The Sunspire my golden summer

For @Finley / @Summer — backdated... a while. :| I'll leave it up to you. <3

Her head was still swimming, though she felt a little calmer as the days passed. She didn't talk much to her escort; still bitter, perhaps, that Fox thought she needed one. More likely, it was simply that she didn't know Finley in the same way she had known Fox and Peregrine. Magpie was slow to trust, and fast to hold a grudge— she was annoyed, being babysat like this, and it grated on her the more she had time to think about it. It wasn't Finley's fault, of course, but Fox wasn't around to vent against.

As they drew near to the Sunspire's shadow, Magpie ran ahead— pushing herself toward Summer, faster and faster, caring little if Finley still followed or deigned to give her room. All she could think of were his golden eyes, those that could stare into her soul and warm it. There was so much to tell him, and Magpie could feel the emotion welling back up inside of her. She slowed as she got the first scent of the pack, in the foothills of the mountain, then threw her head back and called for him. Her voice was intense, to the point— Summer, I need you.

<3 one for Fin! Then onto Summer :D

Finally, they had made it to the Sunspire. As much as Fin enjoyed traveling, she'd definitely decided that this was the last time she did so with a sulky as crap teenager. She'd tried to make mice and play the friendly, conversational escort, but the more Magpie treated her like a prison guard, the more Finley adapted to playing that role. It wasn't a character she enjoyed being, so when finally they reached the towering mountain and Magpie went racing off towards the borders, Fin was happy to let her go ahead on her own.

Like the ever faithful beta she was, Fin settled down right where she was to wait. She had no idea how long this whole thing would take, but if it meant Magpie might return in a better mood, she was more than happy to give her all the time she needed. With a wide yawn, she rolled over onto her side and stared at the snowy landscape, daydreaming that maybe a bear would show up to entertain her. With that, she began to drift away to a sleep that promised to be filled with delightful dreams of dancing bears.

He knew that she would be back. She'd said she would after they'd parted ways at the base of the mountain, and though he trusted her fully, he couldn't help but wonder if he was an idiot for doing so. It was not the first time his spring-eyed friend had left, not to be seen again for months. But that hadn't been her fault. Ferdie had taken her away and then banned their packs from ever interacting again. Her leaving this last time was not something he could fault her for either. She'd had amends to make, but once that was done, she'd return.

And return she did.

Summer lifted his head to look off towards the borders eagerly as her call rang out through the peaks. He ran to her as quickly as his paws would allow, slowing only when his eyes settled upon her face. A wide smile slipped across his lips as he came towards. "Well hey, stranger," he said gently just after he stopped only a few feet from her. He longed to sweep her up in his embrace, but held back, suddenly nervously uncertain that she'd want him to do so.

All she saw was Summer, standing there in all his handsome glory— his dark, wild fur, and his bright, golden eyes. For a moment, Magpie thought she would lose control of her emotions and the tears and rage and confusion would all come rushing out... but they had plenty of time to talk about all of that later. Selfishly, she wanted to delay the heartbreak that was sure to come. He would hate her— if their roles were reversed, she would certainly hate him— but she couldn't bear the thought of losing Summer for the gain of a sister.

She rushed into him, nosing his shoulder roughly, forcing the deep well of emotion down into the deepest reaches of her heart. It would be torn asunder later, but for now, they could be the Magpie and Summer that were happy together— for now, they would be each other's happy ending. "I promised," she told him, laughing her bright and honest laugh.

Magpie came to him and pressed herself affectionately against him. He felt a flutter in his chest at her touch and reached out to lay his head gently across the back of her neck in a wolfish hug, wondering if perhaps she felt the same tremble in her heart at feeling his arms around her. Her words made him smile broader, if that was even possible. She had promised and she'd kept that promise, as unbelievable as that was.

The yearling was content to stand with her like this forever, but he suddenly stepped back to put a small amount of space between them. He looked at her face, setting his bright yellow eyes upon her green, fondness apparent in his gaze. Slowly, he leaned forward and touched his nose against her muzzle, his tongue flicking out softly against her fur in a single kiss. It was boldness that the Summer of his youth would never have dared, but that was a young wolf who'd nearly had a nervous breakdown over bringing this very girl a simple pinecone. He was older now, stronger, more confident. And yet, he still was just as stunned that such a lovely young girl would ever look at him the way she did.

It was a talent of Magpie's to keep her intentions at bay— to live guiltlessly, though she would soon be tearing heart from chest without second thought. Life was made up of moments, and dwelling too far into the future threatened to keep a wolf from living. There was only this breath, this touch, this kiss— that had startled her, in a good way. Her own heart fluttered despite herself. Magpie would never be one to settle down, but Summer was special; he would likely always be so. He was the first to stir her in this way. He would forever be the most foreign creature she ever had the pleasure of exploring.

She returned the kiss, without a hint of thought, tracing the edges of his muzzle with her tongue, before stepping away to gaze at him. "What will we explore today?" Magpie questioned, not really wanting to enter the Sunspire— she still hated it, even if it was his home— but eager for excitement. She always craved adventure, but today it was more urgent. It would distract her from her true purpose in coming here; to break this beautiful boy's heart.

Summer felt his heart throbbing in his chest as she returned his kisses. He suddenly felt as though his entire body was on fire, and he wanted more. It was a strange feeling - one he'd never experienced before. He wasn't complaining, though.

