Firestone Hot Springs Memories Fade

[size=x-small]This is the closest I could find for both of them other than the river at the moment. @Peregrine [/size]

Blue did not wish to travel far from the children, but Spring was fast upon them. She wanted to scout out the lands surrounding her home. Shock her memories back into working, so she could stock pile again. Something she prided herself on, was her immense stock of herbal remedies. She needed some more lavender for sure, and though most things would not be out yet. They would have a start.

She slid from the den mouth in the earliest morning, when darkness still tucked the world in it's embrace. She wanted to get to the fire springs as the sun came up, and spend most of the day there. She left her three children, in their father's capable paws. He would keep them occupied and happy, he was good at that.

She would miss all four of them on her adventure, but she'd be back by nightfall. It was good to get out too anyway. It helped her keep her own identity, though she loved her children more than life itself. There would come a day when they wouldn't need her anymore, and it wouldn't bode well if she had given them everything that was herself.

Since he was already so far out this way, Peregrine decided, What the hell? and began loping further northwest. Although he and Dante had spoken not too long ago, he was fairly certain he still wasn't welcome at the plateau. Honestly, he no longer had any desire to go there anyway. But there were wolves there—one in particular—that he hadn't seen in far too long. Their last encounter had been rather distraught too. Peregrine wanted to catch up and make amends.

He had just broken from the treeline and was preparing to cross the river when the wind picked up, flirting through the silky black fur at his nape and whispering sweet things about spring. Peregrine paused and tipped his snout into the breeze, sifting for scents. His jade eyes nearly popped when he caught one that was not only familiar, it belonged to the wolf he'd come all this way to see. He broke into a hasty trot.

"Willow!" he shouted as he came closer to the familiar hot springs. "Hey," he said a bit more quietly but emphatically as he closed the gap between them. Peregrine paused, unsure of how his presence would be received. "I've missed you. I'm sorry about last time." His mind briefly replayed that scene from last November. "I was beside myself when I finally learned the truth. But things have changed. Dante and I have made amends. And I'm no longer determined to keep the plateau wolves at a distance." He stopped there, eyes searching her face.

Willow lifted her nose to the air, and sniffed. The tell tale signs of coming spring on the air. She sighed happily, winter had not been disastrous, but she was a spring wolf at heart, and she looked forward to it's coming every year.

Blue heard footfalls and lifted her heard trying to discern from which way they were coming. Surprise was evident on her face when she looked up to catch the form of Peregrine. She wasn't sure if her jaw dropped, but it may have. Her first instinct was to run and meet him, but she held herself at bay. Their last meeting still replaying over in her mind. They both had said terrible things, and they both had hurt the other. She wasn't sure if she could, or even if they could fix that terrible thing.

Blue listened to him, and stared at him green gems assessing. She wasn't sure exactly what to say or do at the moment. You are a fool Peregrine. Then she threw herself at him, hoping she wouldn't knock him over a happy yip in her throat. She buried her face in his shoulder and cried. I'm sorry too!

He smiled when she called him a fool, then hiked a leg into the air to toss around her shoulder as she threw herself at him. He pulled her against him in a wolfish hug. "It's so good to see you," he purled in her ear, burying his own nose in the satin black fur of her neck. Peregrine held her for a moment, then gently extricated himself from the embrace if only to look into her face again. "You look great, Willow. Motherhood treating you well?"

He plopped on his haunches, his ears cupping forward so that he looked like the picture of an invested listener, which of course he was. Peregrine wanted to hear all about her life, particularly where it concerned Lasher and their pups. He would update her too, in time, but first it was her turn.

Blue was happy to return the hug. Then with a soft sigh, and a snort she too backed up. She rubbed her muzzle across her inner leg, to get rid of the tear tracks. It is good to see you too Perry. She chuckled as he continued on, she had to take a breath to calm herself. While he fired questions at her. yes it is. Thank you, you look well yourself.

