Path Back Home [Mist]

[Dakota Spirit]

[Ok, so this takes place after 'Flat Lined' which is more or less wrapping up.]

It was pitch black when he left the swamp lands. Time had all but slipped away, light fading with each passing moment. He did not care though, as the wolf favored the dark. Especially now. He did not wish to see the sun shining happily in his eyes. Besides, the moon was bright enough for the time being, casting its eerie glow across the quite lands. For awhile the wolf's pace was slow, as if each step were costing him a fortune. And in truth, they were. he was wasted both emotionally and physically, lacking for the time, that need to press on with an iron will. Instead, he wanted time alone. He wanted to grieve. Stepping softly across the hard earth, he was at least glad to feel firm ground beneath his paws again. The marsh had been thick and cold, chilling every part of his body. And now there was regret there too, though this time not born of it's own inhabitants. It was a product of the male's own mind, a stranger to the area who had still be forced to leave a piece of himself behind. It was this fact that was weighing in his steps, holding him back.

With a sudden gust of wind, the wolf felt that same chill as before and shuddered slightly. The need to be away from this place was upon him almost instantly, filling his mind with scenes from today's events, pictures he now wished to put some distance between. His pace quickened, dark legs pumping under a well toned body. His bright green eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for threat or disruption. And he wondered briefly how he must be looking to another's eyes. The wolf was a proud one, a quality both evident in stance and movement. But appearance among other things, had taken a toll in Sarne's cold mists. His pelt, pitch dark and full was splattered with chalky mud. The dirt colored his legs and chest, sprinkling in random patterns across his underbelly. There was a strange wildness in his eyes, not much, but a glimmer. Perhaps the only outward indication that the male wasn't quite as in control as was his norm. Exhaustion did that. Made you act as you wouldn't, feel as you wouldn't. Desperation too. It all swirled in his head, forcing the sharp features of his face to crease into a tight, harsh expression. Three slanted cuts added to the mix, slicing the fragile skin around his right eye and exposing the red beneath. The marks were courtesy of Shunke, Drappa to Sarnes. Queen among the swamp snakes. No, all things considered, the wolf imagined he looked pretty uninviting right now.

It seemed that in the space of only a few seconds his pace had quickened again, bursting forth into a full out run. Blood pulsed in his ears as he flew, trees and brush flashing by. He pushed himself, forcing every muscle to work at it's hardest. Steps faltered only occasionally as the old wound in his left leg came alive with a jolt of pain, quickly passing, quickly ignored. He pushed still harder, wanting to go the fastest, be the fastest, to leave it all behind. Ragged breaths rung deep from within the wolf's chest, adding haggard sound to his already haggard appearance. It felt as if he was passing with time now, his steps measuring out the seconds. As if he were melding into the flowing hours, putting true distance between himself and what had happened in Sarnes. The speed gave him that, for the time being. For now, blessed relief.

Hours passed, or maybe days. It all felt the same now, colorless moments marked only by the coming of the sun. All this time the wolf ran. Stopping only to rest, to eat occasionally. To get the strength to run again. He was blind to all other things, until the boarders of his homeland came into sight. The realms of Deor stood out against the sky like a lush sanctuary. A moment's smile flashed on his face at the sight. Home. The word rang like sweet chimes in his ears, echoing of relief and safety. Picking it up a notch the male crashed through Deor's tree lined boarder before finally slowing to a standstill. His heart beat steadily within him, lungs still heaving in full capacity to take in air. He stood there quietly for a moment, letting the contrast of here and the swamps to truly take hold. To feel the warmth of these lands and feel the sense of belonging. Still, uncertainty hovered for a moment in his mind. There'd been promises made upon his departure from Deor. One of his own and one that he'd asked of the Drappa. His mate, the ever faithful Mist. But these promises, or his at least, seemed misplaced now. He had asked the fae to come to him upon his return, alone, so that she may help him with whatever results came from this venture. But now he felt as if waking her would be wrong, for it was dark again. As if calling her from her sleep would be a mistake, giving her worries she did not deserve to carry. It was only a moment's hesitation, though. For he knew the fae's dedication. He knew how she felt and knew that she'd want to be here, despite his current state. And beyond that, he wanted her. Now with a striking desire, he wished to have someone familiar by his side. Someone he could trust.

