Look who's in your heart now

@Kisla - beep boop breeding thread?!

The air felt warmer, less sharp to inhale. Spring was slowly rearing its head to the wolves of the Lore and Maksim was relishing in it. He sprawled out on a patch of the river bank, eyeing the water cautiously. Its level had risen—no doubt all this melting snow could result in another flood-related disaster. Unlike Darkwater Rapids, however, there was plenty of high ground to inhabit in this territory. That, and the river itself wasn't all too wild. It had a rather relaxed current, an easygoing flow. It eased his tension just a bit.

Rolling over onto his back in a rather clumsy movement, his vibrant gaze was caught by something brilliant and colourful—different from the muted greens, browns and whites that had engulfed the Lore for so long. Righting himself and slowly standing, the agouti leader tilted his head as he gazed at it. A flower stood boldly on the sandy banks, as if it too was ready for spring. Maksim stepped closer, lowered his crown to inspect it with intrigue. It looked as if a star had fallen from the sky and rooted itself into the ground. Had he known more about plants he might have been able to identify it as a Giant Blazing Star, yet all he could call it was flower. His tail wagged momentarily, his desire to share this little gem with the pack. There was one he wanted to show first, however. Kisla Tainn.

She had stolen his heart, filled his mind. Her scent was riddled amongst the marshy scents Cut Rock River, intoxicating to the agouti male. With each day since she had bested Astra, the impression she made upon Maksim grew deeper and deeper, romantic thoughts and feelings laying roots on his heart and his mind; breeding season did strange things to wolves and the River king was certainly feeling the effects of it. He wanted Kisla Tainn as his own, to cherish and keep, yet her family threatened to take her away and his chest tightened at the prospect.

Without another thought, he called for the honey coloured woman, a mixture of excitement and joy churning within him. Part of it was because of the flower and the other was because of her. He needed to tell her that he didn't want to let her go.

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

The air stirred her, making it impossible to settle. Or, perhaps, it was the awakening of the dominance she had obtained, and with it, her hunger for family. This time, however, it was not the old Swift River wolves she longed for.. a certain steel-furred male flitted through her mind often times, and her insecurities of her new position turned to jealousy as she would come across the other females of the pack. Often, Kisla would reveal her fangs to them, driven by the instinct of the season to maintain her position and withhold them from hitting their heat. Corinna had done the same to her in previous years, and in turn, as the reigning female and the one who now openly sought Maksim’s affections, she would be staking her own claim in return.

Never had she expected it to possibly be the other way around.

His call for her lured her forward without hesitance or thought. His scent was thick through the forest, and as she prowled her way along the banks of the river, she could feel a flutter of nerves wrack her as his scent became even stronger.

She had avoided the males of the pack for now – they did not hold the same interest to her, and she would accept no mishaps. Yet as her green eyes swept across him as he came to view – his own form proud as it stood by the river he had staked as his own. Even while she held herself proudly, she would notably lower herself in his presence – he would ever be the king of these lands.

A crooning growl escaped her to announce her present, her eyes trailing across him as she studied him in silent question. What did he seek of her? Even so, she made no move to speak and instead chose to close the distance between them, her creamy muzzle lifting to bump him tenderly beneath his chin. ONce greeting him properly, only then did she choose to break the quiet. "The days grow warmer."

sparking up my heart

She came to him and Maksim stood rooted in his spot, though every inch of him was desperate to reach out for her. The honeyed woman was silent as she prowled forwards, like a cougar on the hunt. She was graceful, the way she moved almost hypnotising the agouti regal who had fallen for her. He was a dragon sat atop a nest of gold and silver and she the jewel he adored the most; he would most certainly defend her from any who attempted to steal her away. Closer she came until the distance between them was almost fully closed, yet not quite near enough. Maksim inhaled deeply as Kisla gently touched his chin with her nose, an attempt to steady his thoughts. He lowered his crown, nosed her temple where the fur was soft in his own greeting.

He nodded slowly at her words, dragging his eyes from her form to the large flower that had spread its sun-like petals. “Indeed they do,” he smiled, raising a paw to gently brush up against the flower, “and look; it seems that the cold is slowly leaving the bones of these woods—the brave ones are blooming.” It was a pleasure to see, honestly, and a relief. This blasted snow did have an end which meant her departure grew closer and closer. He didn't want it to end before it could begin.

“Kisla.” He breathed her name, his eyes closing momentarily as he gathered his strength. Never before did he need to fight a battle like this. He didn't want her to pick between him and her family but with him she could have a new family. One that was not steeped in abandonment, sorrow … her last river was swift, never stopping its wild movements, but this one was sturdy as a rock; it would always be there for her, and so would Maksim. At least, he dearly hoped so. His eyes opened and returned to her, his gaze soft as he almost struggled to find words. “There's something I need to tell you—something I've needed to say for some time now.”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Her own nerves relaxed upon his returned greeting – the reason of his summoning still resting between them in shrouded mystery to her.. and yet part of her was uncertain if she wanted to know. It was not often Maksim sought her out, and she feared the reasons he had done so. Despite her efforts at maintaining the females of the River, perhaps one had indeed met their heat.. and perhaps he had chosen them as his mate, and in turn, desired them to stand by his side.

