Copper Rock Creek A Time to Speak

@Jynx

He'd finally told her, the thing that had been selling inside of him for months, the words still rang in his ears.  Her last words to him before they had become quiet made him realize that it was time that she knew exactly this he felt about her. The worry he had felt when she'd hurt her ankle, all he'd wanted to do was curl up next to her and tell her it was going to be okay. He hadn't been able to then and now as she stood above him as leader he stood beside her supporting her through it no matter how long it took for Raela to be better.

There was still something else that he felt was necessary and something that had his stomach feeling like there were a hundred butterflies in there.  He didn't want to do it in pack lands but somewhere that felt right so he spent some time thinking of the places he'd been.  None of them seemed right so he had ventured out once more and found the place he thought was perfect.  Then he had asked her to come with him but he hadn't told her why, he didn't have to worry if she would follow because he knew she would.

As they came to the place he had chosen the sun shone down on their backs and the sound of bubbling water came to his ears.  Some of the snow was gone from the rocks that surrounded the stream. Despite the snow the place he had chosen for what he needed to do still was rather pretty, “Here we are,” he said as he looked back at her, “I thought you might like it here.” He didn't feel that she got away from the pack nearly as much as she should these days so he hoped it would be a nice change. “But I didn't just bring you here for the scenery.”

(This post was last modified: Mar 02, 2017, 03:19 AM by Emrys.)

That day on which the pair had sunbathed on the boulder, sharing each others thoughts, worries and most importantly their feelings, had been life changing. Emrys had said to her those three words that she thought she would never hear spoken from any other wolf. He loved her. It was out in the open now, and there was no more hiding their deepest feelings towards one another. Barely a breath after he had said it, she too, uttered that simple yet life altering phrase. Her voice had been thick, choked with emotion, but the words were sincere all the same. She thought she might have known what love was once, but it had only turned out to be puppy love. Just a crush, and one that soon faded.

Winter was gradually loosening it's grip and all around, signs indicated that spring was around the corner. The snow was beginning to melt, slowly. Ice was thawing in patches and the warmth of the sun felt just a little bit stronger every day. Yet even with how close spring was, the effect of winter hormones was still very much alive and affecting the she wolf, who was still settling into her role as Alpha. Her moods consisted of highs and lows (but mostly highs, recently) and her natural level of dominance was fluctuating drastically. Most at risk in the pack were the mature females who she would not hesitate to put in their place, with the exception of Raela. She was ill and Jynx respected her friend and rightful Queen too much to subject to the glares and growls of her raging hormones. The males, she was more tolerant of. To a point. Any who got too close or showed too much of an interest to her liking, she chased away.  Only Emrys, she allowed close, actively displaying their status by walking in sync, as a pair bonded couple did. She was not yet experiencing the full blown effects of heat that other females might, but her body was clearly preparing itself. Sadly, as much as things had changed between them and her growing want for a family, she was ready to sit out this season.

When her new love had asked her to come with him, some ways from the Notch, she obliged happily. While she preferred not to be away from the pack for too long these days, a growing curiosity told her that this time, the white healer had a purpose behind his reasoning. She followed at his heels, tail raised excitedly, taking gentle, playful nips at his haunches. Any time she could get with him to herself, she would cherish. As they arrived at the place of his choosing, the gentle bubbling of water filled her ears. Again, the sun was bright and the air calm. Here by the creek in this isolated place, she felt a sense of peace. 

She smiled, her eyes following the natural flow of the water as it cascaded over and down the rocks of the creek. A small little reminder that soon, all animals alike could try their luck at fishing again. "It really is a beautiful place..." She commented quietly, tipping her head back to gaze up at the bare canopy of trees. His words registered, but for a moment she was still. Something bubbled inside her stomach. Was it excitement? Or nervousness? Turning her head down she met his eyes with curious interest. "Is that so? What was it?" She stepped towards him then, pushing her flank up against his side to entangle herself with him briefly, contrasting russet and white fur mixing. "Tell me what's on your mind, Emrys." She encouraged.

When he had said the three words that he needed to say to her he hadn't been expecting to hear it back. He could wait until she was ready but she had been, not even a moment had passed before he was rewarded with the same three words spoken to him.  He didn't know how he had gotten so lucky when he found her but he had and he intended to hold on to her as long as he could. They had shared plenty in the past but that day had seemed different as if it was meant to end the way it had. Over the days since then he'd not been able to get what happened between them out of his head and that was what had led him to finding the place he was now taking her with one last thing to do that he was sure would make her happy. After the winter they'd had he wanted to make her as happy as he could.