Rocking his broad head back sharply against his shoulders, the wolf's strong voice echoed smoothly across the tree tops. The vocals were only slightly forlorn, speaking more of his wanting to be near the fae rather then the outcome of his trip. To her they would undoubtedly say to come and come fast. That he needed her and wanted her, that she alone could help him through this. The notes echoed softly into silence before he lowered his head, closing his eyes briefly in tiredness. He moved forward slightly, taking small steps to reach a wide tree's base. Sitting beside it, the male leaned his body against the tree's unyielding support. With his ears perked for Mist's arrival, Deor's beta waited quietly for the coming dawn.

[Mist]

Each moment has seemed like an eternity. For Mist, life without her love is like a purgatory. She understands his need to try and help Dane - to bring him out of the dark swamps of Sarnes... but all the same, she is worried, and every day drags on, making it seem as if he will never return to her. Even the nights go slowly as her sleep is often interrupted by slight noises that, from the perspective of longing could be seen as the possibility of his return. Even on quiet nights she is sometimes awoken by the increasing kicks and nudges of the tiny pups in her belly. As days pass she has grown increasingly anxious to tell Dakota of their children. She cannot help but imagine the look on his face as she tells him - and from there it is easy to imagine life after they are born. Deor will be alive with the sounds of yips and giggles - the best sounds to be heard in a pack.

Mist has never been to Sarnes, and it has been rare for her to come across a resident of the swamplands, but she has a vivid imagination, and on many of those quiet nights and endless days has felt as if, in her mind's eye, she is following Dak's journey. But no, it is more likely that it is the over-active imagination of a concerned mate. Earlier tonight, after the sun went down brilliantly like a blazing orb of fury or wrath, and the gentle moon rose, slipping across the horizon in a silvery sheen, Mist was awake. Wandering the silent, snow-blanketed woods, her mind was elsewhere. Deor's Drappa has grown increasingly distracted over the last days, and it is as much as she can do to acknowledge her pack mates when she sees them, and try to work out problems if any arise. It is not that she no longer cares about her pack or her friends, but simply that her worry increases day after day with no sign of Dakota. Sarnes is neutral with Deor, but that definitely doesn't mean they are on friendly terms. If Dane has slipped too far into their ranks, and is now dark enough to hate his friend, there could easily be trouble. With this knowledge, Mist's mind is almost always occupied with concern for Dak's safety even more than the success or failure of his mission.

Finally she became tired enough to settle down in the hollow of a large pine tree, and after many long moments of staring up at Tor's silvery face through the dense branches, she fell asleep, curled up with her tail over her nose. Even with sleep, her mind is not at rest. Dreams with shadow things lurking in the dark and with red eyes and snarling fangs and a hate that is almost tangible through the swamp mists claw at her with imagined talons. It is not for her own safety that she fears, but for her love's - even in the land of dark dreams. In those dreams she is searching for something, and after the flash-image of emerald eyes, she remembers. Somewhere through these monsters and hateful eyes is her mate - it is for him, for his safety, that she is worried. She has faith in him - that he will be able to fight off even the most ferocious demon, if only to return to her - since, even in her dreams she remembers that he promised her - but this knowledge does not remove her concern, and she pads bravely on, her heart beating swiftly in her chest, to find him...

With the sound of an achingly longing howl, she is jerked from her dream, her heart beating swiftly from the dream as well as the possibility that he is finally here. Sitting up stiffly and listening with pricked ears to make sure the sound was a reality instead of an extension of her dream, she sits silently. It is only a half-second later that it is confirmed. The howl, as it continues, is obviously her long-hoped-for mate, Dakota. Pushing herself up and out of the tree hollow, she follows the sound of his voice, knowing almost innately which direction to go. After these many days and the longing in her heart she has felt for the whole time, she almost doesn't need to hear his voice to know where to go to find him. Lifting up her own voice in an answer, she howls to let him know she is on her way... she is coming.
Despite the extra weight of the pups in her belly, the sleek Drappa is still a swift runner, and there is nothing on this earth that would keep her from him now. Dodging and turning through the well-known trees and over gently-sloping hills covered in shimmering snow, Mist heads toward Deor's border. After all her waiting, there is little time left before she finally sees him, and it goes swiftly. Crossing land that she has lived on since she was young, her steps do not falter. At last, she sees him, and an involuntary whine escapes her throat. Such is the extent of her anxiety to make sure he is well, she does not slow down until she has reached him, and when she does, she licks his face, and whines as she sees the gashes on his face, her tail wagging enthusiastically behind her. "Dak... oh Dak, you're home. It's not a dream this time. You've returned to me, my love." For now, she will wait to hear what he has to say before telling him her news, and, though her belly is not openly obvious, for one who knows her well, it may be evident.

