Northstar Vale Bercer le Diable

Intended for @Mnemosynes, set within Viskani's den

Motherhood was tiring, no matter the circumstance. Viskani knew that very well.

Faust had become her world, she was desperate to bond with and care for him - but quickly she was losing track of herself. Her energy was entirely focused on him.

The importance of an Iris was becoming clear. Previously it truly would not have been necessary until the winter when she left and returned pregnant - but now Muskrat had thrown a wrench and it hit her right in the heart. It was not in her plans to become an adoptive mother - particularly to a fox kit.

She did not understand why she cared so deeply. Maybe it was the death in her last litter, or she simply missed the sons she had left at home. Looking down at the kit with her fur unkempt and her eyes sunken she felt herself tearing up. But he was healthy, gaining weight quickly and his fur coming into it's winter coat, what reason was there to be upset?

A large shadow blocks sunlight leading of the den in the shape of Mnemosyne. Awkwardly, he fits himself into the space in hopes of having an audience with Viskani. 

It felt unreal, when he had been invited to join the curious pact of individuals that is Montagne de Cigue. To come home to meals and shelter that he did not move a paw for. Yet they all accepted him in simple manner of allowing him to reside through the fruits of their labour. Slight guilt bloomed within his chest when all he did was tidy up their grounds.

He wants to know what she intended for him in the pack.

He wants to reciprocate their favours.

Finally, Mnemosyne gathers up his courage. "Viskani-" 

Suddenly, he see's a flash of red fur peeking from Viskani's form. The male felt startled. Whatever is behind her isn't a wolf at all.

",who's that?.."

A visitor enters her den. Mnemosynes, the gentle giant whom had been picked up from their borders.

He asks a simple question - he appears startled. Viskani gathers her nerves, she knows not to allow herself to be offended.

"His name is Faust." She responded, gently bringing the kit to her front so that the man can see that he is no threat. "A gift from the ridge."

Mnemosyne's eyes widen for a different reason when the woman pulls the small spot of fur by the scruff. A fox kit. It looked delicate from where the young was lifted. 

Separated from the warmth of the ground, a small whine, tugging at his heartstrings. And Mnemosyne understands look of fondness in Viskani's eyes. 


"We're..to keep him?" He asks a little hopefully.

Although, he deliberates, no one could predict how the pack may react to the young kit- Faust. Whom is certainly smaller than any regular wolf pup. 

Will the group refuse the idea? or welcome him with open arms? Would he be treated kindly? or casted aside?

Viskani nodded, pulling the child close as he cried. "I've taken him as my son." She affirmed, her eyes yet to leave the ginger fur curled next to her. Faust had become calm, docile, since his arrival. To her, he was no different than a puppy.

It would not be hard to see that the pack had little choice but to accept that the child was one of them. Viskani had grown attached, and she certainly would not tolerate disrespect.

"I may need your assistance caring for him." That much was obvious from her unkempt appearance. She had work to attend to, trips to prepare for - but it had all been delayed for this unplanned child.

Mnemosyne perks up at her words. 

"Me?" He replies, his voice cracks, an octave higher than usual.

"But I'm Just..."clumsy, inexperienced, a man. All those words would do. To take care of another life is such an immense responsibility, he can't even start to comprehend it.

He needs to make sure. From the woman's words, that she really means to hand this little one's life in his paws.

We have no Souci, so as Brin you are to fill the role until we do. It was the simple truth, blunt and honest. You are a gentle man - you will do well.

She gestured for him to come closer, to get a good look at the kit and so Faust could get a look at him, too.

She trusted the Mnemosynes would care for the child, that he would keep a close eye.

Faust peeks up at him at through the stray grey hairs of the woman's fur. He curls up to her warmth if it was instinct. A mother to all regardless to species, Mnemosyne silently thought to himself and he wonders if he could ever do as well as her.

Regardless, he is reassured at Viskani's tender words. He smiles and looks back up to the other. Determined.

"I'll do my best."