With the last days of winter upon them many things had changed his excitement for the new plants to arrive was strong inside him.  The change that most affected him was the change in Jynx. His paws didnfnkead him to wander as much as they had before the day on the boulder, he stayed close to home and her.  Once again he'd settled into his duties at home while she continued to settle into her role as leader. He stayed close to her to ensure the other males were aware of their status.  They could often be seen walking side by side with each other as a clear signal to others that they were a couple.  Emrys knew his place in the pack but the desire to start a family with her grew with each passing day. He wouldn't undermine Gent by going behind his alpha's back to start one. He also didn't know exactly how Jynx felt about starting a family but as he walked with her to the place he'd chosen he thought it might be time to find out.

He was elated that she agreed to come with him though there hadn't been any doubt in his mind she would.  He knew she didn't like to spend too much time away from the pack but this day was special.  As they traveled across the land and out of pack territory he chuckled as she playfully nipped at his haunches. Turning every so often to nip playfully back at her. It wasn't often they had time like this to themselves so when they did get the chance he did what he could to make it last.  As the sound of the water reached them he turned to watch her face as she took in the place he had brought her. To him it was the perfect place for him to go through with what he'd brought her there for.

For a few minutes he allowed her to take in the sights all around them as he shifted a little nervously. Before he spoke explaining how he thought she would like it there, he was rewarded when she told him that it was a beautiful place. “I think it's perfect,” he said leaving it at that, she would see soon enough why he thought that. “That is very much so,” he teased as he inwardly tried to get control of his nerves so he could go through with what he wanted to ask her.  Her advances were more than welcome as she pushed her flank against his side he allowed her to become entangled with him. It was only brief but it was enough to help him to answer her next question. A note of serious entered his tone as he spoke. “I brought you here to ask you something.  Would you do me the honor of being my mate?” He asked her taking his time with the words not wanting to rush the moment. He then waited more nervously then he'd been before he'd asked.

(This post was last modified: Mar 02, 2017, 06:02 AM by Emrys.)

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Jynx could take a guess at what it was Emrys had brought her here for. She knew it had to be something serious, something personal. Her emotions were already reeling from the other day when he declared his love to her, but what he said next sent her heart leaping into her throat. She stayed close, leaning in slightly so her side remained pressed against his. His voice nervous but serious, she turned to regard him in stunned silence with wide yellow eyes. Her mouth went dry, her tongue felt too heavy for words. Had she heard him right? Was he really asking this of her? For a moment she seemed frozen, unsure.

Then the spell was broken in an instant. In a flash, with a whine of delight and excitement, she reared up on her hind legs to wrap her front ones around his shoulders and neck. "Yes...yes of course I will." Her voice was thick, choked up. She buried her muzzle into the thick ruff of his neck tenderly. "Nothing would make me happier to be yours, Emrys..." Tears of joy threatened to spill from the corners of her eyes, but they never came. Memories of the times they had spent together played back. From their very first encounter of catching rabbits, to their second meeting in the cherry orchard, and the day when his life changed as a loner, to a pack wolf. The many hunting sessions they had shared since then, days learning about herbal plants, or nights spent side by side in the den. She was reminded of how lucky she was, to have such a strong, caring pack. And an equally caring lover, who wanted her all to himself.

Her russet ears which had been flattened in the fur of her skull lifted some now, as a new realization struck her. Slowly drawing her head away from the warmth of his fur, she gazed back at him with uncertainty in her eyes. "We...we'll need to tell Gent and Raela about our relationship." The waver in her voice was uncharacteristic of the normally confident female. She didn't know how the ruling pair would take to another couple as mates in their pack. Her eyes lowered to his paws in thought, and then found his face again, almost timidly. "You...don't think they will mind...do you?"

With his confession that he had something he wanted to ask her he wouldn't have been surprised if she knew what it was.  After all he'd just told her he loved her, this seemed the next logical step and Jynx was smart.  So he had done it with her pressed lightly against him he had asked her and waited nervously.  There was a part of him that felt she would accept his offer and say yes.  While all he has to give her was a name if was a good name that he was proud of and he hoped she would be proud to carry it too. He watched her features while she seemed to process but then he could not help the side from that crossed his features.

She'd reared up onto her hindquarters, forelegs wrapping around his neck as she gave her answer and he couldn't have been happier.  He turned his head to place a few kisses on her chin, “You've just made me the happiest man,” he told her, “I couldn't ask for more." Yet there was one more thing that he could ask of her and it was yet another thing that would make them both happy but for now he wanted to bask in what had just happened.  He was still in a little shocked himself because he had thought he would never get hers, to fall in love and that live become his mate.