She shook her head at his playful look. She too settled to her haunches, her search of herbs momentarily forgotten. Let's see...well bad news first. We lost Amelie, she was killed by the coast. I'm not sure exactly how, I only managed to get to her as she lay dying. Blue's ears fell to her head, sad sound coming from her throat.

She then continued on. I am pretty sure that Lasher told you of the children yes? Constantine is the largest, Casmir the loudest and Eilidh the most curious. Casmir and Constantine have taken their father's coloring, where Eilidh looks a bit like my mother, she is a pale color. Saena has designs on Leadership, and I will help her gain it if she likes. Lasher is doing well. I am well too, Pura, Pura has become much more Feral. I fear for him in a way, but he is still good to me. That is pretty much it Perry. Are you're little ones here yet?

"Bad news first," Blue Willow began and Peregrine braced himself. It turned out it was only Amelie, a thought which made him feel guilty. He hadn't been close to the girl, though he knew Blue Willow had treated her as a daughter. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said, reaching out just long enough to touch his nose to her damp cheek. While he was there, he lapped her tears dry.

Sitting up straight again, he listened as she regaled him with news of her family and a few of their mutual loved ones. When she mentioned Saena, his chest swelled a little. The news about Pura was a bit unsettling, though not unexpected. There had always been something slightly amiss with his son, a fact which Peregrine acknowledged even though it had no effect on his adoration of the freckled giant.

"They are," he confirmed with a soft smile. He paused for a long second, then said, "There are three, though only two have names right now: Nightjar and Wildfire. He looks like a mix of Fox and me. Wildfire takes after her mother, though her tail's black. Our other little girl looks just like me," he reported with a proud gleam in his eye. "Derp's" death was still fresh and he didn't want to talk about it just yet, even with his best friend. He didn't want to make her cry more either. "Their eyes just started opening."

He gave Blue Willow a moment to absorb that, then said, "I've actually seen Saena and Pura recently. The former actually talked with me a while, surprisingly enough. I think she still hates my ass but I was so happy to catch up with her. I'm sure she'd be annoyed if she knew but I'm really fucking proud of her." Saena had come into the world a premature half-orphan and had been bullied a lot in her early days. She had come so far and though he couldn't take any credit for it, it didn't stop him from being her proud papa.

Blue knew that most would not really care, no that wasn't right. They wouldn't care as much as she did. She knew that, most didn't even know who Amelie was. She wasn't sure if that was her fault too. Amelie's death was certainly her fault, she hadn't loved her enough. Hadn't held to her enough, had given her space where she shouldn't have. Now look, her daughter's broken body was decaying near the sea.

Blue was imensely proud of Saena herself, and even Pura. Though he was quiet and he stayed on the outskirts of pack. He was a welcome addition and long term member to their pack. She would be lax, if she didn't say she welcomed a bit of his fierceness. It simply meant, that no one would be foolish enough to try to cross into the territory. Not with the giant there to stop them, and she had no doubt he would stop at nothing, to keep trespassers out. Though he would let others who wanted a home in. Or so she thought, she was passing the world in ignorant bliss, where the titan was concerned.

Blue's eyes lit up in delight, for her friend. Though she had her differences with Fox, and she still held a little bit of anger towards her. She was nevertheless, happy for both of them. Babies were a blessing, and a time for hope. She looked at him when he mentioned, only two had names. It was a confusing concept, she and Lasher had named their children as soon as they were born. Why do only two have names? They sound adorable, especially little Wildfire. Ours are starting to move about outside, their curiosity of the world around them is insatiable.

Blue chuckled at his derogatory comments, him and his colorful language. Though she did not like such language, it was endearing to her to hear from Perry. She had missed his bluntness, and yes even his potty mouth. In a strange way. I don't think she hates you, anymore. I think she is starting to grow up and she is going to leave us all in her dust I believe. I am proud of her too, I am trying to help her gain what she wants. I have told her though, she has to keep her quick tongue, and anger hidden. Except when needed, others won't be so apt at giving such a young one a chance. She has no designs on Dante, but wants the spot beside him. We shall see how it goes. I am glad she spoke to you.

