Sunset Valley [feast] And sometimes you close your eyes

Eventually, he couldn't resist the urge to seek out @Lane. He had given it some time, allowed himself to mingle with the others, all the while knowing he would eventually look for the glacier leader. A lot had happened today, and he wanted to check in with her—make sure she didn't need anything. He figured she would be more worried about everyone else than herself.

He weaved in and out of the crowd, eyes searching for the sandy color of her coat, ears listening closely to the chatter so that he might hear her voice and find her that way.

Lane ate openly and heartily from the fallen caribou, and not because she was all that hungry. Truly, the events of the past weeks had left her with little appetite. However, she knew there were some present who still were hesitant to consume meat from the infected beasts, and she meant to set an example for them. She was a leader, and they would be looking to her for reassurance. Her responsibilities never ceased, even during times of rest and celebration. 

She surveyed the crowd from her position near one of the open caches. Tuuluuwaq approached, and Lane wagged her tail. "Hey, Tuuluuwaq." A smile found its way to her features. She'd nearly forgotten how it felt. 

She nodded over in the direction of Ensio. The boy was engaged in play with a girl his age-- one who Lane had seen around the Moonglow camp. Ensio look lighter than Lane had ever seen him before. "He looks better," she commented of Ensio, looking questioningly to Tuuluuwaq. She had tasked him with getting to know the boy... perhaps Tuuluuwaq could be thanked for some of Ensio's improvement?

He returned her smile with a grateful one of his own. It filled him with warmth to see her light up at just his presence. Heat burned in his chest, rising up all on its own in response to her. Lane, he greeted in return as he moved to take a seat next to her. He wanted to push the meat away from her, but he knew it would be no use. Either you trusted it or you didn't, and he wouldn't insult her by implying her decision was wrong.

His gaze followed hers over to Ensio. A fond expression crossed his face. He really did like the boy; he would grow up to be strong and fierce, just like Lane's own son. I think he just needed to know he is heard and seen—like what he wants is important to us. Ensio was important to the glacier, and Tuulu wanted to make sure he knew that.

How are you, he asked, turning his full focus on her. Is there anything that you need?

Lane watched the softness spread over Tuuluuwaq's features as he spoke of Ensio, and her heart throbbed in a funny way. She supposed this was who she was now. The old Lane would have been head-over-heels for Kigipigak, the force of nature he was, rippling with strength and booming with vivacity. Although the Tartok man was undeniably attractive, there were a different set of characteristics that appealed to the new Lane. Tuuluuwaq had exhibited a softness for children and loyalty for family which were admirable to the young mother. He also had a certain calmness of spirit and stout dependability which Lane appreciated beyond words, especially with how chaotic life had been lately. 

"It was nice to see Calida up and about," Lane mentioned, recalling Calida's presence at the edge of the funeral gathering. Tuuluuwaq's bravery and heroism stood out in a grand way on the day he pulled Calida from the river. Calida had since expressed a desire to join Duskfire Glacier and protect the borders as a mercenary. Tuuluuwaq had risked his life, and the pack had gained a valuable member. 

Tuuluuwaq directed the conversation a bit abruptly onto Lane and her needs, and the alpha realized that had her train of thought been allowed to continue uninterrupted, she might have gone on indefinitely, commenting on the status of each packmate in turn. Tuuluuwaq had been allowed a glance through the window of her mind's eye, which focused unceasingly on those in her charge. 

"What do I need?" Lane echoed, her expression dimming into her characteristic, amused half-smile. After some thought, she spoke. "I need someone to help me with the Middle Tier. A newer member with a little authority, who can bridge the gap between old and new members and integrate the newer recruits into the rest of the pack." After a pause, she clarified, "I need a Zeta, if you're up for the job." Her amber eyes leveled upon Tuuluuwaq. She was uncertain whether he and Issorartuyok had yet spoken about the permanence of his presence in Duskfire Glacier or the rank he would hold, but as far as Lane was concerned, he had proven himself many times over in the few short weeks he had been with the pack. His contributions surpassed those of many of the wolves ranked above him; none of Duskfire could deny that.

Lane mentioned Calida and how well she was healing. Yes, you are a gifted healer, Lane, he told her. She had healed his hunting would well, and Calida was making great progress. I worried about Calida, at first, but now I am hopeful she will fully recover and be a valuable member of the pack. No matter how long she chose to stay. 

She seemed lost in thought for a few moments, and while he was happy to sit in silence with her, he wanted to make sure she had whatever she needed. 

