Wapun Meadow Wreath

The snow came down in steady drifts, blocking out what would’ve been a midday sun. Winter’s Wake marched through the snowfall, squinting to see ahead through the white-misted air.

It is not much now, but come spring, these plains will bloom and fill with grazers to chase to our hearts’ content, he said confidently to @Kirain, who traveled at his side. None of the valley would be as impressive to show off in these dreary months, but there was still beauty and potential abound.

I will leave you soon to explore the valley on your own. I wish for you to form your own opinions, while I attend to a promise I made to the reindeer-chasers of Saatsine. In a few days’ time, we will reconvene so you can tell me your thoughts.

The rogue was uncertain of the strength of their bond; there was a chance that the snowangel could be tempted elsewhere while he was away, but he trusted his gods. She would either keep faith in him or wander off, as fate dictated, and both choices would be what was meant for them.

He spied upon two plump geese in the meadow, their long necks dark and serpentine, their eyes shining as they stared him down; he thought to hunt them but knew better. Such things were rich and fatty but hardly worth the noise of a hunt. When one began to hiss and the other opened its wings with a sense of menace, Marius scampered back the way he had come — in to the trail his body had cut in the snow.

There were two more shapes to watch — this time, canine. Perhaps something could be salvaged from this foray across the meadow; but he was uncertain if either of the pale shapes were to his liking. One looked like barely a wisp, the other taller and more heavy-set.

Marius did not debate long.

As he drew nearer he heard the name Saatsine and was reminded of the boorish woman who had wed her own cousin (most likely). Neither of these people looked to be of that type, though.

Hail, stranger. He called now to the man — soured against the fairer sex for the time being. There are snake-birds further afield. I wonder if you might chase them with me? They are quite fat, and very rude, and could use a little terror. A cheeky little smile appears then upon his face; but he ignores the woman, still.

I trust your judgment, Wake. You seem to have an eye for these things. She offered her companion a soft smile, her tail wagging gently as she surveyed their surroundings. He was right, there wasn’t much to see now, with snow blanketing the plain. Still, she could imagine the promise of good hunting and foraging once the warmer months returned. I can’t wait for spring, when life starts anew.

Lost in the scene and Wake’s explanation, she nearly jumped when a stranger’s voice broke through her thoughts. Spinning around, she found herself face-to-face with a pale canine, their sudden presence catching her completely off guard.

Good day! she greeted brightly, her enthusiasm undeterred by any signs of disinterest. Her eyes flicked back to Wake. Snake-birds? What do you think? I wouldn’t mind stretching my legs for a bit.

Wake gave his partner a gentle nudge of affirmation, as if to say, I, too, cannot wait for spring!

You know, the wolf who raised me was named for the spring season. She was called Spring’s— He stopped short as another voice rang out.

Ears pressed forward, onyx emeralds narrowed and darted to find the source: a hale, icewhite male with eyes too dark to discern color from at this distance.

Wake’s tail lifted into a greeting wave, his posture belying a confident comfortableness with the other’s approach. It did not go unnoticed that the stranger seemed unwilling to acknowledge Kirain, but rather than attribute it to something nefarious, he pitied the wolf. What kind of ignoble upbringing or trauma would one have to experience to ignore the fairer of the two standing there?

Perhaps, he was a sword-swallower, interested only in what Wake could offer. It was this intriguing thought alone that kept him from dismissing the interloper outright…

Kirain surprised him by showing no offense, and a tendril of warmth pulsed through his black heart to find her spirit untainted by such foolishness. His languid pose remained, his smile easy, lazy. I think that is a fine idea, my lady.

His muzzle hiked up towards the stranger. Show us, he agreed. Let us pluck the largest one for the others to see.

The woman was the one to insist they hunt together, the three of them. Marius was glad to have something to do and moreso for the newfound backup, but he was leery of the presence of the woman - if for nothing else, he did not think her necessary. But he did not speak against it.

There are two, perhaps coupled, Marius said this with a glance to the woman, although seemed much more interested in the man's opinion even so. They gave me grief for walking the meadow! Fat, brainless things.. He spared one more glance - fleeting, before setting off.

Come, then. He would escort them readily to the last spot both geese had been standing. Despite their largesse the pair had journeyed quite a bit further than expected, but their long necks and shining beaks jut from the grass.

Still completely unaware of the strange male’s displeasure, she followed him eagerly, her tail wagging with unrestrained enthusiasm. Since regaining her strength, she had done little but travel at her companion’s side. Now, with the prospect of action ahead, excitement coursed through her veins, her muscles itching for use.

Two, you say? What fun! It's been too long since we've had a good hunt. Her voice was soft but brimming with unshakable warmth and enthusiasm. Her gaze swept ahead of the trio, searching for the offending birds, as anticipation bubbled in her chest.

Wake’s languid pace brought up the rear, gaze floating over the excited bounce of Kirain’s head to study the lie of snowblind fur ahead of them. The stranger’s gait interested him nearly as much as his words; he wondered what physical potential there was to back such a vengeful mind, which he was more than happy to oblige.

In truth, the winter naga wished to indulge fully in the man’s wanton retaliation to slake his own devilish thirsts, but he would pretend, for the good of his image, that it was for Kirain’s sake. And she seemed so eager! He would be happy also to see her give chase— watch her have a good time, as much as he would enjoy enacting revenge on behalf of the nameless snowtreader.

The geesebills loomed ahead. Silent, Wake nudged Kirain towards the east, beckoning her to take a roundabout path, while he prowled to circle in the opposite direction; a pincer maneuver to corner the fat geese pair and drive them towards the waiting fangs of their hunting partner.

Marius held his laughter inside as the woman spoke, knowing better than to let his derision control every bit of him, but he could not help the small mirthful look that crossed his vision as he turned towards the hunt. The woman's voice was bright and her tone almost childish, not with wonder but with such enthusiasm, he wondered if perhaps this other man had plucked her out of a nursery.

They got to work; the woman was sent on an arcing rendezvous to the geese (thankfully) and for a moment the two men were together. Marius opened his mouth to mention something or to make a coy remark, but did not have even a moment for such — the man was away too, opposite, and the pale pair neared the waiting geese.

Left alone again, Marius huffed to himself and settled in to the work He had not come all the way to these wilds, braved wilderness and ruin and poor weather and the oddness of heathens, just to be made to work for his dinner! But he was involved now, and could not stop what would transpire.

If nothing else, he'd have a good view of the man and the woman as they moved. As much as he prefered to be a voyuer in these moments, Marius had to keep focused or these geese would escape, and then he would look absolutely foolish before this other man! That was not a welcome sentiment.