Phoenix Maplewood Growing Pains

Sunday Morning listened, ears pressing only slightly forward. The words were in a tone Sunday knew to be both good and kind. Her tail waved, understanding enough by way of body language and tone that this was hers. Sunday Morning emitted happy grumbles as she stepped toward Jade Eyes and pawed her in a way that iterated her sentiment that Jade Eyes indeed had become a friend to her this day.

She extended her neck to reach and sniff at Jade Eyes furs, to pick up her scent. Pack, but not the pack she knew. And scents that made Jade Eyes wholly her own. It was sweet, and reminded Sunday of these berries. Perhaps that was what it was. Sunday would commit the scent to memory. Sunday Morning stretched out to offer Jade Eyes the same, before withdrawing to pick up her gift and depart with a low whuff that was muffled by the objects kept between her teeth.

Sunday Morning hoped to see Jade Eyes again, and looked back to paw at the earth and then prance in a circle as though to say, I like this place! If ever there was forethought that came from Sunday, it was now; she knew she liked the Maplewoods, and would be back here. Perhaps she would see Jade Eyes here again, too! Something kept her rooted to the Moraine and its neighboring territories.

Sunday was aware Mountain Boulder was one of those things. But did not know yet the instinct ran deeper than that, and she was carrying young. It was still then too early to tell, or to know. Perhaps even to smell. But in a day, all that would change.

With one last long look to Jade Eyes and a wave of her tail, Sunday Morning loped off into the distance.

last from me, thank you so much for this thread!!!