Her answer was not what he had expected. But neither was he surprised. Of course, Tuulu was grateful for the opportunity to ease some of hers and Isso's load. I would be honored, kuulti, he answered immediately. I appreciate you considering me for such a role. He would not let her down. If she would allow the closeness, he would touch his forehead to hers. He was grateful in so many ways.

Lane lifted her brow as she was given the title of "healer." She vastly preferred to be called a "medic," but she would let it slide this time, feeling charitable in this moment. Tuuluuwaq's warm, chocolaty gaze had that effect on her. 

Tuuluuwaq agreed readily to the role Lane suggested, and she smiled. She was glad that he was looking to stay and take on more responsibility. She wondered suddenly whether he still wished to court her, as he had spontaneously expressed several weeks ago. The funeral was behind them, and so Tuuluuwaq was free to ask her once more, if he still had the desire to do so. 

Tuuluuwaq would not leave her to wonder for long. He moved forward to press his forehead into hers, offering a gesture of intimacy that exceeded mere gratitude. 

When he went to pull away, Lane tilted her muzzle upward, surprising him with a light kiss. She pulled back with her characteristic half-smile, eyes dancing merrily. "Run with me," she breathed, feeling more alive in this moment than she had in many moons. 

She moved quickly, leaping to her feet and taking off across the valley. Her paws crunched a soft cadence into the snow, which sparkled under the light of the full winter moon.

Had he known the subject of her thoughts, he would have quickly relieved her of any doubt; the Tatkret felt even more for than he had before. She was in his thoughts always. 

Lane not only allowed his affection but returned it with a light kiss that had heat pooling his stomach. Once again, she captured his full attention; his eyes followed the curve of her lips as she offered that playful smirk that never failed to make his heart slam against the walls of his chest. His gaze danced along with hers, and her request had him getting immediately to his feet. There wasn't much she could ask of him that he wouldn't do.

She danced away from him, light on her feet in a way that was mesmerizing; Tuulu followed eagerly, paws carrying him across the snow to follow the path of pawprints she made in front of him. She was likely faster than he was, but he still managed to get close enough to playfully bump her hip with his shoulder. A delighted grin spread across his face; he would run with her for as long as she wished.

Lane led Tuuluuwaq away from the eyes of the others at the feast, racing along with a gait could easily be described as frolicking. Had she intended on outpacing Tuuluuwaq, she might have left him in the dust, as light she felt in this moment. As it was though, her speed was tempered by her balletic leaps into the air, as well as the twists and turns she made in order to round on Tuuluuwaq and engage him. She would dart to close their distance and nip playfully at Tuuluuwaq, and then she would retreat coyly, encouraging his pursuit. 

On the last of these instances, when she went to nip and then dart away, she became tripped up on her own feet and landed in a heap in the snow. Her sides heaving with laughter would make it evident that she was unharmed, only winded.

He was more than happy to be led away from the party. Any time alone with Lane was precious to him. Being the leader and healer of the village meant that her time was often already spoken for.

Tuulu watched her agile dancing through the snow with obvious appreciation, happy to remain a few paces behind her if it meant he got to watch her move. And each time she slowed and came back to him to nip at his chest or his neck, he would quickly nip her back in return. But he never made to stop her. She was enjoying this way too much, and he liked to see that joy on her face. 

The last time she skipped away from him, she tripped and fell into a pile of snow. His eyes widened in concern for a brief moment. She started laughing, though, and Tuulu threw himself into the snow beside her, a wide grin on his face. He couldn't help but laugh too. He wanted to reach out and run his nose through the fur on her neck, but he had been careful not to push it with his affection. It seemed after a moment of thought, though, he decided to do as he wanted; Tuulu nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck and breathed deeply. There were so many things he wanted to say. His heart felt like it might explode from how much he felt. It was a little scary, if he was being honest with himself, but that would not deter him; he was far too smitten by now. 

He pulled back a little but still lingered close, his gaze slowly appreciating the fine lines of her face before meeting her eyes. I have never met anyone like you, he whispered.

Tuuluuwaq was a good sport, keeping up with Lane and returning her nips as she drew him along in her little game. If he was like Issorartuyok, he likely did not see much purpose in her antics, but he participated anyway, sensing it was what Lane needed. And she did need it. It was all enormously effective in helping her blow off steam, and when she finally landed in the snow her heart felt light enough to float right out of her chest. 