Like a butterfly, her heart fluttered with these thoughts and she, for a moment, attempted to soothe her frayed emotions lest he notice. It was not as if they were entirely unfounded – Kisla Tainn had never been in such a situation before in her younger years of life.

His eyes shifted from her and her own gaze followed after his. The sight of the yellow stark against the melting snow stirred something within her, and the honeyed she-wolf blinked in surprise. Never before had she taken much interest in the beauty of the landscape around her.. and yet this lifted her spirits like nothing before. It was as if a higher being above them had gifted them a sign at the end of winter, and the end of their hardship. They had survived. "Maksim," the words almost hitched in her throat, and tentatively, she glanced up to him for reassurance before she stepped closer, her muzzle bending down as her nose drifted across the flower.

Her own name spilled from his lips, and surprised in the change of emotion within the air, she took a step back now. She felt her throat go dry now – the moment she had waited for when he broke the news to her that he had found someone.. that the sign of spring meant they would start a family. She lifted her shoulders at that point, awaiting the blow as she did any other, and in turn, her tail held closer to her, stilling the scent of her own potential to breed. Her ears slid back to her skull at this point, and she waited, unable to speak, her own eyes falling upon his cheek as her mind reeled with the possibilities he had chosen for his mate – Naia, Athena.. they seemed the most likely and two who could captivate his attention. Perhaps even the gentle ebony she-wolf she had seen.

She swallowed then, ready for the blow – it would be like the others she had received in life, and in turn, she reminded her that this too would pass.

sparking up my heart

She lowered her head, her nose drifting over the flower as she inspected it as Maksim had done earlier. They had survived—they had bested this weather and done so with pride in their hearts. They would reap the benefits of Spring; Cut Rock River would feast on the returning herds, bathe in the sun's warmth, raise cubs and thrive. That was all Maksim wished for his followers—for his family—and to oblivion with any who hoped otherwise.

When Kisla's ears slicked back, the king's eyes widened in surprise. What was she expecting him to say? His gaze softened, though he hesitated slightly. Perhaps she feared he would ask her to stay with him, by his side. Was returning to her family all she sought, was it the only thing that would bring her happiness? Maybe telling her was a bad idea … but, damn it all, he had to try! He would never forgive himself if he let her slip past without a fight. Her blood may be waiting for her across the mountain but his beating heart longed for her here. He could be her family and she could be his. Searching for his tongue, for the right words to say, the agouti leader stepped towards the honeyed Tainn. He lowered his crown, breathing his words for only her to hear. “I want you to stay with me, Kisla.”

He waited a moment to gauge her reaction before he spoke again. “The idea of you leaving … it stings my heart.” This was, oddly enough, the hardest thing he had ever done. His tongue flicked out across his lip, a sign of nerves. He had driven away bears and coyotes in Tall Trees, survived flash floods and, most recently, a vicious winter. But this was tricky and delicate—he couldn't power through this. He had to be gentle. “What I'm trying to say is that I want you here, by my side, through whatever seasons may come.”

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

She could not read him – Maksim was an anomaly to her alone, and unlike the familiarity she had with the presence of her family, with him, she found she still did not know what his reaction would be.. what his thoughts were. What pulled at him. His eyes would widen in turn of her own turning emotions, and yet she could not gage why. He was a mystery to her, and yet despite all this.. she trusted him entirely above all else.

Her throat was dry, and even as he spoke, she was numbed by her worry that she almost did not grasp his words. Blinking then, confusion settled over her like a cloud, and she tilted her muzzle then, pulling back as to better sweep her eyes over his features. Her jaws opened then, yet words did not form, and only when he continued to speak did she clip them shut, stunned even more so that he had used the word heart.

She continued to search him, rattled to her very core as a quiver coursed her spine then. She wanted nothing more than to hope the words that left his mouth were of the way she wanted to interpret it – by his side as a lover, as his and not just a friend and pack member he would lose should she return back to Oak Tree Bend. "By y-your side as what, Maksim..?" The words crept out, highlighting the naivety of her youth before she closed her eyes for a moment. The possibility of him feeling the same for her as she did him seemed far too surreal, and clearing her throat, she attempted to steady herself. "Not Naia.. or Athena? Or any of the others?"

sparking up my heart

He watches the honey woman carefully. She seemed confused by his words. He skittered around out right saying it, hoping he could portray the meaning without outright having to say it—it was strange how admitting his feelings was harder than anything he had done in his entire life—, but it seemed he needed to. For her sake. She mentioned Naia and Athena, as if they were possibly better suited to Maksim, more desirable than Kisla. Maksim shook his head. Naia was loyal and dedicated to Cut Rock River; she was one of his most trusted members. A good friend to the Baranski, always doing her part, but that was it: a friend. Athena had shown herself to be a survivor and had intrigued Maksim on their first meeting, yet he knew nothing about her. It seemed she spent most of her time at the border and that made the River king suspicious. Neither of the females captured his heart.

