“Those berries don’t taste too bad,” Vaken called, poking his head through the tall grass. He looked pretty normal, his eyes bright and cheerful and body language relaxed. His voice was soft, a conscious attempt to be more friendly than usual. He had smelt Ferrieran’s scent on the breeze, and felt obligated to make his presence known. In truth, he was embarrassed about their last fight. With that in mind, Vaken wasn’t the type to apologize. He wasn’t the type to express his feelings or explain his actions.
He wasn’t mature enough to justify his behaviour and banter with the wolf. He hoped it was clear in his body language that he wasn’t going to fight again. He wasn’t angry anymore, and there were enough berry bushes to share. He didn’t feel territorial or resentful. “Rabbits taste better though,” he joked. “They seem to like the berries too.” He knew he was rambling, but it came naturally.
He’d do anything to avoid discussing their fight. He didn’t want to evoke any settled frustration or anger, or feel guilty. He wanted it to be settled.
Vaken wasn’t sure what he had been expecting. Maybe a smile from the other wolf, a head nod? Something to say it’s okay. When he didn’t find it, he sighed, but didn’t let it hold him back from trying. He pushed through the grass some more and slowly made his way over to the berry bush, placing one of the fruits between his teeth. He ate it silently, swallowing it mostly whole. He didn’t mind the quiet. He knew it didn’t mean much from Ferrieran. It wasn’t the silent treatment.
He picked up another berry and swallowed it, coughing slightly when it got caught in his throat. “I wouldn’t mind finding some water after this,” he said mindlessly. The words came out of his mouth before he could fully acknowledge what they meant. Narrowing his eyes in realization, he looked over at Ferrieran with a guilty side-smirk. “I promise not to fight you over it. I’m learning to share better.”
Despite trying to hold it back, the young wolf’s tail started to wag happily. His lips spread into a large grin and his eyes softened. He looked like a child again, full of pure excitement and love. He couldn’t contain his body language, it exposed him for being the sensitive boy that he was. “Friends,” he promised, bringing his muzzle closer to the other wolf in appreciation. He lightly tapped it against the other wolf’s shoulder, and then backed away.
He popped another berry in his mouth. This time, he ate it slower and enjoyed each chew. He swallowed it and then ate another, and then another. “If we’re gonna be friends,” he added, looking at the black wolf cheerfully. “Maybe we should know more about each other.”
If there was anything Vaken loved with his entire being, it was running. As soon as Ferreiran took off, Vaken was following. It felt so refreshing being able to run, just out of play. He wasn’t running away from anything threatening. He wasn’t chasing to kill. It was a game, nothing less, nothing more.
He tried to follow beside the male, desperate to get close enough to press his nose against the black flank of his friend. Instead, he rode right behind him, hot on his heels. “Get back here,” he growled, straining his neck forward.
He pushed his nose out until it tapped the other wolf lightly. Stumbling back, with a snide grin, the young Svart quickly turned and danced away. His breathing was getting heavy, but he didn’t want to stop now. He was having fun. “You’re it!”
Apparently that wasn't going to happen yet. He lost his patience and sped up. Dark legs were flying across the ground as he made a last sprint for the other wolf. Since Ferreiran had stayed so close it was easy to reach out with his muzzle. There! "You're It!" he crowed triumphantly, turning tail and running away again.
Vaken huffed and puffed and bowed his head in defeat. “You win,” he admitted through a large grin. He collapsed on the ground with a thud and chuckled. It was getting late, and running had made him hungry.
He didn’t feel much like hunting, but stealing prey was always risky. He grunted and let his heartbeat slow down. It didn’t take him long to recharge, but he needed it. He knew he was close to edible plants and berries, but he wanted meat. Surely the coyotes had left a kill somewhere close by, right?
He pouted and sniffed, still distracted by his fatigue. “I think I’m gonna head out,” he mumbled. “I’m getting hungry. You can come with me if you want,” he shrugged.