((Sorry it's not completely up to par... also, I figured I'd leave it up to you whether or not you want Dak to see that she's pregnant before she tells him))

[Dakota Spirit]

It only took a moment for her voice to reach him, Mist's song-like voice sailing high into the darkened sky. Dak stayed quiet as he listened, but a small shadowy smile appeared on his face. So she'd heard him and was coming, would soon appear between the trees. He straightened his back slightly, feeling old pride creep into his mind. It was much to late to be concerned with appearances, but the act was almost one of comfort. A little piece of his old self pushing through the sadness. The fae came far faster then seemed possibly and at the sight of her, Dakota's mind flashed with images of her silver body stretched out in full run, much as his had been, surging through the trees until reaching her lands end. Almost immediately Dak could read the anxiety in her face, feeling it even in the murky darkness. Her steps did not slow as she came near, so eager and ready to reach her destination, his own behavior seemed further mimicked in her movements. A quick spark of latent guilt burned in his mind, ignored and overcome only due to the stronger desire of the moment. It was not that he doubted the fae's understanding or her willingness to support him, as it was these things that actually spurred his occasional hesitations. He'd already asked so much of her, risking their love for dangers he'd made the choice to engage with. And yet, it was the strength of her bond that also pushed him on, to posses all those qualities that she saw in him. He would feel the guilt for only a moment longer before turning his attention completely from it, allowing himself to feel the frantic joy of the moment. It was over now, for better or worse. They were together again.

Offering a tired smile to Mist as she moved before him, Dak's voice sounded in quiet laughter. "No, love.", he whispered quietly. "This is no dream." It was strange that Mist had used such a description for that had been his own worry upon their last real meeting. That the closeness and the soft and sudden declarations of love were all products of his own mind. They'd had such a whirlwind time already, each moment seeming only believable by the fact that they were there feeling each emotion with such strength. The male was quiet for a moment longer, his eye's dancing with the images of Mist's exuberant welcome. Shh...", he soothed. "I'll not leave you again." The small intricate muscles in his face worked with each second, transforming the look of concern and weariness on his face to one of subtle devotion. Mist's gentle touch was something to be relished, something he'd always found comforting. But as her tongue swept across his cheek, Dak tensed slightly. "Careful, love.", he breathed. "That is still a fresh wound, the skin is very tender. But it's not serious.", he added quickly, hearing the small whine escape from her throat. "Come here.", he hissed, voice suddenly harsh and needy. Moving to his feet quickly, Dak circled around Mist's smaller form. She seemed different somehow, though he could not quite pinpoint the cause. The shadows played funny games with them, making things appear as they weren't. So he wasn't sure if there was something there, something different. Pressing his body alongside her own, Dak pushed his face into the thick ruff of her neck and inhaled deeply. It felt as if he hadn't seen her in ages and now needed to make up for that time gone, to enjoy what he could have lost. Almost without warning, Dak felt a whine of his own vibrate from deep inside him. It came out deep and worrisome. A mix of his own sadness and of the realization that he could have been lost in those swaps. That he may have never seen the fae again. The male wasn't prone to such vocal displays of his own feelings and for a moment thought to cut the whine off prematurely before deciding otherwise. There was no harm in it, at least not when they were alone. And he felt less guarded in Mist's presence. She would understand.

"Ok.", Dakota finally whispered, straightening. "I'm guessing you'll want to know the details as I am so obviously alone." His brow creased in a steely calm, mind switching back to the professional stance it would have to take when delivering the facts. It seemed the only way to keep his emotions from crashing back through to the surface. Shaking his head slightly, Dak turned his emerald eyes to meet Mist's gaze. "Dane won't be coming here.", he said with an air of finality. And though he didn't say it, the male feared that should Dane ever venture this way it would not be on good intentions. "I tried, though. Really I did. But he was so lost, far beyond my grasp. And the Drappa there, she...", Dak stopped himself, eyes narrowing slightly. "She is the cause for my wounds.", he said simply. "And she has taken much from me...but I'm learning to let go." This was a new admission, surprising even to him. For Dakota had long since believed that he could save the grey wolf who had lost his way. He'd promised him of that fact and sought through many hardships to make it true. Standing here now, admitting that he couldn't do it anymore was like a barrier breaking in his mind. Now as in all things, time alone would decide if this was an improvement. "I almost followed him.", Dak continued. "When he turned from me I thought to follow in his steps, shadowing him like an eager pup. And I might have, had I not remembered what I had waiting back here. What I had already risked. And beyond that I realized that I couldn't take it anymore, couldn't do it. The cost and the burden was too much for me alone. Dane needs help...but it was not the kind I could give him." Dakota's dark face reflected a sad smile as he leaned in close to Mist's bright features, pressing his forehead against her own. He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the close touch. "I'm just glad to be home.", he murmured softly. "It's nice to finally have a steadfast reason for living life. Even in this defeat, I can't wish for anything better then what I've got here."

