Wapun Meadow Honey, You're Familiar like my Mirror Years Ago

Backdated to Febuary, before this thread.

With a spring in his step and curiosity in his heart, Moss set out on his patrol, eager to explore every nook and cranny of the thawing territory. The wind whipped through the valley, carrying with it tales of faraway places and things, and the little wolf was there to listen intently. Every rustle below and chirp above called to him, beckoning him farther from home with open, waiting arms.

And then, like a gift from the heavens, he had stumbled upon it—a long, delicate feather glistening in the dappled sunlight. It was a woodpecker's, they had realized with excitement. He could already picture the curiosity sparkling in the children's eyes as he showed them, teaching them about the funny little bird with the long beak.

After tucking the new trinket into his whip-like tail with a triumphant grin, Moss had resumed his journey, sage eyes glued to the underbrush for any other treasures waiting to be discovered.

They had continued on in this manner until they had reached the meadow, sun-drenched and alive with the scent of flowers. Moss paused once more, this time in search of something special—a berry bush he had encountered before the snowfall had blanketed the land.

There is something to be said about those who appreciate the world around them. To find the smallest of things in a sweeping landscape and to treasure it wholeheartedly. This sincere quality of the little wolf was what drew the attention of Vale in her own wanderings.

Vale kept her distance. Gilded gaze looking beyond the traveling figure of Moss to the meadow in its entirety. The battle between winter and spring that raged closest to the Sunspires. Winter was strongest where shadows fell and weakest under the sun's brilliance. Snow blanketed the ground in uneven patches. From where she stood on the far side of the meadow, a cold mountain breeze still ruffled her pelt.

The meadowland under the claim of spring grew a vibrant green. Well-watered by snowmelt, the land thrived. Through the snow, stubborn tufts of green flora staked their claim. Gaining ground in the battle. Where the land grew strongest, an arsenal of flower buds was under creation. A stockpile to bloom in waves throughout the spring in summer months.

Vale's eyes fell once more to her packmate. Her mouth began to part—oh! Had he always been that far away?

Picking up her paws, Vale closed the distance and announced herself with a friendly woof. Falling in line with Moss's flank, she could seen the lingering smile on their face and immediately formed one upon her own.

The meadow is quite a sight, isn't it?

Miss Vale! Moss exclaimed with a bright twinkle in his sage-green eyes. He greeted her with a gentle headbutt, an unusual yet heartfelt gesture that carried all of the warmth and affection he held for his Kvarsheim family. I know! Isn't it just breathtaking out here? Come see what I found!

Moss nudged aside a tuft of long grass, revealing a cluster of spikey leaves hidden beneath. See these? Do you think it might be a strawberry bush? 

Stepping aside to give Vale a clear view, Moss awaited her opinion, their tail wagging eagerly. I hope it is, they continued excitedly. They'll be nice to have as a treat over the summer. We'll just have to make sure we get them before the rabbits do. He grinned, imagining sharing the sweet fruit amongst his packmates.

Vale's chin brushed atop Moss's head as they lowered their crown to her, laughing all the while at the affectionate greeting. She had not spent much time yet with the Læknir but they radiated warmth in a way befitting a caretaker. Her lip curved as mirth played across her face. Ears cupping forward inquisitively as Moss made way to share their discovery.

At the reveal of the bush Vale nosed the leaves. Her brow knitting as she attempted to identify the bush. It hadn't even begun to flower yet. Hmm... I can't say for certain, but it could be!

She skirted the bush, pulling aside the grass to see if there were others like it in the vicinity. With her brief search coming up short, she turned to Moss.

This bush might be in hot demand come summer. Her tail waved idly behind her. It would be a shame if there weren't any berries to share. Had she seen any other bushes in the valley? She couldn't recall.

Across the mountains, however...

Oh, Bramblepoint!

As though Moss was privy to her inner musings, he blurted the name out loud with a triumphant glitter to her eye. When the rest of her mind caught up with her she eagerly gestured to the Sunspire Mountains with her paw.

In the wilderness across the mountains there's a great, big orchard! It's full of fruit trees and berry bushes! Even if you go before they fruit, the blossoms are beautiful.