The moment however seemed to become shaken as her ears flattened before being drawn back against her skull.  That look of uncertainty entering her gaze leaving him taking a deep breath.  Her words reminded him that they would need to share with Gent and Raela and hope for the best. He nodded at her words, “We will do it as soon as we can, I feel it's best not to wait with something like this,” he said placing a reassuring kiss on her cheek, “I don't know, Gent seems pretty reasonable and hopefully our ranks will help,” Emrys didn't know and was trying to calm her nerves but he was sure she knew.

(This post was last modified: Mar 02, 2017, 06:22 PM by Emrys.)

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The concern in her eyes slowly started to diminish as Emrys assured her that they would inform Gent and Raela of the news as soon as they could. "Alright...I agree. We'll do it together." A part of her wondered if they had already taken notice. Her behavior in the past months, and most recent days had changed drastically. So she was bound to catch some attention. She noticed too, that Gent had recently grown more protective of the females in the pack, keeping a closer eye on the males. He had never expressed any interest that suggested he knew about their growing relationship, but to be sure, the new pair had to speak with him privately.

With these thoughts in mind, a tingle ran down her backbone. Reminding her of the season that was literally upon them. Averting her eyes and turning her head to the side, Jynx tried to hide the feelings threatening to creep across her face. Instead she took a few slow steps forwards, towards the gently cascading stream. "So then...what does this mean for us?" She spared a nervous glance at the white healer over her shoulder. "We'll have to be careful. To step lightly until the month is over..." She reminded him gently, choosing her words with care, yet fashioned enough to be clear as to what she was getting at. Last year she had been younger, and while the temptation had been there, the huntress had felt very little desire to give in to the urges of her body. She had no crush...no mate. Her goals had been different and she was new to the Notch. Now she was established, and in a brand new, blossoming relationship. Raela may be ill, but that still left her guarded. She and Gent still may very well opt to try for pups, and she wasn't about to step on their toes, no matter how much children of her own, was growing heavy on her mind.

He had asked and she'd said yes but that didn't seem to be their biggest problem.  They would have to tell Gent and Raela about their relationship and how it had changed.  He wasn't sure if mates were allowed in the pack but as long as they knew their place and were careful he didn't see there being a conflict of one wasn't made.  He smiled softly, “Always together no matter what,” he said touching his nose to her cheek.  He was sure she knew that but it didn't hurt to hear the important things sometimes. it hasn't escaped him the behavior that had been seen by the alpha in regards to the females hadn't escaped the healer.  None of that matter though, the status of his and Jynx relationship had changed and therefore they needed to inform the alpha.  He and his agouti mate would go together and support each other as they always had.

He was watching as he turned her head to the side, concern crossed his face as he moved toward her and ran his muzzle down her cheek.  He wanted to ask her what was wrong but he thought he would wait and see if she didn't one out with it. Which she did, he shook his head, “I'm not sure but I do want a family with you someday.  You deserve to have some pups of your own but right now I'm not sure that we can,” he said letting his head drop.  It saddened him that he might not be able to give her a family for awhile.  “Of course, he have to remain loyal to the pack they need us and we can't risk losing our home.” They didn't need to get ousted because they couldn't control their urges through the breeding season.  With Raela I'll it didn't seem she and Gent would be having pups this year.  Unless something changes later and they changed their minds. It was sad that there wouldn't be any pups from the notch this year. Emrys looked at Jynx, “What if we asked?” He suggested to her.

(This post was last modified: Mar 02, 2017, 09:08 PM by Emrys.)

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Standing before the bank of the freshwater stream, Jynx gazed down at the water thoughtfully. Patiently waiting to hear what Emrys had to say. When he spoke, her ears pricked up some. She turned around part way to better face him. A look of curious surprise, mixed with hope had settled in place on her face. "You really mean that? You really would like children, someday?" Maybe this was all running along too fast. They had just confessed their deepest feelings to each other, and had accepted one another as mates. But...why hold back now? There was no need to. The more they expressed their wants and needs, they had nothing to be ashamed of. They were still both relatively young...in their prime, but they both were only getting older.

Her bright yellow eyes had averted again, down to the mix of slowly melting snow and mud underneath her paws. Considering his feelings, and her own. Finally, she lifted her head to meet his blue eyes. "You know, I feel the same way actually. For a while now, I've been thinking about children of my own...if it were even possible." Now it was, with Emrys as her mate, all to herself. Except they would have to break the rules of the pack to do it. "Ever since Raela and Gent's children came into the picture...interacting with them..." She let her sentence trail off, but the look in her eyes was enough to fill in the rest. Surely Emrys had seen how the tawny female had mingled with the growing children. Displaying remarkable patience, wisdom and nurturing instincts. They were not of her own blood, but that hadn't stopped her from considering them family. 