[Mist]

Though Mist knows it must be real - she can now see, smell, hear, and touch him - it is reassuring to hear Dak tell her softly that this is no dream. Sighing contentedly at his statement, she buries her face in the softly rough fur of his neck and breathes in his scent. It has been far too long since she was close to him, since she was able to touch and smell him and feel the warmth of his body close to hers. "I dreamed so often of you, and the days dragged by so slowly. Each moment seemed more difficult than the one before without you..." Sighing again, she smiles a small smile at his gentle words of comfort that he will not leave her again. Trusting him completely, she passes her tongue over his face and whines softly in apology as he winces at her touch on the fresh gashes on his cheek. Even as he makes sure to tell her they are not serious she pulls back faintly and looks him over to check for any more wounds, be they serious or simple bruises or cuts. It is hard to tell if he is wounded in more places because much of his ebon fur is caked in thick swamp mud, but from his stance and his calm voice it seems as if he is otherwise physically well and surely he would have told her if there was something greater amiss.

A moment later his voice turns sharper as his keen emerald eyes scrutinize her appearance, seemingly trying to ascertain if there is something different about her. Just as she had done a moment before, he looks over her, but in the end is unsure of the answer to his wonderings. Standing quite still, the grey fae watches her mate as he circles her. Unknown to the ebon beta, Mist knows the reasons for his words and actions, but knows that this is not perhaps the perfect time to announce her news. He has come home to tell her of the outcome of his journey, and she will hear what he has to say before interrupting him and pushing aside what he needs to say. It seems that he is satisfied that there is nothing amiss, even if he has not convinced himself that she is no different, for his stance soon becomes more relaxed as he presses his face into her neck. Returning the gesture, Mist closes her eyes, thanking the gods with her whole being that he returned to her safely - and finally. It was almost torture for her without him - though she has been happy and excited since she first became aware of his pups inside her, she has missed him more than she can remember ever missing another. Dak's sharp whine pulls at something in her heart and she realizes how hard it must have been for him too. At least she was in Deor the whole time, surrounded by friends and familiar territory, but he had been alone, going into cold, unfriendly territory with only the faint hope within him to keep him warm. The sorrow in his voice tells her definitively that his mission was not, however, a success. If she had wondered before at Dane's absence, it is now confirmed even without words. It almost makes her shudder to think of how Dak must have felt after his former friend had refused him - at that point he no longer even had hope to keep his spirits out of the depths of the murk in the swamplands of Sarnes...

She is surprised at the calm professionalism in his voice as he speaks, pulling away to look into her eyes. Dipping her head in a nod of agreement, she watches him keenly with concern. She drops her eyes, but only for a second, when he says with a tone of finality that Dane will not be coming to Deor. It is with sadness that she dropped her gaze, knowing how much his friend's loss means to her mate. Though she does not know Dane, and likely never will, for Dakota's sake, she almost feels as if she, too, has lost a friend. Her heart is, now, too gentle to hate Dane, but if she found it much more hard to forgive, she surely would hate the grey mann. Dak's words make her angry, but she also cannot help but pity the mann, lost to Sarnes. She cannot understand him - why he would choose that god-forsaken pack over a life of light and friendship... Does he not understand just how hard his friend tried? If Dane hates Dakota for the ebon mann's new life, he must not know or understand that it was for him that Dak left that life to venture into the darkness of the swamps and to try and bring him some sort of redemption. The pity she feels is because Dane is "so lost"... because she knows what it is like to feel lost and empty. But she also knows that a part of you must want it, to not accept a friend when they come to help. If it was not so ludicrous she would perhaps think that Dane had found some semblance of happiness in Sarnes, and that was his reason for staying - but no, he would not have hurt Dakota in such a way if that had been the case, nor would Shunke have stepped in...

