Steady was patrolling, as well, though his thoughts were not on the borders. He had picked up Niita's scent and was following it, hoping to catch up to her. It was strong enough that he felt sure she was still on it. He had known when she returned, but was worried about stealing her away too quickly after she got back. So, he gave her a little time to herself, as he figured she'd need the rest anyways.

But, it had been long enough- or was it that he could no longer wait? His tail wagged when she came into view, and he picked up his pace. Instead of slowing down when he reached her, he attempted to give her a quick playful nip on her hip, and then ran in front of her, silently inviting her in a game of tag. He had been serious, too serious, while she was gone, but his heart had lifted at her return, and now he was ready to play.

He heard her bark in response to tagging her and laughed in response before he turned to make sure she was following him. She called him an overgrown pup, and he couldn't really argue with that right now. He did feel rather young when he was around her, not that he was old. He was a wolf in his prime. 

He slid to a halt and turned to face her in a play bow, his tail wagging in the air. Just before the distance between them was closed, his body jerked and he was off again, circling around behind her before facing her again, a smile on his face. This time, he waited to see what she would do instead of running off again.

He was elated that they could play like this together. In their mature years, they would still keep each other young. Those thoughts brought a smile to his face as she kissed him, and he returned it. She claimed he was it, but she didn't run. He mimicked her posture, sitting back on his haunches, his tail moving the grass as it wagged. 

He gazed into her eyes, his expression soft. Be with me forever? he said softly. They had committed to each other already, but this was simply something he wanted to hear. He had missed her so much while she was gone, and it only proved to strengthen his feelings for her. 

Speaking of forever- You know, we haven't talked about our living arrangements, he pointed out. I take up most of the space in my den, and I don't figure we'll both fit in yours, he mused. What do you think about the two of us making a new one? he asked her, his expression hopeful. 

He closed his eyes as he enjoyed her rubbing against him, and he dipped his head to return the affection. He almost stopped himself, remembering her bad memories and what triggered them. But, he knew he would never hurt her, and he had every confidence that she knew that, as well. 

He frowned a moment when Niita brought up Adeline. He had yet to speak to his niece about he and Niita, and he knew he needed to do that soon. Uh, well yes, she does. But, I hope she'll be agree to coming with us, he said hopefully. He knew he couldn't really promise Adeline's response, but he would try to persuade her as best he could. But, if she's alright with it- what do you think? He was almost worried she would say no.

She seemed to take everything in stride, and he was grateful for that. His smile was meant to reassure Niita. I just can't imagine anyone not liking you, he said in honesty. Niita was so lovable; how could Adeline not like her? I would really like to be able to spend my days- and nights- with you. He nuzzled her, showing his feelings. It was possible his statement might give certain implications that Steady had not realized.

Not that the thought hadn't crossed his mind, because it had. But, there were so many things to considers. First, Niita wasn't in heat. Second, what if she got pregnant? The pups would be born in early fall, a time when prey was dwindling, and Steady didn't know if he could bare a winter with pups. It would feel like the famine all over again.

While Steady worried about having pups during the winter, he also worried about having them at all. He had made such a grave mistake with Odette that he almost couldn't fathom putting himself in that situation again by having his own pups. But, when he looked at Niita, and imagined their lives together, pups were apart of the equation, too. His heart was so torn between allowing himself what he wanted, and chancing breaking it all over again.

He returned her nuzzle, wishing his mind wasn't in such turmoil about things that should come easy to a newly-mated couple. In an effort to put the thoughts away, he asked about her trip. So, how did your Scouting trip go? Where'd you end up? Maybe she had some useful information for him.

He listened intently as she spoke of her and Anita's adventure, smiling at her. He was glad to hear that plants and animals were returning in other parts of the area and not just what surrounded them. The Wilds were truly back to their original splendor. 

She motioned for him to follow, and he did. There was no way he would never not follow her, even if she had nothing for him. He was interested, though, in what she might have. His ears were perked and his eyes watched her as she sorted through some rocks, picking one out and pushing it towards him. It seemed to glow, even in the daylight, and he lowered his head to sniff at it. No particular scent to go along with its unusual look. He smiled as he lifted his head and his gaze went to her. It's very unique! Thank you, Niita. He extended his neck to nuzzle her. 

His playful mood had not expired, and his expression showed a mock-shock when Niita expressed she was going to give a stone to Ezekiel. What?! he exclaimed, his voice higher than usual to show he was being playful. You can't give another male a stone, he said. It sounded ridiculous, as he hoped it would. Because, it was just a rock, after all, with hopefully no more than friendly sentiments behind it for Ezekiel.

He moved to shove the remaining rocks back with the others, and then laid down on top of them all. Nope! I claim them all! he announced, his playful gaze on his mate as his tail wagged. He waited to see how she would react. 

Her voice was soft, and his heart did a little flip when she called him "love". He didn't think he'd ever been called that, even by his previous interest, and he stilled a moment to let it sink in. He was certainly memorized by her, even when she was spouting sweet words his way.

Suddenly, she plopped down on him, and he expressed an "oomph" as she did so. She claimed what's his was hers, and vice versa. He grinned. Well, in that case, you and I can share them, he agreed, wondering if she realized that didn't include any other wolves names "Ezekiel." He shifted slowly, rolling his body under her until they were face to face. He turned serious a moment, extending his neck to nuzzle her own.