Whitefish River deep into the mountain sound

for @Ira, set for tomorrow

@Evergreen is sleeping in, having exhausted himself the day before by fishing all day, long after Winterbourne had decided he'd had enough. He'd stuck around to watch, of course, and talk to him in the moments between — but he can only stand being wet for so long. The consequence is the absence of his mate on what strikes him as a rather perfect morning. He's restless and a little saddened by it, but unwilling to wake his husband, so he sets off from their (recently reclaimed) shared den in search of a packmate.
It feels nice to be back at the river, and he finds himself in a slightly better mood as he walks through the territory. It still hasn't quite sunk in, just as the first move had taken awhile to truly register for him, but that makes it better in this case. Every morning is a pleasant little surprise, waking up beside his mate in the spot they've shared together since Kaistleoki's fledgling days. And days like today, when he can enjoy a quiet stroll by the river, are especially nice. He wishes Evergreen was awake to share it with him, but for now he's content with the possibility of other company.

It was an early morning at the riverside. The move back had been smooth enough, but the Count wasn't fully convinced. It felt worlds better to be back, but that didn't mean that all trouble was now gone. The territory was still a mess in a few places, and even with their scent present, they have not been here long enough to ward off unsuspecting travelers.

That's why Ira took it upon herself to wake up early and start patrolling before most had made their way out of their dens. There was much to be done, but at least it gave the mountain wolf purpose as they settle back into their comfy lives.