“Not Naia, not Athena. You. By my side, as … as my lover and my closest friend.” His tongue felt thick, yet he stepped closer, brushing his muzzle against her own gently. He closed his vibrant green eyes, relishing the closeness. Her scent was intoxicating, alluring. Maksim spoke once more, his voice hushed. “Will you stay with me, Kisla?” He desperately hoped the answer would be yes. He wasn't sure what he would do if she left, if he could find someone to replace her. He wanted her to be happy, to be able to start fresh with a family that was not soaked with abandonment. He would never leave her. Not if he had a say in the matter.

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Little had she known that the gentle caress he had given her when he found her injured by the mountains would have stirred something so deep in such a short time – little had she known that when her eyes had fluttered open and his handsome face had been staring down at her with such concern that she had literally fallen to her fate.

The clarification seemed too real, and a series of emotions swept through her then. " There's a lot out there to explore. I wouldn't have met your father if I hadn't left home. I imagine you'll want your own cubs one day." She had snorted in bemusement to her mother's words at the time – never once had she even contemplated the idea of straying from home and breaking her allegiance to her family.. and yet now she knew she could not go back. Not after she had just found him.

"Yes," she began, her voice trembling as she moved even closer still, burying her muzzle to the thick fur of his neck and inhaling his scent sharply – a scent she had become all too familiar of. "I want a family with you," she whispered, closing her eyes now as she took the embrace. There was the numbing moment of betrayal as she spoke this promise to him now – her mind flashing as to the easy grin of little @Serach, who waited for her at home. Of @Fenru, who would forever remain her best friend.

Yet her elation would not allow her to despair for long; the exuberance of her matched affections would not allow for such, and as she pulled away then from his embrace, a more mischievous smile curled at the corner of her mouth. Tipping her muzzle up, she would touch her nose to his before leaping away, leading him to a game of chase through the forest they ruled as one. Snow flung from her swift pace, billowing a cloud of white around her form as she moved, weaving through the trees, knowing he would catch her within moments.

sparking up my heart

He remained silent as he waited for her response. Then one word fell from her mouth and Maksim had to do a mental double-take. Yes. She had said yes. Her voice quivered as she moved in closer, embracing the agouti male. He shifted his head slightly, resting it on the side of her neck as she continued. Kisla wanted a family with him, and it was with that statement that Maksim knew he would do all he could to keep her happy, to allow their family to strive. Knowing that his heart was claimed by her, a feeling of content flooded his body. He had all he could have wanted—all he could have needed. A home of his own, a pack he had founded and now a mate that no other female could compare to. She was his and he was hers.

She stepped away, offering him a mischievous little smirk. He raised his brow, a smile of his own pulling the corners of his lips. Kisla briefly touched her nose to his before she turned and darted off in a flurry of snow. He grinned, taking off after her as she led him on a game of chase through their territory. They ran on, weaving between towering trees that offered safety and shelter. Maksim knew that the honeyed woman would be able to easily out run him if she wanted to—she was much faster than him, after all. Kisla ran on and Maksim couldn't help his constant wolfish grin, nor could he stop his tail wagging behind him as he ran.

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Slight PP that can be changed. <3 Sorry for the wait.. been a crappy weekend of being sick. Last post for me.. you can end with a fade of your own or just archive. <3 Up to you!

Her paws danced across the forest floor, uncaring about much else. The feel of the spring breeze brushing past her golden pelt was enough to make her heart even lighter, even in such a tender moment of her proclaimed love for the man who moved after her. It signified new hope – Cut Rock River would present the pack with strong cubs to raise for the year, and the dark remnants of the winter that had engulfed them would give way to the joy the pack would feel. Everything her mother had told her – the desire she would feel to begin a family of her own one day – suddenly clicked to the young she-wolf. Even as her paws thrummed the snow covered terrain, all she could think of was bearing a healthy litter with the man behind her – perfect cubs that would resemble him in every way.

She turned sharply around a corner, slowing her pace then as she shot a glance behind her shoulder to the Baranski. Her pace would allow him to catch her soon, and yet as her pace lightened, her tail lifted higher to entice him forward. As he came toward her, her nose would push forward to graze his cheek, casting an affectionate nip before she would pull away. Moving forward to press her side against his, she would trail further, rubbing her figure against him before halting, glancing back to him once more. It was her invitation to him now – they could begin the family she realized just now she had always wanted. They would strengthen the bonds of the pack.

Afterwards, as the sun nested against the horizon, the Tainn female would coax her mate to lay with her that night, and for the first time, she would sleep by the side of the man she loved.

sparking up my heart