Phoenix Maplewood There'll be things you never asked her

The big male stretched, his muscles rippling under his scruffy looking coat. It had been shedding unevenly, and the remaining thick fur still clung to him. Pausing bowed, he tensed then relaxed, his long claws raking the earth as he drew himself to his full stature. He shook, droplets of dew releasing from his coat. The sun was just peaking over the horizon, and he yawned, a relaxed noise from deep in his throat, his body moving forward. It had been a long journey. Not physically, although it had been warmer than he was used to. The pups. Shaking his head slightly, he started loping, trying to wipe the nightmares he had started to have from his mind.

Slipping into the thick underbrush and trees, he weaved in and out, beginning to sharpen his eyes. He felt the blood started to warm, and leaping over some foliage easily, he skidded on the other side, the brush of a tree scraping his shoulder. He grinned, fully alert now. Swiveling his large ears forward, he started forward at an easy pace, scanning the forest, yet not concerned about any danger at the moment.

His nose caught a familiar scent, and he slowed, curiousity now flowing through him. He recognized it from somewhere. It clicked as she came into view, and he stopped, not wanting to startle her. She was different from them. Slender, quiet. She was a slight mystery to him, and he took a couple of steps forward, a thoughtful look now replacing the smile. Strange, but she had kept up and had helped with the pups. No fussing, straightforward and quiet. So different from Tapeesa. Shaking his head, a few more steps, and he called out to her, his stance friendly, his voice deep. Hello. It's beautiful, isn't it?