Blacktail Deer Plateau breathe deep

The leader's ears flickered. Though her words were plain enough, something about her tone seemed... off. His head cocked to the side, and he studied her for a moment, wondering what she was on about.

And then, just like that, Grayday finally cottoned on. His ears flicked forward in mild surprise, but really, it wasn't a shock to the silvery male. "I suppose it's only natural," he said, turning his eyes back to the tussling children. "Older wolves have proven their worth, and often, that they are good breeding stock. If I were a young woman starting out in the world, I might look for an older partner as well. But there is something to be said for young love."

He thought about his wasted youth, and about Amber's mysterious disappearance. He thought about Adeline and hoped that, wherever she was, she was happy and safe. Mostly, though, he thought about Catori and her thick, creamy pelt. Her eyes, warm and vivid. The sweet lines of her muzzle.

"Does this mean I should stop hoping you and Sunny will hit it off?" he asked.