Phoenix Maplewood The Hazards of Love [M]

All Welcome, but tagging @Tavi :P

In the span of what felt like a single night, the Phoenix Maplewood had seen a true return to form. The all consuming blanket of snow had finally melted away, leaving a streak of new life in it's wake. New and healthy growth burst forth from both tree and ground— filling the empty spaces of the Maplewood where snow once choked the opportunity to grow. Reek saw the return of leaves to the trees and heard a symphony of songbirds announcing the wonderful change of season in their very own way.

It had been so long since Reek had seen this sea of green, he had almost forgotten the color entirely. A time of plenty would soon be upon them, and Reek's spirits were perhaps brighter than ever with the recent snow-melt. He spent his morning— and a fair chunk of the afternoon traipsing around the Maplewood, admiring the new life wherever he went.

Well into the height of the day, Reek spotted a grouping of several maple saplings; young and pliable. His own little saplings would enter the world soon and woud join this explosion of spring, so he couldn't help but make the association between the two. Unlike his mate, who had become distant and grumpy (no doubt as a result of the physical changes of pregnancy which, thankfully, Reek would not have to endure), Reek was absolutely elated for what was to come. Even with so much time to spare, Reek already felt like a proud poppa— ready to welcome his litter into this beautiful world with open arms... well, metaphorically of course.

He bent down to admire one of the saplings.  Touching his nose to the springy offshoot, it bent back in wait. As soon as Reek pulled away, it released and sprang back into it's original place. Hardy and healthy. The alpha male smiled, unable to keep himself from bending down again to sniff the sapling as if it were his own son or daughter.