His friend seemed understandably puzzled by the lack of a name for the littlest, so Peregrine explained, "It's tradition in Fox's family to name the pups when they're a few weeks' old. We decided to divide the litter when it came to that, with me naming one half what and when I saw fit and her getting the other... half." He paused awkwardly at the end. The litter had been split evenly at first, then they'd lost "Derp." Well, if Blue Willow inquired, he would just tell her that Fox had been generous, allowing him naming rights to two and taking only one for herself.

Hearing Blue Willow speak fondly of Saena made Peregrine's heart happy. He listened intently, letting her finish before he replied, "I'm glad you're mentoring her. You'll be just the mellow influence she needs." He offered the svelte black she-wolf a friendly nudge. "My mother, Mo, was a young leader. She said that many wolves were dubious. But she prevailed, as I'm sure Saena will. They share blood." Saena was, of course, March Owl's great granddaughter.

"I'm glad too," he continued after a pause, "and it's nice to hear that she might not hate me as much these days. I'm pretty tickled that she's aiming to lead her birth pack instead of striking out on her own. I heard about her new surname. It's great that her birthplace and its legacy means so much to her." Peregrine paused. "And no offense to Dante—we've since made our amends—but I feel Saena deserves the throne more than he does. She's the progeny of Hawkeye, the pack's original founder, and myself, the longtime king." That counted for something. He knew, she knew it and hopefully Dante and the rest of the pack would recognize it as well.

But they needn't get into politics, not when there was so much personal stuff on which to catch up. Peregrine went for a smooth segue as he asked, "Tell me, what do Saena and Pura make of the puppies, now that they're no longer pups themselves?"

Blue Willow stared at him for a moment. Getting that something was amiss, but deciding if he didn't want to talk about it, she wouldn't push. She had pushed before, and they had a terrible falling out. She would prefer not to do that again, ever. She studied him, then nodded her head in affirmation. Well you picked good names. I am sure that Fox will too."

Blue chuckled quietly I haven't exactly been mellow, during my pregnancy Peregrine. And something shifted and hasn't gone back to the way it was. I find myself thinking harsher than I used too, especially where the babes are concerned. So I don't know if I will be the best, I hope so. She will do well. I do not know if she has spoke to Lasher or Dante though. I told her that she would have to win the two of them over as well. She certainly hoped, she had spoke to them. She didn't wish to cause any contention by backing someone, that no one else knew wanted the throne.

Blue listened and nodded her head, then she looked at Peregrine for a moment. Trying hard how to weigh his council. She has a right to lead Perry, but if she is not a good fit for the pack. I do not think they will accept her, simply because they have had a lot of upheaval in their lives here. that's not to say she isn't a good fit. I think she will do well, and she loves the plateau and it's wolves. I am just pointing out, that some may not view her in favor, from the past misdeeds of her family. As hard as that is to swallow and say. But I will do my best to make sure that those in the pack, see her for her and not any other issues. Though some of them have issues with her just being a woman. She spoke the last part dryly, though she liked Koda and she had forgiven him his irritation. The simple fact was that he clearly did not view woman in a pleasing light and it irritated her.

Blue laughed and wagged her tail, Saena loves them, though she is impatient for them to grow. She could not fathom, them being blind and deaf. Pura scares them, he does not come around often. The one time he did, Casmir broke into screams and crying. Lasher was there that day, I was taking a break. Something he makes sure I do often, bless the man. Saena wants to take them on adventures I think, and she finds them bits and baubles to play with often.

Peregrine rolled his eyes at Blue Willow's insistence that she wasn't always mellow. He believed that motherhood had changed her, though not so fundamentally that it would make her a poor role model, so he made no comment. She talked at length about the challenges Saena faced and he listened patiently, up until the end.

"That guy can go fuck himself," he said emphatically. "I'll tell you what: if a misogynistic piece of shit was part of the caldera, I'd boot his ass so fast..." He shook his head, agitated. Why do you put up with it? he wondered to himself, though for the sake of keeping the peace, he didn't pursue the topic. It wasn't his business anyway.

