Whitefish River To the place that I have longed and dreamed for

Assuming @Leo is with her. Athena, you’re always welcomed to pop in, but you aren’t obligated to do so. c:
Edit; Located at Quartz Cavern.

Just as she said she would, Asterr had departed from the forest she’d been camping out in with her young companion. In the time spent there, she’d learned much of the boy, and felt she’d grown closer to him. It was nice to know that she could trust him, no matter how much he grew or aged. He would always be Leo, the boy she’d sworn to protect and care for. No matter what things he might see or voices he might hear, she would stay by his side and ensure his life was not ended before his time came. And so she’d continued her journey with him at her side, her attention always half on his condition and half on where they were going. She needed to be mindful of their surroundings, after all, both to make sure they continued on the path she desired and to be certain that no packs were nearby. While the mountain wolves had been kind in the sense that they hadn’t evicted the dragon and hatchling from their temporary home, she knew that same kindness could not be expected from all. She would need to watch out for any signs that might signal the settlement of a pack, or even a tribe.

The plan had been to continue forward and reach the mountain range in one trip, yet nature was not on their side. Eventually, snow started to fall down around them. It was light, soft underfoot in the few places it stuck, but she did not wish to remain out in it. The idea of Leo catching a cold had her changing their path in an attempt to find shelter. While the elements had forsaken her, nature proved to be a wonderful mother as a cavern was sighted. Asterr wasted no time in ushering the boy inside, only to then notice the bones within. They were large and easily recognizable, bringing her to sniff at the air in an attempt to locate the dangerous beasts. Curiously enough, no fresh scents were detected, which set her mind at ease. The girl was quick to get her companion settled in, only to then station herself near the exit. Just as she’d promised, she would look out for the younger wolf, even going so far as to place herself on guard duty.

:D

This adventure had been the most strangest, exciting, and mysterious the boy had ever had. Him and his traveling companion had soon left the woods were they had camped at in search of a new home. His foot had gotten better and they were ready to travel again. As they departed from the woods, he thought about the older whelp from the mountain. The boy had made a promise to see her once again and he wouldn't break that promise. One day, the cream colored pup could come back to visit her once more, but that was for another time. Right now he had a story to write.

His travel was not easy. It wasn't his paw that had been bothering him, but those things. He could hear the angry whispers. See shadows despite the clouds. It was not normal. Even as he tried to ignore them, he could still feel their ringing voices in the back of his mind. Lucky for him they were not right in his face, for Asterr was always there to protect him from them. He stuck very close to her side, not wanting fall behind. Not wanting the darkness to consume him.

All seemed normal, that was until something strange happened. White specks floating down from the sky. It both frightened Leo and enchanted him. What was this mysterious thing? Was Asterr able to see it or was it all in his mind. Well the boy had a feeling it wasn't just him because the darker female seemed to want to get out of it. As soon as there was shelter available, he was rushed into it.

Inside he was able to make out the bones. As soon as they came into view, Leo didn't enjoy them. Bones were scary. They reminded him of an unknown force. Death. He sat down, back away from the remains. For a long while, he just stayed there, watching Asterr guard the entrance. After a while it became quite boring, so he decided to move forward and place himself beside her.

Dead, grey eyes looked out at the falling snow, curiosity striking the young boy. He looked up at his companion then back out at the scene. "What.... what is that stuff? Where is it coming from?"

As she sat by the opening of the cavern, the air from the outside world would wrap itself around her slim physique and ruffle her obsidian coat. A chill made its way down her spine, coaxing her body into trembling for a mere second as a shiver had its way with her. It was not a new experience for the girl, neither the cold nor the snow, and was something she’d actually grown quite accustomed to. Her home had been stationed a little ways further north than Teekon was, and the first winter she’d ever experienced had been rather harsh. It was a good thing, really, that her ancestors had been the ones to found the tribe generations ago. It had allowed for their coats to continue to thicken up as generation after generation entered the world, for natural selection was not without its rewards. She worried for Leo, however, uncertain of how thick his fur might become as the cold days continued to grow in number. Keeping him warm would not be overly easy, yet she would always try her best to ensure he was comfortable. Even if it meant having to sleep closer than she currently did, she would gladly invade his personal space if it meant he would not freeze to death.

Silver eyes trailed out over the land, watching as each snowflake touched the ground—some melting and vanishing without a trace, while others contributed to the growing collection that laid spread across the ground. It was a beautiful thing to witness, and filled her with the same sensation a young artist might possess upon the opening of his very first gala. Each little fleck of the soft ice ensnared her with its beauty, tangling itself into her focus and preventing her from looking away. Though a dragon at heart and by name, she did not despise the frozen waterworks, but rather accepted them as a gift from Draco himself. Asterr was so entangled by her desire to see every flake kiss the earth, that she’d almost missed the presence at her side. As his natural warmth reached out to meet her own, she was pulled back to her senses and sent him a smile that almost appeared whimsical. It was then his face turned to meet hers and a question was presented, which she had not been expecting. Instantly, it dawned on her that it must be his first winter, meaning she would have much to teach him in the months to come.

