The day had been almost warm, leaving the evening pleasingly temperate. As the sun slowly sank, coloring the thicket golden and orange, a small shewolf made her way back through the forest, her bright fur matching the sun in its radiant orange. She had spend the day like she usually did, patrolling the borders, straying a little off the land here and there, picking up herbs and checking for signs of strangers. Of the first, she had gathered a nice bundle, of the second she had seen no trace; So all in all a good day! She had just dropped of her loot in one of her own stores, and now she was excited to get home to the den and spend some time with Coal. On the way though, she was gonna stop by the communal den - she had made this a habit ever since the pups were borne - to check in on @Nina and the young ones quickly, and make sure all was well.

Coal and her own den was close to the main den-site, so it wasn't a big detour, and though she was tired, she liked to keep taps on both her alphess and the new pups, it was part of her responsibilities now, and she enjoyed them. Stepping into the clearing, she wondered if the children would be awake, they were still young, but they had started to interact more with the other pack wolves, and she would like to spend some more time with them, whenever they and their mother were ready. "Anybody home?" She called lowly, in her usual greeting, stepping slowly towards the den. She knew better than to go in there, she hadn't been since the puppies came into the world - Nina had given birth before and had her own healing knowledge, so she hadn't needed Aideen's help - she kept a few steps away from the opening, waiting for a response; If they're already asleep, I don't wanna wake them...

Word count: 333

For a while nothing happened, the thicket was quiet, only the breezes faint rattle in the leaves and a few birds singing could be heard throughout the clearing. Aideen was about to move on, figuring the family was probably asleep, when a small rustle from the den made her ears twitch. She turned her eyes back to the opening and felt a broad smile spread on her face as a little black form emerged from the burrow. The boy walked shakily on his lanky legs with oversized paws, and the young fae felt an urge to quickly close the distance between them, but stayed in place, sitting a few meters from the den entrance. The pup called out, voice muffled by his young vocal chords, and it was hard to contain the overwhelming affection it spurred within the shewolf.

She could not tell whether this was @Unitas or Pacem, for that she hadn't yet spend enough time with the boys close by, but here was an excellent opportunity. Sitting still to not alarm the little one, Aideen kept her eyes locked on him, watching as he made his wobbly approach. When he suddenly spoke, introducing himself immaculately, her eyes widened in surprise, their corners crinkling as she repressed her laughter. Smiling back at him she bowed her head lightly and answered in a soft voice; "Hello there Pacem, I am Aideen. Nice to meet you." The dark boy was blinking his baby blue eyes at her, and she wondered if he might have trouble seeing clearly; It can't be too long since they started to see... He was probably still adjusting to the light and colors around him.

Word count: 278

Her greeting seemed to excite the little boy, who returned it enthusiastically, nodding his head wildly. This, along with his question made the fiery girl's smile widen, and she lowered her head to answer, like him speaking lowly so as to not disturb the rest of his family; "You could say that," The corners of her copper eyes crinkled in joy at watching the little wolf inspecting her with wide, sky blue orbs; "Your mother is my leader, and my teacher." She added the last part in a confiding tone, trying to make the boy feel like she was trusting him with something secret.

Meanwhile, Pacem seemed to have quickly warmed up to her, viewing her as a fresh source of information. She chuckled as he circled her excitedly, spouting questions, seemingly right as the fell into his mind. The dark pup reminded Aideen so of herself and her own siblings when they were his age, full of energy and curiosity, and she was happy to give him all the answers he wanted. When he finally relaxed, sitting down before her, the young healer met his blue eyes and spoke, in a tone as if she was addressing an equal; "Yes I am, everyone who comes here at the den site are part of the pack, we wouldn't let strangers so far into our territory. And yes, I patrol the borders regularly, to make sure no strangers cross them." She nodded solemnly, smile replaced by a serious expression; though there were still amused wrinkles around her eyes.

Aideen remembered how her own older brother had always talked to her this same way, like she was just as old and smart as he, and she had always enjoyed it. It made her feel like a real part of the pack, rather than just a dumb kid; I miss you Yami... She blinked her eyes and tried to focus fully on Pacem and his questions, he deserved her full attention; "Hm... Well a Guardian protects the pack, he guards the borders to keep as all safe. And a scout patrols outside the territory, looking out for the movement of the herds, and the other packs in the area." Giving the boy another warm smile, she looked up quickly to check around them, just to be absolutely sure they were safe; being alone with the puppy, even this close to the den, made the responsibility weigh on her shoulders. But as she'd expected, there was nothing to worry about.

Word count: 416