early risings

Sorry for the wait on our thread.. <3

He rolled to his side, the gentle call of a bird stirring him to a wakeful state. His large figure remained stretched upon the outside of the den, his stance both weary but protective. He had sought the outside later in the previous night, having found the den to be warm in the humid summer night and after Hypatia had given him a good roundhouse kick to the head. She was a feisty one, much like her mother. The sun had just begun to filter across the sky – illuminating the magnolia trees with a gentle glow of orange and pink. A yawn escaped him then, and while he stretched himself further, the regal wolf made no means no move just yet – his day usually started with a quick round along the borders to ensure the pack’s safety, but he would not leave today without a good morning kiss from his mate and children. They slumbered on, and the ivory Argyris pushed himself up to a recline of his haunches, rolling his shoulders back as yet another yawn slipped past his muzzle. Swallowing, the male slowly lifted himself, his paws trailing just seconds away from the den entrance to a small trickling stream, where his muzzle would bend down and his tongue would lap at the waters. It was refreshing, and as he felt the cold liquid run down his throat, he suddenly felt awake. Lifting his muzzle, the male gave a quick shake of his pelt, his fiery eyes now darting about the main den area to survey what was before him. The pack had chosen its location well – paradisiacal in its beauty, yet Phineas was far more pleased at the safety that seemed to surround their small haven.. especially with his children at such a tender age.

In the wee hours of dawn, all was quiet and peaceful within Magnolia Glen. Most of the wolves were likely still asleep, tucked away within the comfort of the main den. But not Zia Celencio. She had risen early, sometime within the night. Sleep had evaded her throughout the evening, the warm, moist air proving to be a discomfort. And when she finally did get to sleep, her dreams were less than pleasant. The horrid images which raced through her mind added to her unrest, jolting the she wolf awake as soon as they ended. And so she spent the rest of the night awake, curled up in a tight little ball, azure eyes planted on an earthen wall dully. Fidgety, she had decided to MUSTER to her feet and find something to keep herself busy. A quick but thorough run along the Northern and Western borders ensued. Although tired, the charcoal and silver wolf attentively marked the boundaries separating the Glen from no mans land. It would save the others on patrol some trouble from tending the job themselves...for several hours at least.

Stretching her legs had felt good, feeling the taut muscles in her limbs burn with the familiar strain of vigorous exercise. It reminded her of the days spent with her former mountain pack, where she eagerly scaled the treacherous slopes and peaks. But it also brought back some not so fond memories. She was moving on though, and quickly suppressed them. Feeling her stomach churn with the pangs of hunger, she decided on a quick hunt. Her prey of choice was a young but plump hare, the remains of which clasped between her jaws. She was on her way to the site of one of the caches, which happened to be a few yards away from the creek, when a familiar scent hit her nose. Shadow tinted ears pricked forwards, her eyes glinting with a touch of curiosity. It was Phineas, who she hadn't seen much of lately, nor gotten to know on a personal level.

He wasn't far. In fact, he was right in her path. Taking advantage of this little opportunity, she made a beeline in that direction, guided by the gentle babbling of fresh water. Soft footfalls of her paws slipping through the grass announced her approach, her eyes landing on his creamy white figure. Stopping just a ways the cache, she dropped the half eaten hare at her feet as she came to stand beside him. Holding back a yawn, she greeted him pleasantly. "Good morning Phineas. You are up early." Her voice was soft and warm, but not without a hint of weariness. "Care for an early morning snack?" She gestured with her head to the kill at her paws. Looking him over, she searched for any signs of tiredness. He was a brand new father afterall, and youngsters could be a handful. Even if it was just two.

(This post was last modified: Jul 15, 2013, 04:20 PM by Phineas.)

