Sven moved through the borders. As big as his father, but no more. He even held the stocky build his father had kept even as an old man. There was a quiet watchfulness about him, but an easy half smile on his face
He miased hia fadir completely, explicitly and yet when he walked where the man had. He felt closer.
A wandering patch of midnight sky caught Ujurak's eye and it gently tugged the corners of his mouth into a smile. A sense of relief warmed his heart to a see a peacefulness to his expression.
Bróðir!
He shook out his pelt and approached Sven with a quickened stride. His tail wagging behind him. He briefly pressed his nose to his brother's shoulder when he caught up. He paused as he looked over his brother thoughtfully. Are you enjoying your walk?
Sven's head lifted quickly at his brother's call and he smiled at the granite stone that was his Brodir. Ujurak sweet and kind and humble. Sven loved him fiercely. He loved all his siblings, but both Skald and Ujurak were his closest ones at least right now. Asti was too angry all the time and Kristjan, quiet.
Sven offered a nudge in return and gently tugged at a piece of his brother's fur. I am. It makes me feel peaceful to walk where he walked.
He knew his brother would understand what he meant with little words.
Ujurak laughed softly and allowed his gaze to rest upon his brother. That is good.
The feeling was mutual in many ways. but peace for Ujurak was cemented in the smile that Sven gave him. There had been so few smiles as of late. Even the quiet that he allowed to fall between them in that moment was comfortable. It was better with good company.
May I walk with you?
Sven grinned again. Steel eyes snapping with good humor, despite their heavy edge. He would always miss his fadir. So would hia siblings. But he would not want them to always be sad. Death was or should be celebrated. At least Sven felt so, especially such a large age. It was amazing how only a few weeks in aging changed your perspective as you learned.
Yes, but only if we race at the end. I am pretty sure I can beat you.
A smile in challenge a small puffing of chest.
Ujurak chuffed and bumped his shoulder to Sven's before sidestepping away. Mirroring his brother's smile. His tail wagged behind him as his chest dipped down towards the snow, forelegs extending into a bow.
You're sure, huh? Then why don't we race now?
He would not shy away from the challenge. Ujurak was not sure which of them was faster, in truth. But Sven's confidence brought a competitive spirit in his chest. If Sven was so sure, Ujurak would have him prove it!
Where shall we have this race end?
here, have a target >:D
Skáld did not see the boys conspiring in the distance. Having caught a nice hare he carried it back with him across the borders, trying to decide whether he ought to cache it, or bring it to Tauris and Figment. He reflected for a few moments on the lost opportunity of bringing something back that was still alive, so that Swiftlet and Katla would get to practice their skills on it...But it was too late for that now. The hare had nearly given him the slip, so he had made sure to render it motionless before he trotted back with it.
A gleam of delight lit up Sven's eyes and face as he too went into a play bow. His steel eyes brightening and snapping at his brother.
Oh I'll prove it.
His brother voiced a concern, and then a mischievious grin lit up his face as he caught sight of their older brother walking towards them with something dangling from his jaws.
To Skald! Ready? SET? GO!
Then he was off, racing towards skald, tail streaming behind him. Ears laid back to his skull tight, but upon his face was a smile of absolute joy.
Sven tore off, leaving Ujurak to scramble after him. No time to think aside from locking eyes onto their elder brother. A wide smile plastered upon his face as he ran with his brother. It felt good to stretch his legs. To run and play. To catch a glimpse of Sven's delight.
Ujurak lowered his head and pushed forward. Trying to gain enough ground to reach Sven's side. It was still a race, after all. He had little regard for Skáld as they rapidly approached the older wolf.