Slowly, she turned her head and returned her vision to the snow-covered land, motion for Leo to do the same. “It is called ‘snow’,” she began, unable to wait a moment longer before giving her explanation. “During months when it is cold, vapors that have collected inside the clouds begin to freeze. When it gets too heavy, the clouds release it down to us, just as they do with rain.” The dragon stood slowly and took a step out into the open. Though close to the entrance still, little flurries had already begun settling atop her dorsal. “Right now, there is not a lot. It is only a slight falling, but there occasionally comes a time when it becomes greater in size and far more hectic. When that happens, it is best to take shelter immediately, for getting trapped out in the open during such a time can be deadly.” Of course, there was no way she would allow Leo even a chance to step out into full-on blizzard. She’d sooner give up her own life than risk his, after all.

I imagine this song every time Leo and Asterr are together, especially at this moment <3

He turned his gaze over to the somewhat magical scene. It was very peaceful. It seemed like all of his troubles were melting away at this moment. Such a pure feeling to hold.

Snow. That was what this substance was called. He leaned forward, sniffing at it softly. "I've never seen snow." he stated in a quiet tone. Indeed nothing so far had soothed him more than this, he could not imagine how harmful it could really be to him.

quick post

That actually fits them so well, omg :o
ALSO! You get my fiftieth post~

The girl observed his actions, smiling at his curiosity. It was as if she were experiencing secondhand amazement, which was quite the sensation. To the Draconid, it was strange to feel secondhand-anything when in the presence of someone other than her brother. They had been together since birth, after all, so it was only logical that they shared feelings and experiences with one another. Leo was not her brother, not even close, but there she was experiencing something new with him. It was enjoyable, she realized, and something she looked forward to happening more often. "Now you have," the yearling pointed out, turning her head to look back out over the wintry scenery. It was beautiful, she would admit to that, but the dangers could not be forgotten. Of course, that isn't to say she would keep the boy away from it forever, she would simply be sure to teach him what to do in case things became harmful.

Asterr took a step out into the snow, a light crunching sound disrupting the silence of their space as the snow fell victim to her weight. After taking several more steps, she stopped and turned to face the male, the flakes collecting on her coat as she stood there in the open. "Some enjoy playing in snow, but you must be careful," she began, keeping her voice just loud enough to be heard. "Remember that the snow is a form of water and can dampen your coat. If you then remain out in the cold for too long, you may fall ill." Slowly, her backside lowered as she sat down, tail wrapping around her paws neatly. "If you would like, you may come out into it for a bit." The girl smiled, leaving her invitation open to either be accepted or turned down. Whichever option he chose was fine by her, for she would react appropriately towards his wishes.

yay!

You could play in this snow? How interesting. Leo wondered in his mind how this could be. Why this would be. He hesitated at first, for fear told him to hold back. Then again this was an opportunity to get to know this snow. It couldn't hurt as long as he didn't get drenched in it. So he stood.

One paw at a time, he slowly made his way out the cave. Snowflakes instantly started landing on his pelt and instantly melting. He pulled his head away as some melted on his snout. The boy peered backward to Asterr, not quite sure of what to make of this. This was a very strange experience.

Despite the urge to pull back, he continued, walking over to his side to investigate a small clump of the substance. He stood over it for a moment, prodding at it with his small paw before lowering to lick it. It was so cold. Colder than anything he could ever experience. Wanting Asterr to see too he grabbed it between his teeth and bought it over. The icy snow sent a very weird sensation through his mouth.

Leo placed it by his travel companion's feet, tale swaying slowly. "It's really cold," he exclaimed, "I've never felt something more cold."

As the younger wolf made his way out of the cavern with tentative steps, she remained in her own space and simply observed. Her time to experience the snow and all it had to offer—as well as take—had already come and gone, but his had just arrived. For a brief moment, she wondered if what she felt while watching him was the same as what her own mother had felt, but was quick to discard such a ridiculous thought. Asterr was not the boy's mother, she had neither birthed nor nursed him, and she was not going to force her way into that role. She was simply his guardian at that point, along with his general care provider. Both of which were important to the growth and development of any child, but they were not the same as the motherly role. That was something she felt herself incapable of performing. Besides, to assume such would be unlike her, and thus she refrained from doing so. It was difficult at times, but she knew it to be necessary to keep herself from twisting the titles together. Leo had a mother, even if they were not on good terms, and she refused to force her way into his life in that way.