Her question was an innocent one, and yet the thoughts that came unbidden to his youthful mind were far from it. He kept those thoughts to himself, however, and instead pondered where he ought to take her. He didn't need her to say it to know that she would be unhappy returning to the Sunspire. Though it was his home and where he was happiest, he knew that in her mind, it was where she'd been held captive.

After a few moments, a smile broke across the Ostrega's muzzle and he leaned in to nudge her muzzle softly. "I have an idea," he said, "Follow me." Fortunately the destination he had in mind wasn't too far from where they were, but it did give them time to talk. "Did things go well at the Caldera?" he asked as he strode with her along the base of the mountain, just outside the territory's borders.

As usual, the dark boy knew her thoughts— with his proclamation of an idea, he began to lead her in a direction that would not bring them to the heart of the Sunspire. She walked with him shoulder-to-shoulder, and licked his cheek for that. Magpie had told him she would come to him after the caldera, and had perhaps alluded that she would never leave, but she hadn't exactly promised that she would actually join the ranks as Summer's pack mate.

"We can talk about that later," she told him, deftly brushing the topic off. That would bring up the sad things she wasn't quite prepared to tell him about, but she would be forced to if he pressed her.

*PPs like a fiend*

Magpie dodged his question about the Caldera, which immediately raised the alarm for Summer.  He looked at her quizzically, but held his tongue.  He'd already looked over her and had seen nothing physically wrong with her.  He could only assume that something else had gone wrong.  Unfortunately, she'd made it clear that she didn't want to discuss it, though her methods were subtle.  He would let it go, for now.


"I discovered this place a few weeks after you returned to the Creek," Summer admitted after a long silence had fallen between them.  They were quite close to the base of the mountain, but beyond the claim of the pack.  The forest was thinner here, but a few well placed trees still his the entrance to the cave from sight, unless one knew where to look.  Summer lead her in a winding path around the tree trunks and the rocky outcroppings before ducking down into a crevice between the rocks, slipping down into the darkness.

The tunnel was short, but with a low-ceiling that forced them to crawl on their bellies.  At the end, the ceiling opened up and then disappeared altogether a little ways further down as the space widened.  There was nothing particularly stunning about the cave.  The floor was flat and smooth and the walls that rose up around them were the same dull gray that one would expect.  Besides the natural skylight, the only other point of interest was a weathered old tree that grew at the far edge of the room and stretched up higher than even the rocky walls.

Summer stepped lightly towards it, placing a paw upon one of the gnarled roots that dug down into the floor of the cave.  He paused, then looked back at Magpie, curiosity upon his face that he chose not to verbalize yet.

I think I avoid this thread because I'm afraid of the outcome. ;___;

He looked at her suspiciously, but didn't press her— he could read her like no one else, and he also knew when not to push her. Magpie was flighty, liable to run when her boundaries were tested. Instead of pursuing the conversation, he instead led her down a path only he knew. She remained silent, simply enjoying his company, taking in the sights. It was all new to her, and the yearling appreciated every rock and tree (and creature). Summer abruptly stopped, plunging into a dark crevice— and she followed without hesitation.

Another girl might have complained about the dirt that found its way into her coat as she squeezed through the tunnel on her belly, but not Magpie. She loved it. While Summer might have thought the cavern unremarkable, her green eyes took it all in with wonder. The tree itself particularly interested her, spurring a thousand questions that Magpie would never know the answers to. She followed as Summer drew near it, standing near his shoulder. When he looked at her questioningly, she told him, "It's beautiful, Summer."

Magpie knew that wasn't what he was questioning, but she couldn't bring herself to speak of it. Her gaze cast downward, toward their paws, and she leaned against him— savoring the moment that would soon come crashing to an end.

  Awww!  I promise nothing bad will happen.  It's Summer, he doesn't... emotion strongly lol Unless it's for love of purdy girlies

While Magpie explored the little cave, Summer found himself unable to take his eyes off of her.  In some ways, being with her took her back to when he was young and nervous and miserable.  She'd been a light in his endless darkness, one that he'd been to anxious and awkward to keep.  But now he had her, and he was a different wolf.  He was strong, he was confident, he had power.  He didn't have to lose her this time.  He was strong enough to keep her.

A smile faintly glanced across his lips when she expressed her admiration for the cave.  He closed his eyes briefly when she sank against him, simply savoring the feeling.  When he opened them again, they remained still upon her, but with a heat in them that hadn't been there before.  "You're beautiful," he murmured softly, gazing at her face and her sweet eyes.  They were the color of Spring, a color he never thought he'd see again.

Gently, he lowered his muzzle to place another kiss upon her muzzle.  But for once, he didn't stop there.  Summer continued, his tongue glancing softly upon her muzzle, then upon her cheek before slowly drifting down the side of her neck - a low growl echoing in the depths of his chest as he went.

-----

And when later, she admitted to him that she had to go, Summer would take it like the man he was - with patience and understanding, but with heartbreak whispering in his eyes.  He knew the importance of family from his own desperation to have it again, and so he would not fault her for pursuing it when she'd found it so near.  But as she left, the Ostrega could not help the twinge of bitterness that spiked through his chest as he watched her go.