Northstar Vale I couldn't bring myself to hold you

It had been two weeks since her confrontation with Chaudry. He had not visted her since, and now she was hearing news of Pala suddenly leaving with her grandsons in the middle of the night. It all left her feeling worried, maybe a bit afraid. Tonight cold rain pounded outside her den, winter bearing it's ugly head a final time. She felt compelled to call for @Noctaryn with a simple excuse; a need for a meal. With the hope that he was awake and able to hear, she howled out just this.

Silent as she waited, she looked down to Chandra. Her little girl was doing well, hitting all the right milestones except one; she was yet to stand on her own successfully. Soon she would be old enough to leave the den, and so Viskani could only hope that she would do more than crawl before then. In most cases she would know exactly what to do, but this sort of problem had never been presented to her.

Letting out a sigh, she rested her head upon her paws.

Never too far, he heard the matriarche’s call. He had just settled in for the night, but he was a man who kept his promises. With a heaving sigh, he pushed himself upright and moved.

Rain pelted him as he stepped out of his den, the rolled-up gift held gently between his teeth. He had waited too long—it was time to present it. The fur had been prepared well enough, and though he had been summoned, he wanted an excuse to visit Viskani and her little one.

“I heard your call,” he announced as he entered, pausing at the mouth of the den to shake the excess water from his fur before stepping inside.

“What do you need?”

The den was dry and warm, lulling him with its comfort. His eyelids grew heavy, his body weighted down by the inviting warmth. But he forced his gaze away from the tempting space beside Viskani, instead lowering his head to place the gift before her. 

It was the pelt of an adult fox, a kill he had made just past the outskirts of the Vale’s boundaries. A traveler assisted in its preparation before he went on his way. 

“Oh—this is for Chandra,” he added, his voice softer now. “To… keep her warm. Or… to cuddle.”

His eyes flicked from mother to daughter, a small smile forming as he watched them. “How is she?”

Noctaryn came to her promptly, a gift held in his jaws. The sweet gesture brought a smile to her face. While she had planned to ask for a meal it was not truly needed, and so she pushed it from her mind. She was just happy to have him here.

Oh, that gift is perfect! She exclaimed, tail thumping on the ground next to her. I was worried about her getting too cold. We've had some rain trickling inside.

Gesturing for him to come further in, she gently took the pelt and draped it over Chandra. Come, sit. Maybe the rain will calm down while you're in here.

He happily obliged, settling himself where he had stood, facing the matriarche. His heart felt light as he watched the pair for a moment—especially the little girl, squirming beneath the fur. Leaning in, he nudged the wiggling bundle with his nose, drawing a squeal—whether of delight or indignation, he couldn’t tell. Either way, a deep chuckle rumbled in his chest.

Unspoken joy glowed warmly in his moonlit eyes as they returned to Viskani. “How are you feeling?” Her health would always be his first concern, with Chandra’s following close behind.

“And how is the little one?”

cameo! Girl needs a post

A scent she recognizes enters the den, speaking to maman before giving her a gentle nudge. She squeals, short tail wagging. Eyes open and bright, she is able to put a face to a name she is slowly coming to recognise.

Her impression of him is growing positive from the demeanour of her maman when his presence is near; still young, she reflects the love Viskani carries, although a different kind.

He obliges her request, her tail thumping for a short moment.

Chandra has been alright. Standing is still a struggle, but she'll get there. He ears dropped a small amount as she spoke of this, giving her daughter a slight nudge. I have been a bit troubled, however.

She feels safe advising in him. Releasing a breath, she speaks once more. Chaudry came to me acting strange some time ago, and now I have heard that Pala left with the sons they share. But the daughter is still here. It puzzled her. What would make a mother so willing to leave any children behind, let alone a single pup?

“Yes, she will.” His words were encouraging; he had no doubts Chandra would surpass her milestones despite the unfortunate development of her leg. His heart always knew, even though his mind may not understand. 