Sorry for the wait, bebe. <33 While he considered Magnolia Glen his family, there will still a handful of wolves he had yet to truly get to know – such a thing did not settle well with him, yet his paws were also full with the attention his two cubs demanded, and the constant prowling of the pack borders. Still, the ivory Leader could not help but revel in life, and as the sun began to light the sky a brilliant orange and yellow, he felt a deep sigh emanate from his chest as the relief he felt. Borlla had given this to him, and had he not met the stunning she-wolf, he likely would have remained in Willow Ridge, watching the children of Elettra grow that had been procreated by the pack Omega, simply because that was the male she felt deserving of her attentions. Yet now he was here – his children were healthy and beautiful, and while Kyros’ missing limb seemed to withhold his abilities slightly, the boy would conquer what was thrown his way. Borlla remained ever vigilant at his side, and Phineas was content to know that Erebos would remain with him as well, despite the tension that stirred between them from the past. Inkheart was proving to be a wonderful asset to him, while Lucero was a great companion for Borlla and the children. Ataneq and Eponine proved to be two Yearlings all too eager to learn.. but he had yet to learn anything of Zia, the stunning she-wolf who had offered her help so loyally.. and a Yearling named Fiora, who Phineas had yet to even meet. Yet these dwellings wouldn’t last long, and the male’s bright orange eyes fell upon the lovely form of Zia as she prowled forward to one of the pack’s caches, the remainder of a meal hanging within her jaws. His figure shifted to a natural stance of dominance, and as the female dropped the hare and greeted him, a small nod was given to the silver beauty. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#E86A37;">“You as well,” he murmured, withholding a yawn that threatened to slip past his tainted lips as she released one herself. Settling back to his haunches, he gave a quick shake of his muzzle. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#E86A37;">“No, though I imagine when she awakes, Borlla will appreciate something so fresh,” he mentioned, a hint of appreciation within his vocals. It wasn't that he was not interested in a meal.. he simply could not fathom eating his fill until he knew his mate and children had been fed properly first.

Life was anything but dull in Magnolia Glen. Zia was constantly keeping herself busy, helping out in any way she could. With newborn pups in the den, there was a sense of excitement in the air. Her Alpha's Phineas and Borlla were certainly kept busy enough already. And the proof was right there beside her in the form of her white leader savoring a morning drink. A soft little chuckle vibrated in the depths of her throat as he returned the comment she had initially given. Silver lined shoulders rolled back in the motions of a shrug, whilst she gazed off in the distance, where a few magnolia trees were gathered. The morning dew that clung to the pink petals was sure to evaporate was the sun was at it's zenith. "Yes, you're right. I was restless, so I decided to do something about that." Her voice held a touch of amusement to it, despite the fatigue her body was trying to fight off.

It was good to have a moment like this, just between the two of them. Alpha and subordinate, quietly standing side by side, undisturbed. The chances for such a meeting in the past had been slim to none, but Zia understood Phineas's other obligations completely. Charcoal tipped ears pushed forward, catching the sound of his voice. She nodded smoothly, a small smile breaking at the corner of her lips. "Of course. I'll run by the den after I am done here." Leaving the half eaten rabbit where it lay, she stepped forward to enter the shallows of the creek. Remaining close to the bank, she only allowed her paws to submerge under the water. Her mind landed on Borlla and the pups for a moment, wondering how they were faring. Of course they were alright, she assured herself. If anything was amiss then Phineas would likely have been much closer to the den, not out here alone.

Turning to face the ivory male, her sapphire eyes offered a silent invitation to join her in the creek. But they were also filled with mild curiosity. There was so much about him that she didn't know yet. All she knew was that he was the leader of Magnolia Glen, mate to Borlla and a proud father, who had taken her in while traversing the mountain. Zia wanted to change that. "So Phineas, how are you faring now that you are a new father? I'm sure you must be very excited." She paused, a warm smile coming to her face as her tail wagged by her hocks. "Who wouldn't be? After all, the new lives of pups are a blessing for any pack." Surprised by her own enthusiasm towards the new arrivals, Zia did well to keep it under check. She never would've guessed that she had such a soft spot for the little ones. Then again, with her new start in the Glen, any surprises were wholeheartedly welcomed.

With the thought of catching game for Borlla and the kids now cast aside by Zia’s generous offering, the male hesitated in his stance for a moment, his mind foggy with sleep as he calculated what the next part of his morning would then hold – a sweep of Magnolia Glen’s borders, and then perhaps some time with his two rugrats was in order.. but for the moment, the alabaster wolf was keen to make the acquaintance of his fellow pack mate, who had been with them since before the pack was fully established.. and yet all he knew of her was her name. As the silver she-wolf gave a smile to his request, followed quickly with a nod, the ivory Leader felt himself relax slightly, his bright eyes regarding her softly before the corners of his own lips quirked to a small smirk. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#ACBCCA;">“Thank you, Zia,” he murmured in response as she walked to the shallow waters, her paws the only thing to submerge to the waters before she looked back to him. Her question caused his shoulders to lift in a light shrug, the thoughts forming in his mind to formulate an answer. Blessed was truly the word, though exhausted was one that also was quick to follow. The joy he felt when his eyes would befall upon his pale mate with their two children was incomparable to anything he had ever felt before.. but then again.. he had once felt the same toward Demi and her bastard children. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#ACBCCA;">“Words can’t really describe it,” he finally answered, knowing it to be true, but not certain the she-wolf would truly understand. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:12px; color:#ACBCCA;">“Though I had thought I had fathered cubs before,” he noted, his eyes drifting back to the path of his den. Borlla, thankfully, was a far cry from his ex-mate.