Wild Berry Meadow sweet surrender

Valiant was snoozing in the weak morning sun when he heard the call, having just laid down to rest after a night of activity. One thing they'd have to work out was their differing schedules — he'd noticed that Raindrop tended to be more active during the day, while Valiant preferred to be awake at night. He'd been taking more naps at night to try and be more present during the day, but it was still tiring while he adjusted.

He yawned and stretched before howling back that he was on his way. He didn't dawdle, then, and set off at a brisk pace to find her. A pace that became ever so slightly brisker when he picked up on her scent.

It was early. In their relationship, and in the season. He felt a tiny thread of misgiving, but it was useless to worry before he'd even spoken to the women who would become his wife.

And, as ever, he found himself lifted and cheered when he set eyes on her.

"Hey, Rain," he said, his ears cupped toward her at attention. He bit his tongue on several questions that came to mind; he would let her lead the conversation.