for it. The young fae wished for the ignorant fearlessness of puphood, but she was growing into her first year of being an adult. Life was about to pummel her.

She was about to say something in Kaj's defense to Sacha, to at least lighten the atmosphere, when Sacha began to speak about Tristesse. Her ears swiveled backward and if one could have seen beneath her fur, they would have noticed her blush while they conversed. She didn't know what Sacha had called her, but when his mother said she was lovely, Tristesse could only guess.

An idea sparked in her mind, though she did not show it. She smiled warmly to Désirée, her features holding what she hoped would let her know that she need not be embarrassed of her son. He was merely a pup and it was to be expected. She listened to Kaj welcome her and could sense a bit of nervousness to him. He was covering something up, but she let it go when she noticed Sacha. His eyes were glued to her. She looked at him and then swiftly looked back at Désirée. She couldn't help it though, she had to see if he was still staring.

He was. His tail was wagging swiftly, and she smiled at him. Her wings flared slightly and she pounced onto the ground, her rump sticking in the air. Her tail wagged in sync with his. She let a sharp yip and let her hind end fall to the ground. Grinning, she wriggled up close to the pup.

Her face launched forward, fangs aimed to nip his tail gently. Whether she got him or not, she would leap back and reassume her playful position.

[shrinerbaby]

Désirée and Sacha

Sacha reluctantly tore his eyes away from Tristesse and onto the big brute. The young pup considered Kaj's offer carefully, wheels turning in his head almost audibly. His nose scrunched up and his fuzzy brow furrowed.

"You'll bring us food and then go away?" he asked, trying to confirm the offer. His skeptical green eyes stared holes into the dark male's soul as he stood there, all puffed up like he was really something. He had taken a very grounded stance with his feet planted firmly and his head and tail held high in a position of authority. Somebody was a little too big for their figurative britches. "Okay. That's acceptable." He gave a nod of his head as though he were dismissing Kaj from their presence.

Désirée had had quite enough of the pup's attitude however. "Excuse us a moment," she said in a very cool, quiet voice that exposed her irritation. Some people had a hot-temper and their anger was fiery. Dez's anger was a cold, chill beast and seemed to last longer than the fire, which was quickly burned up.

Sacha hadn't missed the tone of her voice and his ears fell back and he pressed himself against the ground. A remorseful whine cut from him as his mother snagged him by the scruff and lifted him up to carry him a few yards away so she could have a private conversation with him. She set him down with a plop and leveled her hard yellow eyes on him. He squirmed under the look and tucked his tail betwixt his legs.

"Sacha," she began in a low, mommy voice. "I know that you mean to protect me, but we are in no danger and you are being very rude. It is inexcusable behaviour and I don't want to see any more of it. Do you understand me?" She took his quiet squeak as affirmation and continued, "You will go back and you will apologize to Kaj. He has been very kind to me, and to you as well. He does not deserve the treatment that you've been giving to him. If we are going to find a new home with a new pack, you're going to have to learn to get along."

Sacha didn't move as he was lectured but he felt like he was getting smaller and smaller. A few tears streaked his cheeks as he responded, "I'm sorry, maman.." He didn't tell her his fears that the male only wanted to try and replace his father. He didn't try to explain anymore. He knew better than that. "I'll go apologize," he whispered and rose to his paws.

The little pup turned and walked back toward the other two somberly with his Mother following along behind. He stopped in front of Kaj and dipped his muzzle politely. "I'm sorry for being so disrespectful, monsieur. Maman and I would enjoy if you stayed with us for breakfast." Although it wasn't what he wanted, the pup did at least sound sincere. He realized he'd pushed his mother too far. It didn't mean he had to like Kaj, but he would at least have to be polite. He didn't know any worse feeling than to have his mother look at him and talk to him like that.

"Thank you, Sacha. Now, go play." Dez seated herself on her haunches and gave a smile to her son as though saying, "see, I'm not mad anymore. You did what you were supposed to." It seemed to have worked and he brightened almost immediately. The resilience of pups was really something to be marveled.

The gray wolf returned Tristesse's smile warmly and gave a nod of her head. She could see the young female wanted to play and the distraction would be good for Sacha. Dez watched as the pup wriggled all over and bounded toward the winged yearling. When she fell into a play bow, he followed suit, yapping eagerly as his tail cut furiously through the air behind him. He was taken by surprised when she leaned forward and nipped at him before prancing back. It was more than the rusty pup could handle and he charged forward to jump at her.

His mother turned and looked at Kaj then. "Thank you for your patience with him. He doesn't have any real social experience with other wolves. I have been working with him, but he still has much to learn."


[ooc: Again, so sorry that this was delayed. My dear friend just moved back into town with her young daughter and I've been spending a lot of time with them. I'll try to do better next time. Also, Maddy, I hope you don't mind that I kinda moved things around from your post. Taking the play invitation and putting it off until she scolded him good. Thanks for being patient with me, guys. Like I said, I'll do better next time.]

[skylark50]

Kaj stared at sacha. He felt that he could at least show him that the dire can be a good freedom. He tore his head away from the playing pups and turned to Des.
" it is all right with me. Some things a pup will learn by tooth and claw while other only the soft voice of a parent will. I am grateful though. I have been alone for months and I was craving company. I enjoy young ones. They are our future. " Kaj paused and turned his head away blushing. His blue eyes closed momentarily forgetting his composer.
" I think I better get us something to eat. I will back within the hour." Kaj said softly before he padded into the long grass. He paused then turned back to Des.
" I think it would be better if you stayed with the young ones. One can hide but two cause mayhem." Kaj chuckled gentle then began walking away.