After hearing his friend's description of his children's reactions to her own, Peregrine smiled. "None of that comes as a surprise. Pura scary though? I know he's big but he's a friendly giant," he said with a laugh, unaware of how wrong he was about his own son. In any case, the pup couldn't possibly know of Pura's benevolence (or lack thereof). "Hmm... I wonder if Saena hopes to be a mother one day." She had no deigns on Dante, for which he was secretly glad, but if she ever did ascend, it would be her right and privilege... and also her duty, in a sense.

Blue chuckled at his eye roll. She curled her tail around her paws. Motherhood had changed her for sure. She knew this very well, it was hard sometimes to accept some of the changes. Other things had changed her, as well though.

Blue chuckled, she saw his irritation with Koda. And she didn't really blame him. I was hoping it was just irritation on that day. I will tell you though, that I do watch and listen. So if there is more of a problem, we will address it further. He didn't say so, but I am fairly certain he was not pleased I was there either, being pregnant and all. Koda had never treated her with any sort of disdain, before or after. So she had no reason to hold a grudge. And she sincerely hoped it was just that day. If he felt that way all the time that would be a shame.

Blue tilted her head, Well I told you that Pura is much more different than he has been. I do not think he is dangerous, but he is getting more solitary I guess is the word. Though he did take one of our orphans under his wing and train him, as did Saena. I forgot to tell you that. When we found Junior, we also found a small boy curled up between her legs. His name is Valtyr. We do not know where he's from, or his family. So he was ingrained into our own. Saena and Pura both look out for him.

Blue heard the next question and she chuckled a little bit. I don't believe she does, as a matter of fact her exact words to me. She furrowed her brow, trying to remember. We were talking about love, and Atticus. I told her how he affected me, and she said that it sounds like it is awful to be in love. I tried to tell her it is different for everyone, and some will not have the pain that I did. But well she hasn't exactly had the best views of love, from both of us Perry. I mean Atti left, Lasher and I love each other, but we are not mates and I have not stopped him from taking other lovers, nor will I ever. You and Hawkeye split, then you got fox, but you abandoned her family and the plateau in her mind. She is starting to forgive, but that is still back in her mind. So I just don't know. I hope she finds a love that encompasses everything, and if not at least a friendship like Lasher and I have, so she can have children if she wants them and she is leader.

He didn't understand the implication about the possibility of Pura being dangerous, though Peregrine obviously hadn't been around his son enough to detect any peculiarity about his behavior, aside from his solitary nature. He had always been a little different—some might even say off—but Peregrine thought him harmless. Blue Willow's words did make him think back on that day when he'd caught his son chewing on the bones of his mother. He swallowed.

He listened as Blue Willow launched into a soliloquy about Saena. His fur prickled slightly when she used the word abandoned. Would that be held over his head for all of eternity? She clarified that it was how Saena thought of him, which made any anger he felt subside. He hated to think his daughter was afraid of forming deep connections because of him, though he wasn't the only one to blame. He'd been the last straw in a long line of wolves to leave Saena, starting with her own mother's unfortunate fate.

"You know, maybe she doesn't want to do the whole mate and family thing. I know Osprey's the same way," he said after she finished. "There's nothing wrong with that, as long as they're happy. That's all I want for Saena: happiness. It really sounds like she'll get that if she earns herself a spot in leadership." And if that didn't happen for any reason—though Peregrine himself couldn't see why not—then she could always strike out on her own, found her own pack.

"Hey, speaking of Oss, she made it back all right, didn't she? She stayed at the caldera for a few days," he explained, in case she wasn't aware. "She helped a pack mate of mine, then since she was there, she hung around long enough to meet the pups." Peregrine's lips twitched as he recollected his sister's interactions with the little ones, Raven in particular. Maybe she didn't have any plans to be a mother, yet she was a great aunt.

Blue Willow did not think Pura dangerous either. She just felt he was an odd duck. That was all, he was actually quite polite and sweet to her, in his own strange way. Blue had actually forgotten about the bones, and unless someone brought it up, she would continue to forget.

