Having risen just before sunrise, the Notch queen had gotten an early start to her day. Being as efficient as she was, she had wrapped up her daily routine within a reasonable time, leaving the afternoon free to herself. Knowing that her pack mates were well off, the hard working mother could afford to spend some time with her growing children. Both of them were getting more and more explorative, yet she was reluctant to let them out of her sights for long. The incident involving the cougar venturing near the den had left her nerves raw. To say that she was still a little on edge, would be an understatement. Their home seemed to have a way of drawing challenges...tests...to the wolves that dwelled amongst the fir trees. As a first time mother, Jynx now always had one ear opened, slept less soundly at night, now that there were children to protect.
Sprawled out in the grass beneath the welcoming shade of an old tree, she was in the midst of a play session with Elyan and Arwyn. They were getting bigger, their play a little rougher. All to be expected from growing pups. But she still displayed a seemingly infinite amount of tolerance, save for only when they bit down on an ear a little too hard or disobeyed her fair, but firm rules. They had yet to get into any mischief that she was aware of, but her son and daughter were rapidly approaching that testing phase of puphood. Plopped on one side with one set of small paws around her neck, jaws parted in a soft bite, the howl that rang from the borders took her by surprise. The voice was unmistakable, and her eyes filled with instant recognition. Despite her excitement, she was careful in rolling to her feet with the children so close by. They would be able to see by the happy flicking of her tail and the pitch in her voice, that this was a celebrated occasion.
Gent was back to check in, just like he had said he would. But it was with this realization and a pang in her heart, that she knew, it could very well be for the last time. Bending down to place a motherly kiss to the crowns of her children, she addressed them.
"Listen you two. We have a very special guest today. He's waiting at our borders..." The borders were off limits for the pups...they knew that.
"Normally I wouldn't let you so close to the edge of our home, but today I want you to come with me." Her bright eyes flicked from one face to another, a glint of seriousness in their depths.
"But stay close and in my sight, okay?" Satisfied that they would behave as she requested, Jynx turned and set off to the border, with pups in tow.
She moved with a bounce in her step, heart hammering and tail held high. As she drew closer, she could indeed smell the familiar scent of Gent, her friend in the air. But it was different. He smelt of other wolves, of a foreign land. This would change nothing towards how she felt for him, for he would always be held in her good books, no matter the distance or wolves he kept company with. The flash of pure white fur through the trees confirmed that Emrys had already arrived before she did. Casting an observant glance over her shoulder at Elyan and Arwyn, she allowed their father a few more minutes alone with the former Notch king. As Gent's eager, intent question was vocalized, Jynx emerged into view, closing the space between them by only a few feet. A warm smile on her lips, eyes welcoming, she touched her nose to his muzzle in greeting before stepping back.
"Why don't you see for yourself?" She said in good humor. But truly, she was elated. She was so thankful for this moment; that one of her dearest friends would get to at last, meet the children that she and Emrys had sired. Speaking of whom... So as not to worry their father, she stepped over to his side and nudged his ear reassuringly, conveying a silent message, hoping he didn't mind their pups presence here today.