Staying silent in order to let him continue, Mist recalls what she has heard of Sarnes, and more particularly what she has heard of Shunke. It is not much, and she has never met the Drappa, but, though it would be more like her to try and understand the other Drappa - understand her position and the necessity to protect her pack, Mist now feels hatred toward the other fae. To take one thing away from her love would be abominable - but to take many things from him is unspeakable, and not only that - it was not enough to hurt the ebon mann emotionally, but she, hateful Drappa, hurt him physically as well... and when he was on an errand of faith... and mercy...

Still she has nothing to say, but Mist feels as if Dak perhaps needs some sort of comfort, so she moves close to him and gently leans against him. She nods at his further words and wonders if it is true that there is hope for everyone. She has heard it before, but cannot help but doubt that fact - not necessarily for Dane, but for the purely evil vargs in the world. Perhaps there is hope yet for Dane... perhaps some day he will realize what he has lost and could have had, and may yet overcome his pride and seek forgiveness.

Meeting Dakota's eyes as he turns toward her, she leans in close to him as he does so, and after a few moments, she shifts position so she is leaning against him again with her head in the hollow of his neck. "Oh Dak, my love..."She whispers softly before continuing. "I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you're home..." Recalling the short time after Chayton's death before she began to fully know that she loves him, Mist nods fractionally, understanding his gratitude for something to live for. Though much of this meeting has focused on some of the shadows in life, she smiles at his ending words, knowing that this will do. Now may be an appropriate time to tell him her news - and then he will be able to truly say that there is nothing more he could wish for in life. "Dak..." She murmurs, before raising her eyes to meet his. "Love, there is something I must tell you." There is a small smile on her face, so it is highly unlikely that he would be concerned at her words, but she wishes to banish any possibility of that. "Do not worry, there is nothing wrong - at all. I... Oh, I'll just tell you, otherwise you'll get a rather lengthy and rambling version..." Realizing that those words only added to the length and rambling of her statement, she laughs softly before continuing. "You said there was nothing else, really, that you'd wish for right now. Well, what about pups?" Her eyes sparkle now, and she reaches up to lick his muzzle. "Well, darling, I hope you would wish for pups, because we have them, and you are going to be a father." Glancing down at her belly, she smiles further before looking back up at him. "You did notice something different about me, didn't you? ...Perhaps our pups are starting to make their presence known..."

[Dakota Spirit]

[Sorry if this is a bit choppy, I wrote it in several parts]

Dak couldn't help but stay silent as Mist spoke. Her words held such emotion to them, beyond anything then he could remember experiencing in the past. She seemed to show the same need for him as he did for her and this alone was something he felt eternally grateful for. That need and grounded him now more then ever, always redefining itself when he needed it most. Beyond that even, it gave him a look into the fae's own thoughts and feelings. When traveling in Sarnes and all the way back, Dakota's mind had been so caught up in all that had happened that he hadn't stopped long to consider how his mate must have been feeling back at home. It had almost been a defense tactic at the time for such thoughts would have hung him up further, possibly keeping him from doing what he'd set out to do. Dak could see it now though, the concern clear on her face. He wondered how it must have been for her, to stay behind as another love of hers left Deor behind. He wondered if the absence had reminded her of Chayton and how his last departure had truly been their final meeting. The idea that Mist may have been left on her own again pained the male. Had their roles been reversed, Dak knew he wouldn't have handled it nearly as well. That his protectiveness and love for her would have pushed him into interfering or at least close to it. She had shown great strength in letting him go, great trust. This too came to him as the dark wolf watched emotion play out on the fae's silver face. "I am so sorry...", he whispered quietly. "For having to leave you like that. But you must know that it shall not happen again, not if I can help it. And you'll never be left to wonder if I'm safe. Not anymore."

As the moments pass slowly by, Dakota savors the closeness of his mate. She proceeded to lean against him, inhaling his scent as he had done only seconds before. There were so few that the male allowed this close and so each moment seemed continuously special. As if it were a rare treat in his life, despite the fact that he was now so bonded with the fae. That he could be near her whenever he wished. The quiet was like a blanket around them, sealing the night in a comforting embrace. It seemed as if hours had passed before Mist spoke again, though in reality it had only been a few minutes. Dak tilted his head slightly, peering over at her face with active curiosity. Perking his ears he listened carefully as she spoke, enjoying the clear notes of her voice. The mood had shifted during their lapse in speech and already the male could sense the chance in his mate. She was excited about something, excited and yet unsure of what words to use. Smiling knowingly, Dakota waited for the fae to find her bearings, all too familiar with the sense of not knowing quite how to say what was on his mind. Still, that familiar smile faltered slightly as Mist continued to speak and his bright eyes narrowed in thought. It was not that he was upset or disappointed, but confused...if only for a second. What was she trying to get at? The words made sense to him but Dak's mind, fogged perhaps from lack of sleep, was slow to catch the underlying message. Pups? He supposed the idea had occurred to him once or twice. Though they had been of no concern to him in youth, as Dak aged he'd begun to enjoy and even thrive in the companionship of young ones. Their spirit and curiosity served as a pathway for him, leading back to memories of old and the way he'd been before the trials of life truly took hold. Even beyond that, the wolf saw opportunity. A chance to give others what he hadn't had at that age.

