Whitebark Stream The final destination of our long journey.
323 Posts
Ooc — Rebel
Offline
#1
Private 
Carefully between his fangs, a sprig of fresh juniper.

It smelled clean, its fine leaves emitting a pleasant aroma that Artyom was sure would bring his mate some comfort when her need to rest in their hollow arose. The little sample was not nearly as pretty as the snowdrops he'd delivered to her the week prior, but the branch was delightfully evergreen. Pale blue berries, ripe for picking, were clustered at its edges; it seemed an appropriate offering for the cold season when wildflowers failed to bloom.

He poked his nose into the den, reluctant to startle @Dawn with his bold entrance. When he was sure she'd be content to receive him, the pale ranger ducked his head to move in closer. For her came the soft sweep of his tail and he sought her features with warm eyes that glistened with affection as he tilted his muzzle toward her - a silent presentation of his latest gift.
1,215 Posts
Ooc — Thalia
Master Ambassador
Tracker
Offline
#2
the huntress stirs, casting off the gentle warmth settled close to her skin as she stretches gently. sleep-blurred gaze finds Artyom, muzzle curving at the sprig he holds in his maw. "juniper." she murmurs, reaching to press her muzzle to his a moment, tail wagging softly. the journey had taken a toll, when usually such a short trip would have barely affected her. 

"how are you?" she asks, reaching gently to take hold of the branch. it is bright and crisp, and there comes a certain kind of warmth at the gift; an expression of love she'd never before seen, and yet come to love.
323 Posts
Ooc — Rebel
Offline
#3
Past his mouthful of juniper, Artyom crooner. He welcomed his mate closer with a cheerful swish of his ivory tail, leaned into the press of her muzzle to his, then released his gift to her when she reached out to take it.

"All the better for seeing you," the ranger quipped in response as he settled, tongue sweeping his upper lip before he lifted a hind limb to scratch at an itch on a shoulder. "You're looking brighter. Might I be so bold to say you are glowing?" Queue a suggestive (and hopeful) arch of his brow as he shot her a winning smile.

1,215 Posts
Ooc — Thalia
Master Ambassador
Tracker
Offline
#4
she laughs at the hopeful arch of his brow, the gently poking nature of his words. "I did finally take a bath -- thanks for noticing," she offers, setting the sprig down at her paws. ears flick in mirth as she shifts onto her side, peering down at her stomach. the slight swelling could be a result of the recent hunt, the fading of the famine. yet somehow, she knows differently. 

"I think we might need a bigger den, soon." she admits, unable to keep the smile from her muzzle. in a week, two, it will be obvious, and certain, though her doubts are fast faded, now.
323 Posts
Ooc — Rebel
Offline
#5
"A bath," he laughed at the suggestion of such, considering the season. Glad to dive into good humour, he played along: "have you been out there? You'd be frozen solid in seconds."

She shifted a little, turning her lovely crown to look upon the soft curve of her flank. Artyom's mahogany gaze followed, lingering on his mate's belly with eager curiosity - so strong was his desire to be sure. His inexperienced eyes could find no obvious change in her, and he made a tentative step forward to dare a closer look.

Dawn smiled then, a knowing expression that allowed his heart to swell. At his backside his tail sprung to life, sweeping the den wall with renewed enthusiasm, and he beamed down into the ashen leader's metallic with giddy affection. Nose to hers, Artyom delivered a swift kiss to her muzzle. "Whatever you desire," he told her, "I will make it happen."

Together they ventured deeper into the territory, seeking a hollow that would serve as Dawn's whelping burrow. She knew exactly what she was looking for and Artyom, keen to make it perfect for her, followed dutifully.