Blue knew too, that Perry was not the only one to blame. She herself was even to blame a little bit. THe few times when Saena was clearly, begging for attention. She had not noticed, or the times that she hadn't stood up for her. She should have done it more, though she imagined that Saena would not be as strong as she was without contention. To put it mildly, most of the adults had blundered, through the packs first born pups and raising them. It was a shame, but there it was.

Blue chuckled, Saena and Osprey are indeed a lot alike. She chuckled to herself again. They did not get along all that well, Saena and Osprey. But a lot of their personalities were similar in a way. Both were exceptional strong, and imaginative women. Though Saena's was coupled with ambition.

Blue frowned and shook her head, No I haven't seen her. I will keep an eye for her, and I will feel much better when she is back. She worries me, though I know we could not keep her here. I breathe easier, when she is back.

Until just now, Peregrine had never drawn comparisons between his sister and adopted daughter. Blue Willow wasn't wrong, though: they were both free spirited and stubborn, albeit in largely harmless ways. Osprey didn't endeavor to be a leader (as far as Peregrine knew), so they had their differences too. Unaware that they actually didn't get along, he decided it was a good thing his sister had stayed behind rather than follow him to the caldera. She was a good influence on Saena, right along with the pack's Beta female.

"Osprey's a free spirit," he said reassuringly. "I'm sure she's fine, just wandering around, chasing dragons and fairies." His lips twitched. "But I know what you mean. She'll turn up soon." Peregrine nudged her chin, then nipped at her cheek just to be, well, cheeky.

"So, you mentioned that Lasher has other lovers, eh?" he said, aware that it was a bit of a non sequitur. "Don't worry," he added quickly, "it doesn't bother me. I'm just curious. Did he hook up with that sea witch? Or..." Peregrine trailed off, suddenly realizing that a) Lasher might be keeping these matters private because b) Blue Willow might not want to hear about this stuff.

Blue Willow had noticed, the similarities immediately. However, there was also huge differences, especially ambitions. Osprey was far too free spirited, to want to lead. She also did not like the responsibility, at least Blue didn't think she did. It was hard to tell, really. She hadn't actually ever had a complete conversation with her friend, about it.

Blue sighed, should she tell him, that she was fearful that Osprey would run around in heat and be a little silly. She shook her head, I hope so Perry, but I worry for her. She chose to ignore the fact that Osprey may have been in heat. Perhaps Osprey was already in the territory, and Blue just missed her. After all, she was usually tied up with babes.

Blue chuckled and nudged her friend,  it's okay She knew he was uncomfortable at the moment. I don't think he has gotten any yet, but I know he is looking. And it's okay I told him, that I didn't mind. As long as he told me who it was, so that I didn't have any unpleasant surprises at the borders when they came to visit him. I won't crush his free spirit, he has much love to give, and he chooses to give it too many. I wouldn't change him, besides he gave me the greatest gift ever. She would have added that she loved him, but she figured that was a given. Perry knew her well, knew how she was.

She didn't seem perturbed in the least, speaking freely of Lasher's inclinations. Peregrine wasn't sure he believed that it didn't bother her on some level. Blue Willow would be just the type to pretend something didn't bother her just to keep the peace. Despite her easy tone, Peregrine decided it was better to move on to a different topic. If he wanted to hear about Lasher's ventures, he would seek out the male himself.

Backtracking slightly, he repeated, "Don't worry about Oss, she'll be fine." But suddenly something occurred to him. When Osprey had visited the caldera, all four pups had been alive. But he'd only told Blue Willow about three. He paused, his stomach tightening as he realized he should tell her about "Derp" after all, just in case Osprey told their friend about her visit and mentioned four puppies instead of three.

"Hey, Willow, I kind of lied to you by omission a few minutes ago," he was forced to admit. "There was... a fourth pup. He didn't live more than a week. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It's still sort of tough to talk and think about."

