Swiftcurrent Creek [m] Atlantic

Dreams had almost claimed the cardinal wolf as her lids fluttered to a close, comforted by the earthy aromas of the southern fields. It was a familiar scent which had been woven into her memories of a time long ago; however a cold rush of mountain air and white pine severed them as a dusky figure slunk to her bedside. Njal's chilled leather ruffled her fur, immediately rousing his partner from slumber. Her stormy eyes snapped awake to regard her mate's well-cut figure crouched at the heart of their den, a wet specular highlighting her moon-sized pupils as a strange light pooled into the entrance of their home.

Tuwawi purred, pleased to see him there, as she leaned to press wantonly into his touch. Finally, Njal had returned from Fox's mission which had sent him away to farther reaches near the sea. Time had trickled slowly since his departure, but a sudden rush reinvigorated her now. The firewife shifted closer as they became reacquainted, Tuwawi's branded muzzle sinking greedily into his dense mane to root about. Perhaps any other night Njal would have curled besides her to share sleep, but a distinct tension had strung his sinew taught. Although this sense was alien, Tuwawi identified it... shared it... coveted it. She could feel her own desire mounting, now, wanting him to draw him nearer in a different way.

Their eyes met, and a knowing look was shared. Her gaze was sharp and perceptive, however wild and wanting, as it traced along the broad muzzle of her partner. How handsome he was; a fine piece of granite chiseled from a northern kingdom. An exotic creature not suited for this valley life, but drawn to it because of intangibles like loyalty and love. Tuwawi kissed his cheek as her heart hammered, struggling in a void between compassion and desire. However, like Njal, fear or apprehension no longer possessed any ground in that moment, and so the ember was unabashed as she pushed against her mate, urging him to exit the den into the crisp air of the damp spring night.