But pups of his own? The magnitude of that possibility hit Dak almost simultaneously with Mist's words. As she confirmed out loud what he had finally started to suspect in his mind. "Pups?!" Dakota's voice echoed with a mix of amazement and surprise. For a moment he was silent beside the fae, body rigid with the shock of such news. As his eyes scanned across her frame he could now see the differences, the slight rounding of her stomach that told of new life. Then leaning close to her he angled his muzzle toward her finely sculpted ear, much as he'd done all those days ago on the river bank. "Yes." he whispered, breathing hot air against her skin. "I would...I do wish that. How I could I not want such a gift? For my mate to bear my cubs...our cubs?" Shaking his head slightly, Dak's green eyes shone softly with emotion and truth. "My dear Mist...", he continued. "There will never be any doubt of my want for them."

Averting his eyes again from her face, Dak felt himself relax against the fae's body. In a split second his whole life had changed, bringing with it new perspective on his journey to Sarnes. Before he'd been under the belief that he was only leaving behind his mate, a barely managed feat on it's own. Now, knowing what he did, Dakota realized that it had been so much more then that. That had something happened not only would Mist have been left alone, but his cubs too would have been made fatherless. That they would have been left to wonder what he was like, if he had loved them, or even why he had needed to leave...much as his own thoughts had reflected such ideas when his family had been lost. Almost on instinct the male twisted his gaze toward the heavens and the gods that were said to live there. It was no secret that he had long since lost his ability to feel close to the gods, to truly believe in them and often found occasion to blame and curse their supposed influence over the world. Such damning criticisms had been forefront in his mind when Dane had left, both times prompting vicious sentiments from his tongue. Now though, for the briefest of moments the wolf felt thanks building up inside him. That should the gods exist, they were offered at least a second of forgiveness. For he had seen that losing Dane had perhaps been necessary. That it was this event that not only allowed him to return to his budding family, but had shown him better the worth of their existence. And of his place in their life. Being rejected by his friend would never be an easy thing to swallow but Dak wondered now if that's what he had needed, if such a hurt was the only thing that could shake him into seeing the bigger picture. The life beyond the trials of single being. And he was glad of that, at least. Of learning the lesson before it was too late. "Mist...", Dak whispered softly, his hearty voice long since rendered soft with the gentleness of the moment. "I'm glad it was you that found me on the field that day. I don't think I would have made it with anyone else." He smiled gently at her, passing his tongue quickly across her face. "As for our cubs.", he said. "Have you come to favor any names?" The male's eyes glittered with anticipation and wonder, all tiredness slipping away to be replaced with peace and comfort. For he stood by the side of his mate with new life brimming on the edges of their future. Their future together. There seemed for that time, nothing more that could ruin such a bright light of possibility.

[Mist]

Dak’s silence speaks as loud as words. His gentle mate knows at least some of the emotions he is feeling, and that it surely wasn’t easy for him to leave her. Their love is still new, and though they both know they must sometimes do the harder thing if it is what must be done, they, as well as their fates, are now intertwined. Throughout his absence she had to keep herself from thinking of the possibility that he, too, would be lost to her forever. She had not expected the last time she saw Chayton to be the last time, and she will never be ready to give up Dakota. Blocking the idea from her mind, she forced herself to trust to the gods and to him to keep his promise and return safely to her. Now that he is home, it is as if there is nothing to worry about, and they can overcome any obstacles thrown at them as long as they are together. Shaking her head at Dak’s softly-spoken apology she rubs her neck against him in reply. As best as she can, she understands, and is proud of him for staying true to his friend even if Dane didn’t see the same faith Dak had in him enough to escape the swamps. Staying silent until after his promise, she smiles gently, and her whole face lights up. She knows that the future is uncertain, and a promise like that is never sure, but she trusts him, and is grateful for the words and for his love. “I know you had to keep your promise to Dane. Now that it is over with, there is certainly no need to be sorry. I survived, and everything is wonderful now that you’re back at my side.”