Blue chuckled, as Peregrine moved from a different topic. Clearly, he still felt uncomfortable bringing it up. Truthfully, she wasn't sure why it didn't bother her so much. Had it been Atticus, she would have demanded monogamy. Perhaps, it was simply because with Lasher it was what they had agreed upon. Of course there were feelings there, love was there. But she had known how Lasher was, getting into the relationship. Had known him to love deeply, and many. So, perhaps that was it, she wasn't sure. She looked at Peregrine, and though she wished him to speak freely, if he wasn't comfortable, she wouldn't push.

Blue listened, and she was momentarily hurt that he had lied to her. However, when he revealed why. She supposed she couldn't blame him. Oh Perry! I'm so sorry. And me prattling on about all three of my babes, who were healthy. She leaned forward and nudged him, licking the side of his face, friendly. We almost lost Casmir. He was born sickly.

He shook his head at her, not wanting her to feel survivor's guilt just because all her children had lived through their first weeks. He knew she meant to make him feel better, though the news that Casmir had been born sickly did not exactly make Peregrine feel very good. He didn't know what to say so that. He was sad that the boy had been less than healthy, yet he was fine now, whereas little "Derp's" loss was very fresh and very final.

"Thanks for the condolences. It's hard, though not unexpected. I mourn the loss of potential more than anything, since he was so young," Peregrine admitted, reflecting on how he'd expected to be much more crushed. But "Derp" had been young enough that his loss was not as devastating as he'd expected. Still, he didn't like dwelling on it.

"Let's talk about something happier," he said lightly, eyes moving to Blue Willow's, hoping she would come up with something.

Blue did not feel guilty in the least, she knew a part of her probably should. She however, couldn't perhaps it was cruel and it did hurt her, that Peregrine lost his children. And a part of her mourned too, for regardless of what anyone thought of her. To her, they were her family too. However, she also knew that unfortunately it was a way of nature, that didn't make the pain any less, and it hurt. However, she did not feel guilty.

Blue dipped her muzzle and nodded, Sometimes that is the only thing you can mourn, when it is this early. She was at a loss, she didn't know what else to say. There was actually nothing really to say. She could not make this go away, she could not take away his grief. She could mourn with him, and say she was sorry. However, frankly did that really ever make anyone feel better, when someone they loved departed? It hadn't made her feel better. Not about Amelie, or her father it had make her reflect fondly on the friends that had said it, but it didn't lessen her grief.

Blue Willow thought about it, then spoke. Well I started gathering herbs already, those I can find. We should have a playdate, when all our children are older if we can. How is Finley? I have not seen her roaming about, as she so often does.

Blue Willow started talking about herbs. Peregrine knew next to nothing about her trade, though he knew she was damn good at it. It was a passion topic, so he would have listened to her even if she prattled on forever about plants and whatnot. She didn't, though. Instead, she mentioned a play date, then inquired after Finley. Peregrine sometimes forgot that Finley had been part of the plateau, one of very few to follow himself and Fox last fall.

"Finley's being a fuckwit like always," Peregrine replied, voice thick with fondness. "She is still our Beta. She's sort of involved with our Beta male, Elwood. Have you ever met him?" He paused, letting Blue Willow answer, then continued, "They're our kids' godparents. And I'd love to have a play date, by the way. When all the pups are old enough to travel, we should meet somewhere on the riverbank and have a picnic or something."

Blue knew that Perry knew nothing of her trade, which was why she kept it brief, and to the point. Had she been able to hear his thoughts, she would  have been immensely proud. However, she was not, and Blue did not like to boast, and she did not think she was as good as everyone thought. If they could have met her mother, the woman had been nothing short of a genius in herblore.

Blue snorted a soft sound of laughter. The fondness with which Peregrine both cursed, and talked about Finley, warmed her heart. Blue shook her head, I'm afraid not. I have only met the strange male, that talked funny, yourself, Fox and Finley. If he is your beta though, i bet he is a good male. Blue for a moment, felt a soft stab of jealousy. She had been his first pups, aunt, but never a godparent, never someone to care for them if he were gone. However, it was fleeting, and she pushed it aside. Instead, she was determined, to be happy for Finley and this Elwood. That sounds wonderful, I will gladly make this a plan. I think our children will like you too. Though Constantine, may very well attack you. He is a brute, a sweetheart, but a brute all the same. She called her oldest a brute, with all the fondness in the world, but there was no denying the truth.