When he approached and dropped a clump of snow down beside her, she was surprised. Many often avoided picking the frozen substance up, for it could chill their mouths in a matter of milliseconds. The words that followed made her smile, as well as let a few chuckles to slip out. "It is," Asterr agreed, knowing well how cold it was. It wasn't the coldest for everyone, she knew, but it certainly was when compared to everything she, personally, had managed to feel within her short life. "Do not hold it in your mouth for too long when you pick it up," the yearling voiced, recalling a distant memory of her twin brother. "It may numb your mouth, or even cause your head to ache." If either were to happen, there was nothing she could do to help. No herbs capable of "curing" such things existed, which meant the only thing to do would be to let it run its course.

He looked down onto the lump of snow. "It did feel weird when a held it too hard," he stated. It made his fangs sting when they sunk in told too deep. This snow was a weird little thing. It had so many properties he had yet to discover.

Out here, there was so many new things to come across. He doubted that he would ever be able to discover such things if he hadn't left. "I remember, I used to live in a dark place. A dark place with bad wolves. I don't think they could ever enjoy this." He didn't believe they could enjoy anything. Thinking of Blackfeather had reminded him of Xan. That pack had probably poisoned his mind by now.

@Leo quick nudge~ We can wrap this up within the next post or two, if you'd like?

The girl was somewhat amused by his discovery. He was young and had much to learn, much to understand, and she could only hope that she'd be able to teach him all he wished to know. From the harshness of winter and snow to the benefits of the summer and warmth; she would ensure he learned of it all, within due time. "You must be careful of things you pick up," the yearling voiced. She valued curiosity and would encourage it until the day she took her final breath, but she also understood that the thirst for knowledge and danger walked hand-in-hand. There were many things out there that could poison a wolf, some of which remained present even after the snow had settled upon the ground. Many needed to be swallowed down in order to take effect, but others need only to be picked up into one's mouth in order to wreak havoc upon their victim's body.

With the introductions of new things, there came a memory. However, it was not one of Asterr's this time around, but something that he been stored within the boy's mind. She considered his words, before saying, "Not all dark places are bad." Such as the lair of a dragon (well, depending on who you spoke to), or even a whelping den. Such places were meant to be dark, but that did not automatically deem them domains of malicious intent. The talk of 'bad wolves', however, was not so easily dismissed. Before commenting on such, she'd needed to retrieve a memory made long ago, even before she'd been permitted outside of her nest. "The concept of what is 'bad' and what is 'good' is tricky, Leo..." the girl began, settling her gaze upon something in the distance to refrain from being met with any distractions. "You and I, what we may consider to be 'bad' could be 'good' in the minds of those from the dark place you spoke of. I do not believe the world is so black and white that we may easily label something as being correct or incorrect." Asterr paused and inhaled slowly, taking a moment to enjoy the chilled air before looking over to her companion. "Even if the world is not like that, never forget that we cannot have one without the other—without things that are 'bad' we cannot have things that are 'good', and vice versa."

Fade next post?

He didn't know how that would make since at first. Not many seemed to enjoy his presence at that place, which name became lost in his mind. But then he remembered about his little sister, the one with a pure white coat and blue eyes. She loved him, very much so, and he loved her too. In fact, he wished that she was here to see more of this weird world. There was also his brother. Though he had gone missing in the beginning, he had still formed a close bond to him. And all of this, he remembered, was at that dark place. Maybe there was a little love that could blossom there. Blossom anywhere.

It was getting a little cold outside, and Leo could feel some heat being lost. It might have been the time to go back in the cave. "It's getting cold," he said, standing up and heading back in. He rested his body a little ways behind her before calling, "Do you want to come inside with me and watch snow fall?"

Ye~

Whether or not her words had been understood was left up to one's imagination, or rather the faith they put in the child's intelligence. Truthfully, it was not a particularly easy concept to grasp, for within the world their lived some with monochromatic views and then others capable of seeing far more vividly. The category that claimed the boy was yet to be discovered, as his age posed a hindrance upon the prospect of examining his mental capacity any further than that which had already been done. In the future, after he'd had time to grow and mature, the state of his mind would be far easier to calculate, and maybe then she would share with him the same speech from moments ago.

Such was months away, however, and so her focus was returned to what was presently in front of her. She'd nodded in response to his first statement, the chill of the air undeniable. It did not bother her as much as it probably could have, for her winter coat had nearly finished taking the place of her summer one. Still, she would not let the child freeze, and so the dragoness had turned and followed him back into the cavern; managing to answer his question both silently and with actions. Asterr had settled herself down near to the boy, leaving no space between them so that they could share one another's body heat. There she remained, gazing out the entrance as the snow continued to fall down outside. Once the next day had arrived and the snow had either stopped or slowed, they would depart once more to continue with their expedition. In the meantime, it was nice to simply relax and witness the making of a winter wonderland.