Umbra Copse bulletproof in black like a funeral

Draven felt the stirrings of pride in his chest as his son twisted his head to and fro, considering everything his father had said. He was just so smart. Not only that, but even at such a young age he seemed to have inherited the memory that Kova had had, something that had apparently been passed on from their father. Maybe that would help him if he wanted to become a healer like his parents, or a scout that could never get lost, or an advisor that never forgot a face or conversation. Really, the trait opened so many doors for the dark agouti pup and Draven knew he wanted to be around every step of the way. Even if he had no idea what he was doing.

Laughing at his son’s insistence that they continue to walk and learn the man nodded his head. His mossy green eyes scanned their surroundings as they began the slow amble of a stroll that the child could keep up with. It would be a few more months before Sachiel’s physique began to match that of the adults. Pointing towards a clump of cedar trees with his nose he broke down his explanation as much as he could, ”Those trees over there are called cedar trees. They help not if you’re hurt but if you get sick, sometimes wolves get sick from something they eat or something they breath in. These things are so small you can’t even see them but if you get sick the red cedar will help you get better.” He didn’t want to go any farther into how or why, this was probably way too much information for now anyways.

Finally before his son had too much time to ask another question Draven was smart enough to take the helm of their conversation. ”Well what about you? What do you see out here, anything interesting or fun?” Hopefully Sachiel would find something else to talk about, squirrels or frogs or butterflies or bumblebees. Anything but medicine.

The little boy was trying to retain everything his father told him. He liked it when the ebony Leigh talked. Usually he was rather sullen in appearance, brooding even, which was why Sachiel was so persistent on having Draven tell him aaaaaall about the helpful plants in the surrounding forest. The back of his head was usually filled with a variety of different colours, but most of them were tied to faces or structures he had come across during his adventures. It was an easy way to remember things. Orange was tied to bad things; things Sachiel did not like. Blue and green were associated with things that made Sachiel happy, or calm. And the plants Draven showed him—those were green. A bright, luminous green. Safe.

Ceeee-deee, the boy repeated with a sharp nod, his mismatched gaze focusing on the trees before they returned to his father’s dark frame. It was bizarre, how wolves could get sick by eating or breathing. It scared him. Could it happen to him, too? Without warning?! From breathing!! His eyes widened but he remained quiet, for he did not want to disturb his father’s lesson. If he was sick Draven would know, and Draven would make him all better. Because that’s what dad’s did.

… anything interesting or fun? A frown creased his dark lips as he turned to survey their surroundings, his ears cupped forward. He wanted to keep learning about the practical plants but it seemed like his father wanted to steer the conversation a different way. Hmmmmm… A flicker of movement caught his attention on the ground as a little furry body scrambled across the forest floor. Whasss-it? He whispered, the front of his body falling into a playful bow.

Thankfully this time Sachiel accepted his diversion and the conversation steered safely away from plants. If he and Neha were closer he probably would have come home that night and told her all about today and they would have laughed. As it was he would probably come to the den in silence and might mention the lesson in passing and she would probably smile politely. That was what their relationship was boiling down to, conversations in passing and polite smiles. It was a far cry from the passionate fights and makeups they had once had on the mountain

But Draven didn’t have time to dwell on this now as his son went skittering across the forest floor after a mouse. Picking up his pace to a slow trot behind him he laughed, answering all the questions his curious son might have as they continued on their walk.