He nosed the fur as he spoke again. “Maybe this could be more useful than just a covering?” Maybe it could provide the child a supportive place to stand? Or, maybe she could learn to hold onto it if he or Viskani held the other end, gently pulling her to stand? It was possible.

Before he could voice his ideas, his head cocked at the matriarche’s words. He had not found Chaudry to be strange in their first encounter and it was surely disconcerting to hear that, along with the man’s change in behavior, this Pala left with their children…only to leave one behind. Why the girl?

“That is…odd.” A pause. “She did not say anything before leaving, or send word that she is okay?” His belly turned with anxiety. There was something off about this.

Her eyes fixed to the ground as Noctaryn spoke. She was curious of what else he though the pelt could be used for; later they would have to discuss.

All I know is that she was there when the sun went down, and then come morning she was gone and little Julienne was sleeping next to her father. She furrowed a brow, still unsure of what to think. Chaudry has not been willing to speak to me, but I can only assume that he knows what has happened.

It was a struggle. If it's that they've simply fought, I'd like to try and fix it. I've had a son destroy his family before. And as far as she was concerned, Chevalier had ceased to be a son of hers when he abandoned his mourning wife. She did not want Chaudry to bare the same fate.

..Noctaryn, would you be willing to do me a favour?

“Name it.” 

There was no need to think about it. He had no qualms to grant her wishes; seeing Viskani this concerned was enough. All he wanted was the sun to shine in her eyes again and he would do all he could to bring it back.

Whatever it took.

A mother should enjoy this time with her child, regardless of her position in a pack. Granted, he did not understand the ways of a pack—maybe he should start now.

“How does your pack work?”

Speak to Chaudry and make him track down Pala. Go with him if you must, they need to speak. She needed to know that things would be alright, that her son had not become his father. I will care for my granddaughter in his absence.

He then asked a question which to her felt strange. But then again, how would he know? In Montagne, we usually have newcomers complete a task before they are ranked. A sort of trade. She spoke in terms which she hoped would be easy to understand. Take this as that. You do this for me and I will give you a rank, or anything else you may want. No questions asked. She was desperate to regain her grip on Chaudry, willing to compromise for a chance at it.

He mulled it over, the same rolling anxiety he felt earlier tumbled harder at her request.

It wasn’t the task itself that worried him; he would try his best. It was leaving Viskani and Chandra that caused him to pause. Unspoken was his own personal role within the pack; it was his duty to protect the woman who took him in and, by extension, her daughter. 

But as he searched her eyes, he could see how important this was to her. And, so he would do this for her, regardless of the promise in title or request he might have upon his return.

With a dip of his head, he obliged her…once again. As if he could ever say no.

“I will do what I can, Viskani.” He looked toward the mouth of the den, a decision forming. “Tell me where to find him and I will go from here.”

She took a moment to consider when he asked where her son could be found. Check the borders in the morning. He usually patrols then. Though she did have to wonder what he did with Julienne in that time. Maybe he was having Seal or Kraai babysit for him.

..Thank you, Noctaryn. I hope to hear good news the next time we speak. Licking the top of Chandra's head to earn a squeal, as though telling her to wish him 'goodnight', she looked up at the man with a hopeful smile.

He gave a brief nod. “Alright.”

His eyes softened at the gratitude in her voice.

But the unease didn’t fade. He hated this task. The whole situation unsettled him deeply. What kind of father willingly parted with his children? What kind of man let his woman walk away? Not that he had much ground to stand on—his own father had done much the same, if not worse.

At the very least, he knew it was wrong. His whole life was evident of that.

“I hope so too.”

He rose, placing a gentle lick on Chandra’s brow. “Good night, sweet girl. Be good for your mother.” As he pulled the fur up over her shoulders, tucking her in a little tighter, his gaze shifted to Viskani, full of a longing he wouldn’t dare act on. Instead, he dipped his head and offered a soft smile.

“Sleep well.”