Dark puppy blue eyes stared out in fascination at the tendrils of golden sunlight which beamed through large entrance of the den. Nestled safely within the soft fur of her mother’s side, the small dark pup was content to remain there and soak up the warmth whilst her blurred vision strained to focus on the brightly lit area — but it quickly became apparent that Inna had other ideas. The warmth she had grown comfortable with was swiftly stolen from her and a whimper erupted from his throat as her body tensed against sudden change in temperature as @Inna stepped outside.

Oksana blinked, unable to adjust to the sudden flash of bright sunlight that returned moments after her mother’s dark form disappeared from the den entrance. It was only after a few moments after her mother did not return to provide the warmth and comfort that she desperately craved that she began to whine, her voice echoing against the dark chamber walls of the den as she lay there completely alone.

Her quiet incessant whining would have grown louder had the loud howl not suddenly stolen her attention. Oksana froze, surprised by the loud noise which had echoed in from the brightly lit den entrance but then the sound of her mother’s voice reached her small ears and she felt that familiar kiss being placed upon her forehead and all her troubles washed away in that very instant. Instinctively she followed after the sound of her mother’s voice and small paws carried her, albeit unsteadily, towards light.

Navy blue eyes slid shut as she blindly moved forwards, her dark lashes fluttering open against the sunlit sky which greeted her as she reached the more even ground outside. The dark pup remained still for a moment, her eyes still adjusting to the sudden change in brightness which glared all around her, as she tried to focus on the strange shapes in the distance. Her small legs wobbled a little uneasily beneath her, her senses completely overcome by new stimulation, but then she caught a glimpse of that familiar dark face beside her and a delighted girlish giggle erupted from her as she beamed across at her mother with a smile. I found you!

Although he worried less now than he did when the females of Hearthwood were pregnant, the ghost still had a lot on his mind as the weeks passed. The children were getting bigger, smarter and more mobile. Which meant they required more than their mother’s eyes to watch over them. The river pack remained stable for they were flourishing with the numbers they currently had. Any more, or any less, and they might have run into trouble. But for now—for the first time in a long time—things were going well for the northern wolves. Lachesis just hoped it remained that way.

The rain was inconsistent overhead as he meandered through the trees, skirting the river’s edge as he followed it south. Fortunately he had not strayed too far from the heart of the Kingswood when the Baranski’s call sounded, ceasing his movements. The corners of his mouth curved upward as he retraced his steps, abandoning his previous path for the lake south of the forest. Seeing his raven sidekick’s daughter take her first steps out of the den as far more important than dumping his worries into the lake and doing a patrol of the southern borders.

He was greeted by a small bundle of fur as he entered the clearing in front of Inna’s den, his chartreuse gaze immediately softening. He approached the new mother and her daughter, slowly, his ears pinned forward and his nose lowered to the ground. “Hello little Oksana,” he cooed, his muzzle canted to the side, tail wagging slowly behind him. He maintained his distance, for he did not want to overwhelm the little girl. This world was new to her—new scents and new sights.