He remembered the maplewood, albeit very faintly. Little things here and there came back to him as he strolled through the winter-bare trees, looking for signs of spring. His eyes began to play tricks on him; there would be a tiny spot of green, but it turned out to be nothing—just an illusion.
The feeling of his family settled here was an illusion, too.
Oh, he was happy to find out that at least some of them were safe and sound, but Timberlake still was restless. There had been no word or sign of his mother, nor his siblings. Had he lost them forever, just like Shale? He didn't know whether it would be better if they were alive and simply
gone, or dead.
Pfft. That was foolish. Of course he'd rather them be alive. He'd also rather have them by his side—Timberlake shook away a dead leaf, carried on the wind to rest upon his nose—but that was asking too much of the universe, apparently.
@Artyom had told her the news soon after he'd met the young male at the borders. it had taken her longer than she'd hoped to finally seek him out, however; her pregnancy is apparent now and the early symptoms have only intensified. this pregnancy lacks the shooting pains of the last one, and yet her appetite, and nausea, seem both to have increased.
in any case, she finds the scent soon enough; making out an unfamiliar silhouette that can only be the man that had grown from the pup she'd once known. the huntress pauses a short distance away, tail wagging already.
"timberlake?" she calls, ears pressed forward and warmth gathering in her chest. she seemed to gain family just as quickly as she seemed to lose it, and though each disappearance hurt, she was coming to terms with the wayward nature of her kin.
He turned to see his cousin approaching, his tail breaking into exuberant wagging. She had hardly changed at all, at least at a glance; when he drew closer, he'd see the lines and wear of age and stress and grief—but that was to be expected. On the whole, she was the same Dawn as she had been before. And it had been so long. . .
Hi, Dawn!
Timberlake exclaimed, trotting toward her and extending his muzzle to touch her chin in affection. Last he'd seen her, he was just a gangly youth of three or so moons. Now, he was at least her height if not more, and it felt weird to be on the same plane as his elder. Time sure did fly!
He pulled back, eyes glittering amber. Congratulations,
he said warmly, grinning. Pups! I'm so happy for you!
The already-large Sameth family would grow that much bigger, and that was cause to celebrate.
The two of them spent some time together reminiscing, Timberlake awash in the happiness of reunion—and the hope of meeting again, and soon.