Tuuluuwaq landed heavily beside her. Lane rolled onto her side, tongue lolling as she fixed her eyes on Tuuluuwaq. She panted, enjoying the cold, refreshing snow pressed into her side and the equally refreshing grin on Tuuluuwaq's face. It looked good there. Different. Lane wondered if she had leaned too hard upon Tuuluuwaq in the previous weeks, taking advantage of his desire to please her and help her. He had been very patient and dependable, and Lane had been very needy. Lane decided he would not wait any longer. A fraction of a second before Lane moved to lean toward him, Tuuluuwaq reached out to bury his muzzle in her ruff. Lane received him gladly, wriggling to press her body into his, banishing any empty space between them. 

He lifted his muzzle from her ruff to speak. "I have never met anyone like you," he whispered, and Lane's tail flurried happily in the snow. "I'm very glad for that." If Tuuluuwaq had found another woman who made the chocolate of his eyes melt into warm, gooey pools, like those she was currently lost in, would he have ever found his way to Lane? 

"I think you're pretty special too." Lane smiled. She moved to close the distance between them once more, drawing him into a kiss. She licked lightly at his muzzle at first, but the kiss would deepen slowly. The flames of desire flickered to life in Lane's chest. The heat pushed downward into her belly, and then lower. 

"What does kuulti, mean?" Lane would ask breathlessly, when they finally had to pause for air.

She not only allowed the affection, but she also moved closer and pressed into him. Tuulu draped an arm over her back as if he could pull her even closer. He had often wondered what Lane would feel like tucked against him, and now that she was, it was like nothing he could have imagined. She was warm and soft; it felt like she was made to fit exactly where she was. 

She spoke, and a chuckle rumbled from his chest as he nibbled down her neck. When she revealed that she felt the same for him, Tuulu paused and looked up to meet her gaze. He couldn't think of the words to say, but he hoped some of the tenderness he felt for her would show in the warmth of his eyes. 

He was surprised only for a split second when she pulled him closer and delivered a soft kiss to his muzzle. And when she deepened her kiss, he gladly sank into the affection. His blood heated and need pooled in his stomach. He had imagined this too, but again, his imagination hardly compared to the reality. He pulled her tighter against him and briefly considered never letting her go. 

He didn't let her pull back much when they finally broke away from each other. He nuzzled into her cheek as she spoke, very much drunk on the duskfire leader. She asked what kuulti meant, and the Tatkret smiled, allowing another chuckle to vibrate against her skin where he still nuzzled her. He very much liked the way his language sounded on her tongue. He finally pulled his face from hers, but only enough that he could meet her gaze. It means treasure, he told her. He nipped along her jaw. It is what you are to me.

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Lane was frozen in place with pleasure, sighing as Tuuluuwaq nipped his way along her jaw. Her eyes were full of want when she met his gaze. Treasure. He had thought of her this way even before he had ever held her in his embrace. Before he ever knew if Lane would agree to be courted. Lane had finally found the man who would choose her first, and she felt herself melt under the heat of his passionate gaze. 

"Show me, Tuulu," she begged him, her voice a needy whisper. She wanted to feel him pressed against her, moving with her, loving her as the priceless treasure he claimed her to be. She wriggled against him, turning herself so that her back pressed against his chest, and her hindquarters slid daringly between his thighs. She reached up to nibble at his throat sweetly, inviting him, coaxing him. Was he too much the northern gentleman, to abandon decorum and give in to his desires? She dearly hoped not... 

...

The pair would have to make their way back to the festivities eventually. As always, Lane had her leadership responsibilities to fulfill... but no one could deny that she had earned herself a few moments of private bliss with the one who called her treasure.

Her eyes somehow reflected the searing need within his own stomach; he could feel the grip on his control slipping when she looked at him like that. 

And then her hushed words begged him to show her as his nickname fell from her lips; he swallowed hard against the flare of need in his chest. He was not in the habit of denying Lane what she wanted. Part of him wanted to abstain. It was the respectful thing to do. And until now, it had been his plan to wait until she was officially his before pushing for what she asking from him. 

She moved against him, causing jolts of heat to spread across his skin from wherever her body touched his. She pressed her back against his chest and her hips between his own. She fit perfectly there, and he suddenly realized he didn't want to wait. He wanted to show her what it meant to be treasured; Lane deserved that and more. There was little need for her coaxing now, but that didn't mean he would stop her teeth from grazing the skin of his throat. Another chuckle would rumble from his chest, a far more heated sound than before. 

He nuzzled into her nape, occasionally nipping at the skin there. There was no need for words now. He could only show her what she meant to him, and he planned on doing just that. 

...

Tuulu would be loathe to share her with the rest of the gathering. He would probably even pout a little when she suggested going back. But, of course, he wouldn't keep her any longer than she was able to stay. There would be a promise, though, to steal her away for much longer once things allowed for it.