The light of early evening lapped at the back of her optime heels, feet as bare as always. The dying sun threw it's last breaths across the territory that belonged to Ghita's pack, casting the lake in a bath or pink and orange light. The deceased day gave it's last gift to those who walked on the earth, allowing a clear periwinkle sky to bask in the sunset's glory. Not a single ivory cloud dotted the sky, the shadows growing longer and longer beneath the Italian fae's feet.


There was barely any wind to caress Ghita's mane of chestnut hair, as it lay in a docile manner across her back. Her timber-hued fur was tinted with gray, as usual, but tonight orange and pink shadows and highlights took over, leaping like flames all over the fae's body. She stood tall, for once, without a cane to support her, but most of the weight lay on her undamaged leg. Almost as if she was balancing like a stork, she placed an ivory-tipped hand over her eyes, drinking in the sunset with eager, thirsty eyes, seeking beauty in what she saw.



The fae was sitting by Rabbit lake, the water surrounding her although she sat on dry land. Ghita had been out almost all day, tracking herds of cattle and various collections of prey that wandered through Crimson Dreams' territory. They hadn't lost any herds of prey, which was a relief, since a small collection of deer had been hanging out just outside Crimson Dreams' territory, about to cross into Aniwaya's, but at the last minute began to head south. But on the other hand, a heard of elk had just crossed from the East, Cour des Miracles' territory, which could potentially cause some conflict.


Savina or Anu should definitely hear about this wayward herd, but for now, the fae was enjoying some time herself, without having to worry about other forms of life. Her children were more than old enough to take care of themselves, and she trusted Aro to have a level head to stay out of trouble. And Sophia... she was level enough, but could always slip up on judgment. But there were lessons only she could learn on her own, and the mother couldn't interfere. She wouldn't always be there for her baby girl, as much as she wished otherwise.


But it was true - they had grown up fast. Faster than Ghita had anticipated. Having her children in her life, even if their creation was unexpected, was one of Ghita's main sources of happiness, something she would never trade for her life. Every moment she spent with them was a blessing from a mysterious deity, and Ghita could almost feel them wherever they were, if they were in trouble.


Luckily, that feeling hadn't risen too frantically yet. Standing up uneasily, the lupine missed the added support of her cane, which she had lost while rescuing Alder from the swan. Once she had escorted him out of danger, she had left her cane, as she was moving in Secui form and it would've been awkward to carry, and upon returning, the stick was gone. She'd made a mental note to ask Ehno if he could make her a new one, but simply hadn't gotten around to it. So, perhaps that would be what her night would be - informing Savina about the new pack of Elk (which remained untouched by this huntress' jaws), and asking Ehno for a new cane, despite how humiliating it would be for her to reveal her need for the stick.


Her gait had gotten better, that much was obvious to anyone who'd watched her heal. But it still wasn't perfect, and the fae still limped the short distance to the Manor. She had been tracking the herds in her Secui form, where her leg wasn't as much of a hinderance with three others to cover for it, but missed her ivory fingers and chestnut hair, and was happy to watch the sunset in her naked, more humanoid, form. The lupine reached the manor just as the sun died behind the horizon, it's light still illuminating the world in a pale purple and pink glow. It was the dance of dusk, enough light to see by, and yet the approach of night was undeniable.


Relying heavily on the railing of the stairs to climb up them, the fae padded on nearly-silent paws up to her room, intending to simply gather her sarong before seeking out her siblings. They'd likely be back in the Manor soon - if not already, and Ghita wanted the security of the ocean-hued sarong around her body before talking to her kin. She hadn't ever felt the need for clothes before, but accepted this as a cultural thing that differed from her Italian pack, and conformed to the custom easily.


A few steps away from her room now, the door was closed, but she could still hear her ebony mate moving from inside the room. Pausing for a moment - there was no rush in her task - Ghita could only think back to when the pair had first met. Jazper had met her at the border, along with Savina, and had been privy to the awkward interaction that followed the Italian sisters upon meeting again. From there, her comfort with the tattooed male only grew, him becoming responsible for her ability to take this very form she stood in now.


And when the pups came, after one feverish drunken night, her mind and heart had been taken on a roller coaster of emotions, not knowing where they would end up. Worry had consumed her, for pregnancy was not something she wished to try again, especially after her miscarriage, and she wouldn't blame Jazper for not wanting anything to do with the one-night-stand he'd held with the Marino fae. But he had surprised her in pledging his allegiance, and she'd surprised herself with taking that pledge and accepting it. For better or for worse, they were mates now, and Ghita guessed she could say she loved her mate. Not in the same hormonal-driven constant-state of crushing that some mates held, but in a deeper, more respectful way.



Extending a hand to open the door, her ivory fingers grasped the door's handle and pushed it open, allowing the door to sweep across the floor, the entire canvas that Jazper had painted exposed to her oceanic orbs. Surprise flittered across her face quickly, her ears leaping to the top of her head and jaw growing slightly slack, before she regained her composure and swallowed. Jazper had never been the sort to seem like he'd cheat on her, but it was saying something of their relationship that Ghita felt as if that was more likely than the scene before her being set for her. She didn't feel like her relationship with Jazper was completely real, to be honest. Her father had never been kind to her, her mate betrayed her, and the only good, deep relationship she'd had with a male besides her son was the one with Ehno, and he'd left for Canada a good while before Ghita did.


Blinking one, twice, three times before she spoke, eventually the Italian fae took a few hobbled steps inside the room, before leaning against the wall casually, regaining her nonchalance with a hint of mischief for a mask. "Are you expecting someone to drop by, Jaz?", she teased, alluding to the fact that he had obviously prepared this for someone - and that someone didn't have to be her.