There are a few quiet moments that follow her grateful words, and she is happy to stay silent, reveling in his presence and the knowledge that he’s safe. Then, as if she knows now would be a good time to speak, she tells him her news, having trouble at first in knowing what to say as she looks at his curious face. Wanting to know what he thinks and to tell him, she continues, knowing he will be a wonderful father and that he surely will be happy. The purpose of her words hits him a moment before she affirms his realization, and she nods, smiling the gentle smile of a mother telling her mate he will soon have children. Following his gaze to look down at her slightly rounded frame, she stands beside him as he leans in close, and listens happily with her tail wagging slowly. She searches his face for the emotions clearly there and sees only happiness and faint surprise. She has imagined this moment ever since she first realized the truth, and has looked forward to it even while she missed her love. Now that it is truly here, it is even better than anything she could have imagined. His faithful, loving words fill her entire being with a feeling of ecstasy – like she is filled with light and her pups are now blessed entirely with the great love toward them even before they are born.

Hearing Dakota’s softly spoken words she leans against him as the memories of that day are brought back to her vividly. The first time she had seen the mann in a long time, and the first time she actually was able to get to know him. She had met him before, but it had been a distant relationship, and they had not even really been friends. That day on the field where they met was a blessing – for them both. They had both had heavy burdens to carry, and through a leap of faith in trusting each other, had left with them much lightened. It is strange for the silver fae to think back on the time before she really knew Dak – before she loved him… If he, or she, had not been there at that moment, they probably never would have had another chance… and she would have been so alone after Chayton’s death. Though there is much harshness in life, there is also good – and though the gods take away, they also give. Nodding her head slowly she breathes a sigh of gratitude that her life has come to this point. There is little else in this world that she could wish for at this moment, and is eternally grateful for what she does have. Smiling, she pulls gently back so she can see Dakota’s face. “I know… it is strange to think of the time before I knew, or loved you. Now I cannot imagine what I would be like if you had not been there that day…” Closing her eyes momentarily as she feels his caress, she smiles.

His question brings her to open her eyes to look at him, their golden orbs faintly dreamy but shining all the same. Tilting her head she shakes it lightly. “To tell the truth, I haven’t really. I guess I’ve… just been occupied with other things. But this way we can come up with them together, and the choosing of them will be all the more meaningful…”

((OOC: Tell me if you'd like me to continue to give you some more to work with. ^^))

[Dakota Spirit]

Pausing for a moment to savor the news and all it entailed, Dak felt a great shuddering sigh rush through his body. He felt strangely at peace now, having resolved for better or worse, all matters in the swamp and now, having such a light to look forward to in the future. His mind clicked silently through all the possibilities, mentally conquering up images of pups growing from infancy to adulthood. The male's green eyes shone with emotion as he though, not forgetting that only recently had all this even become a possibility for him. Mist's gentle voice floated around him as she affirmed in spoken word that all would be ok, that they would thrive together. He grinned at her, dark lips lifting to show just a hint of the white teeth hidden beneath. "Do you know...", he whispered quietly to her. "All this time, your faith in the gods was not something I had for myself." Dak's gaze seemed locked with Mist's eyes as he spoke, intent on showing her ever last detail of his inner soul. "There was a time once, when I had that kind of faith but it has long since past. Though now..." He paused again, swallowing visably against the stickiness in his throat. Delving into these matters came roughly for the male and he often found himself searching for just the right words. But it suddenly seemed so important, something the fae just had to know. "Now.", he continued. "Now I can the see the possibilities of such belief again coloring my life. Perhaps never as once was...but more then I have now. More faith in the good of life." Dak glanced around him, at the lands of Deor and at all he had before bring his eyes once more to rest on Mist's silver face. "And how could I not?", he rumbled softly. "Some hand besides my own has clearly blessed this life."