Then he brought up a suggestion. One that nearly made her heart stopped. Asking the rightful leaders of the Notch. Her head tipped to the side ever so faintly, brows knitting in a confused look. She took a careful step closer towards him, tail beginning to sway gently at her heels. "What do you mean...ask? You know the rules just as well as I do, Emrys." Her eyes fell down to land on the white fur of his chest in consideration, while she still digested what he had implied. Then to test her luck, to make sure she had interpreted him right, she met his gaze again, this time more intensely. "Are...you suggesting we approach them to ask for their blessing?" She asked, her voice just above a whisper. She held her breath and waited for his answer.

The subject of children was something they had never spoken of before but now that he had a mate he didn't see why they shouldn't have children too.  Emrys watched her as she gazed into the water, he believed it to be something that would make Jynx happy.  He’d seen her with the pups and how much she enjoyed, she should have be able to have some of her own.   He offered her a wide smile as he stepped toward her and brushed her muzzle with his, “Yes, I do really mean that.” He assured her that he meant what he said as he always did, lying to her wasn't an option.  They had both been opening up more and more to each other about what they were feeling. Now that they had accepted each other as mated it was only natural for them to want children. It would only be a matter of time before they wanted to start their family but she seemed to want it as much as he did.

She didn't look at him for a long moment but Emrys waited as he always did, let her come to it in her time.  She always did and his patience was rewarded with her yellow eyes meeting his explained how she'd been thinking about puppies. “The other day when I saw you a top that boulder I felt like it was more possible than ever.”  she did have a point because in their current situation it really wasn't possible for them. Now that they had admitted how they felt about each other and accepted each other as mated he wanted a family more than he ever had.  It was something he'd never had because it had been him and his mom. “I haven't been with them as long as you have but in the time I have been with them it's made me realize that I do want some of my own too.  You are great with the children and I think you would be a great mom.”

The question was how could they make their own family a reality in their current situation, Emrys made a suggestion.  It was a long shot that might not even work but if it was their best chance then he felt they had to try.  So he proposed it to Jynx who didn't seem to understand what he was saying, “I do know the rules but Gent and Raela are good alphas they might be understanding.” At least he hoped they would be.  It seemed to take a few minutes for her to really see what he was suggesting. He nodded, “I think if we are honest and explain ourselves then we might be able to get their blessing.” No matter what their chances even if they were turned down he felt that if this was what they really wanted they had to try.

(This post was last modified: Mar 03, 2017, 04:13 AM by Emrys.)

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She still could not believe how lucky she was, to have captured the heart of a wolf like him. He was always so patient, calm and understanding. Ready to be there and listen, to ease her nerves. Jynx would never have the pleasure of knowing his mother, nor of the rest of his family. From what she could tell, what she had seen in Emrys, the woman she would never meet had done a fine job of raising him. Sometime soon down the road, she would ask Emrys about his mother in more detail. In turn, she would gladly share her fondest memories of her own adoptive father. The touch of his muzzle was met with a gentle flick of her tongue across the bridge of his nose. Comforted by what he said, she leaned into him. Not enough that he was forced to support her, but so she felt secure.

A soft hum of content rolled in her throat, russet ears turning slightly to receive the sound of his voice. Her thoughts went back to that day, where they basked in the sun on the boulder. "Yes, I had already begun thinking about the possibility too. It was just a thought at first, but now...it's grown into something more real. A true want." Due to their small but obvious difference in height, when she looked at him again, she craned her neck up in a rather graceful pose. She laughed lightly, the skin under her fur growing warm. "That's...so sweet of you to notice. Those children...they honestly captured my heart when they came into the world. I had never known I had it in me to be so nurturing before." She paused, golden eyes glimmering while locked with his. "And you. You are so patient, so wise and attentive." Another pause, this time for a coy smirk. "And handsome. I know  you would make a wonderful father." 

His idea about approaching their leaders made sense. They were lucky to be lead by such a strong yet caring team. Unlike other times in the past, Jynx was never left feeling uncertain that her work in the pack was always appreciated. It was because of them and her own boosted self esteem, that she knew she had found her niche at last. And to repay them in this time of need while Raela recovered, she had gladly assumed the task of leadership. Taking a breath, she voiced her own thoughts. "Well...I suppose it can't hurt to ask, at the very least. Like you said, honesty will be our best bet. No need to beat around the bush." She cast him another, slightly nervous smile. "The worst they can do is say no." Gent was a fair leader, if not somewhat stern and intimidating at times. Jynx fretted a little over how the dark king would take being asked for an exception to his rules. But she would rather play it safe than be sorry.