it was time.
arktos feels it in the very marrow of his bones; having watched how the seeds of a desire had been sown and reaped into yellowstone. their claim was sturdy and strong and their numbers growing.
small, still; yes, but more than enough to hold this claim.
a swell of great pride rises in his chest like the breach of the rising sun; warming him from within.
he tips his head back and raises his voice in song, beckoning the others to join him.
yellowstone had planted their roots and were here to stay.
she was not far from where her husband stood, the honey-light of dawn enveloping him in a glow of sovereignty. she took a moment to admire him, to admire the work he'd done and the effort put towards their claim.
they were strong — the whole lot of them, and their claim was firm.
they had proven their worth, and it was time for the world to know of it.
she rounded alongside her husband as he bellowed the first of their song, her own voice quickly joining in.
roots had taken hold, now they need only tend to the tree to watch it grow.
Yellowstone!
Yellowstone!
From across the plains, Fjall joined the song with gleeful howls, chanting to his heart's content. It had been a long while since he had last sung in joy rather than in heartbreak. And somewhere, deep down, it pained him that this was not a village of the Moonpeople. Yet, he was glad for this path, for this purpose, and he cried out his loyalty for all to hear.
Yellowstone!