The information about Constantine prompted him to wonder, "Is he like Junior was? A bit of a bully?" So far, none of the pups in Peregrine's second litter had proved to take after their older half-sister. There was no clearly dominant puppy in the batch. Of course, they were still young and sibling rivalry would develop, no matter what. But he hoped they would avoid establishing a dynamic like the Junior/Saena one of yore. That had been hard to deal with back in the day.

"Oh, you wanna hear something funny? Oss asked to be their fairy godmother," Peregrine shared after a beat. "My kids will never want for guardians. I hope you and Lasher will consider yourselves their aunt and uncle. I think of them as cousins," he said, referring to their pups collectively. For the moment, it did not occur to him that Blue Willow might feel understandably slighted about the godparent thing... but, no matter his closeness to any one wolf, it was a role he would only have ever assigned to someone in his own pack, purely for logistical reasons.

Blue chuckled and shook her head, no. No he is just very active, and the strongest, but he is not overbearing or anything. He actually spends a lot of time on his own exploring, Eilidh sticks close to the den, and Casmir is also an explorer, albeit a loud one. I can always find that child.  Blue's babies were mostly calm, and got along by themselves and with each other it seemed. She was proud of all three and how even tempered they were. It probably had a lot to do with herself and Lasher.

Blue chuckled, She is my babies fairy godmother. She has already blessed them actually. She smiled, with her friends place in their life. She had originally asked her to be their godmother, as there was no one she trusted more, than her and Dante and Peregrine, Lasher excluded as this was if something was to happen to her. Perry was no longer in their pack, and Dante was a good uncle.  Blue nodded her head, of course, Perry they are family. Would Fox be okay with that? I mean since we are in separate packs? I know she likes to keep such things in home pack. It was by no ways a jab at Fox, she was really curious. Because Fox didn't seem much for allies and the like.

Blue Willow raised a valid point, yet Peregrine just waved a paw. "I'll float it past her... and by that, I mean I'll convince her it will be good for them. As long as we meet on common ground, I don't foresee any issues," he added. They could not and would not trap their pups at the caldera forever. It would be very good for them to get out and about, meet other wolves outside the pack. "We'll make it happen, maybe in the summer."

All this talk of his mate and pups had him itching to return home, which made him feel guilty. He hadn't seen Blue Willow in so long. But he knew she would understand when he said, "I'd probably better be heading back. I'm really glad I got to see you today, Willow." He pressed his muzzle against her temple, then kissed the corner of her eye. "You take care of those kids—and I'm including Lasher in there—for me." It was funny because of all the wolves in his life, Lasher was perhaps the least kiddish of them all.

"I'll see you again soon, friendmine," he promised, waving his black tail at the Healer and giving her a fond, lingering look before he turned to walk back in the direction of home.

Blue chuckled, and nodded her head. Summer it is then. I look forward to it. She hoped that Perry could make it work. She hoped that Fox would be okay with it. She had not known Fox long, but she had known her to be stubborn and a little bit selfish. She was slowly coming to terms with this. 

Blue nodded her head, though she was sad to see him go, she didn't argue with him. He was a family man, her best friend. He was also the leader of another pack. She dipped her muzzle to him, and nodded her head. She smiled wryly, I will do my best Perry. Blue willow would have agreed had he said of Lasher's maturity. Lasher was a king among men, and she knew that. He of course had his issues, as they all did, but he was a good man.

Blue returned the nudge, and the kiss, and dipped her muzzle towards the ground. Okay Perry. Bye. She watched him go before he disappeared from view, then looking down towards the ground. She began to start what she had come here for, to look for the herbs that she would need. She had run short over the winter, and she was determined ot have more this year.