Dakota pressed his forehead against that of his mate, albeit briefly, before finally breaking from her and switching his posture into something much more casual. The thin skin of his face creased thoughtfully as the male searched for possible names to adorne his cubs with. He was pleased that Mist had deemed this something they should do together and leaned softly against her, feeling their spirits touch much as their bodies now did. "The boys should have strong names.", he said. "For they are sure to hold the inner strength and fierce spirit of their mother and what physical strength I can offer them...be it through genes or lesson." The wolf's face lit with another smile as he thought of the days to come, schooling his cubs until they no longer required his assistance. "And the girls...they must have something fitting of their assured beauty. Of the grace they will posses. Something that speaks of the adoration their parents had for them, long before they were born." Dak glanced at Mist from the corner of his eye, wondering if she had spent time in absence thinking over these details. If she too saw their life playing out in her mind.

"Aiden.", Dakota said at last. "Or Drake. Brom is another...they all have possible substance to them. For daughters, Aria comes to mind. It makes me think of the wind...something like a free spirit." A quite laugh tickled in his throat as the male turned to Mist, brushing his tongue against her cheek. "If our daughters have anything of your fire then they are sure to be spirited. I will have to watch them close.", he murmured, winking one emerald orb. "Perhaps one of those names will suit our needs. Though I admit to not being very seasoned in the act of christening young. Perhaps you have more in mind then I do?" Falling silent, Dak waited quietly beside the fae. His head slowly filling once more with images of all that was to come.

[Mist]

Mist too has imagined the future she will have with her beloved mate and their pups, and has wondered and imagined what the soon-to-be-born cubs will look like and be like. Both their parents are strong and virtuous, and they will grow up loved and taught and understood - an environment that cubs will surely flourish in. There is little possibility that they will not be wonderful and happy, but no matter what, Mist knows she will love them for themselves, and already wants the best for them. Listening now to Dak's words, she nods slowly, a gentle smile on her face. Her own faith in the gods has been a constant comfort to her. It is definitely not as if she is a zealot or an intensely religious varg, but she likes to think of Tor and Fenris as being like parents. They do not even always enter into her daily thoughts, but when she feels completely alone and worried, it is certainly a comfort to know that she is never truly alone, and that there is someone bigger and more powerful that will see to it that everything turns out... for the best. In wanting the best for her children, she wants them to know the comfort she has of believing in the gods, and so it pleases her that Dak may be starting to have a little faith - to see that there is, and always will be someone to turn to in the darkest hours of life. As she listens to Dak's words, the silver Drappa nods understandingly at her mate, but stays silent until he has finished, seeing something in his face and hearing the tone in his voice that speaks of a need to speak. It is good that he can speak of matters of his deepest heart and soul to her. It shows not only their physical bond, but also their deep bond of love, entwining their hearts and souls.

So as not to break the mood, she speaks softly, her voice gentle. "I barely know how other vargs believe in the gods. For me, though, I have always been comforted by the belief that they are there. I am happy that you see their hand in our blessings - for I want our cubs to be happy, and to have that comfort in the inevitable dark times of their lives when perhaps we can not be enough for them..."She doesn't like to think of not being able to do everything for her children, but already she has seen that she has failures. Her thoughts go to her older children, Delilah, and especially Ryu, and she wishes that she could now be more for them, and that they would see how true her love is, not only for them, but for Dakota as well - and that he is not meant to be their new father or a replacement, but a step-father, and a strong, kind, understanding mentor, and friend. Speaking again, she leans her head against Dak's neck. "There have been dark times in my life, but, yes. Now I feel truly blessed. Being with you again, here, now, feels... perfect. With you back with me, safe, I can think of just this moment, and how... truly happy I am." Looking up at him so their eyes meet, Mist smiles gently, but brilliantly. "Oh my love..."

Dak's gentle touch against her warms her and she turns her head slightly to gently caress his cheek with her tongue. She smiles, listening to the ebon mann's suggestions and tilting her head, going over the possibility of the names in her head. His first suggestion for the boys is her favorite, and brings gentleness into her smile as she almost more clearly pictures a little cub - Aiden. She nods and ponders the names before gently voicing her thoughts. "Aiden. I so easily picture one of our cubs named Aiden. And the other two, Drake and Brom are possibilities as well." Tilting her head at his image conjured by the name Aria, she smiles. "Yes, a playful wind. Or, a song... " Nodding, she looks thoughtful for a few moments before adding her own suggestions. "I don't know really, but... my mother's name was Aztec. Perhaps not... I don't really see naming one of our cubs that, but what do you think? Otherwise... Miiah, for a girl, or Zynnia. Those too make me think of playful breezes. I think you're right. Our daughters will have free spirits." Laughing softly, she leans softly against Dak before voicing her last suggestion. "For a boy... Cullen, perhaps... What do you think, love?"