Geneva stretched, feeling the warmth of the spring sun on her shoulders as she walked without a care across Crimson Dreams borders. She had deliberated for a short while, loitering just at the edge of the divide line. She knew that she was more than welcome to come here. Still, it felt strange to traipse right in, as if she still belonged. She knew deep in her heart that she would always belong here, as long as her friends - those who had gained the places of family in her heart - lingered here. But it was strange to belong to a different pack, to feel as though she might possibly have two homes. If home was where the heart was, her heart was a divided thing.
She walked the borders, as she would in times of old, her footsteps weaving in and out of the divide line. She felt as if she was patrolling again. But this time, she was looking for someone who belonged here, instead of an intruder. Lime green eyes were bright again, filled with the echo of the hope and love she had felt the last time she had been here. Her body, mind, and heart had healed with the passage of weeks. Moving still stung a bit, her joints ached from the abuse they'd gone through after facing off with Brennt, but now she moved much more easily. She felt as though her body belonged to her once more. Thin, pearly lines stood out against her light gray pelt, where Brennt's teeth had pierced her side and shoulder. She would bear these marks forever, but she hoped that soon her coat would grow over them. For now, she'd just have to wait and see.
In her lupus form, she moved lithely, humming an off-key tune she only half-remembered. She had wanted to learn a lullaby to share with Savina, to pass on to the puppies, but she no longer remembered the melody that her mind had struck up. For now she could only wait for it to return to her. For now the wolfess could only wait for a familiar face to greet her, to answer the longing in her heart. She didn't call out - knowing that the pack members would be busy with the new additions. But still, she hoped to chance upon someone.
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Rays of sunlight dappled the porch of Haven Manor and hit the dark form of the Lt. General. Emerald orbs were closed in sleep. She had gone outside just to catch some fresh air, but had ended up drifting off to sleep. The children were doing less sleeping and more playing which was leaving the mother tired. A cool spring breeze rustled her fur and tickled her nose. This was her season, it always had been. Even more so now that she had a harsh winter to judge it against. Everything was springing back to life and she and Kansas had brought some of that new life into the world.
The wolfess yawned wide as she stretched out her front legs. Her eyes blinked, readjusting to the light. The grasses swayed peacefully in the wind and a smile came to her lips. What a wonder place the gods had seen fit to bring her to. For once in her life she felt like she truly belonged. That and she had everything she had ever hoped and dreamed for. She had her brother and sister, a man who loved her, and now pups of her own. Her own flesh and blood. She couldn't wait until they were old enough that she could take them outside and show them the beauty of their home.
Speaking of the babes, she needed to return to them. She hadn't intended to be gone for as long as she had. But before she could head back inside the mansion the wind brought a familiar scent to her nose. Her heart jumped as she realized that Geneva was close by. While her friend had thankfully been at the birth, she hadn't stuck around very long. Her head rolled back and a howl rang from her throat to call the woman to her. Smiling she headed back inside to her den.
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Geneva's ears pricked as a sweet sound made itself known amid the warm air and soft spring grasses. A smile spread her gray maw as she turned quickly, headed toward the direction of the sound. She was pleased to note that Savina had called her and very surprised. She hadn't expected the new mother to be out and about. But she knew that she would not leave the puppies for long. Her excitement doubled as she realized that she would get to see the new litter again. She hadn't been around much after their birth, taking her leave of Crimson Dreams shortly after they breathed their first breaths. She was very excited to get to know these new children that had already brought so much happiness and wonder into her own life. Even just imagining them sent a thrill through her heart.
Haven Mansion loomed in front of her. She felt a warmth spread through her. This used to be home. She used to imagine that she would be happy never leaving the shadow of this great building. But how the times had changed. This place had been a haven to her. Her heart had healed and she had learned to breathe here. It was a place of healing for her. Whenever she felt forgotten or alone, she dwelled on her time there and didn't feel the dark crushing so close to her heart. There were so many good memories within these walls, though she had spent only a short time there. She had spent enough time there to identify it as a place that would instantly be home to her, no matter where life might take her.
She smiled when she spotted a sleek black form. She picked up her pace, her muscles twinging slightly in protest as the hurried movement as she caught up with the new mother. Her tail wagged behind her, her eyes bright as she took in the sight of her good friend. She was glad that fortune had blessed her with a happy family. She certainly deserved it. Savina had a heart of gold, and she couldn't think of anyone who she would rather see at this moment. "Savina!" she said in delight.
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Apparently her friend had been closer than she knew. Savina had assumed it would take the slate femme a little while to reach the house, but she had been quite mistaken. At the call of her name she turned again and her tail immediately began to wave happily behind her. "Geneva! I'm so glad you're here!" She gave her friend a quick nuzzle. After she had taken her leave of Crimson Dreams the Lt. General had feared it might be months and months before she felt comfortable coming here again. She was glad to have been proven wrong.
"Come, let's go inside. I think there's some little ones you should meet." Her jeweled orbs shimmered with happiness. Truth be told she had been anxiously waiting Geneva's next visit. After all, it was her who had first realized her pups' existence. She deserved to have some intimate time with them. Savina lead the way into the house and nosed open the door to the den. No sooner had it opened then her children awkwardly swarmed around her feet. They each emitted happy yips and barks. She lowered her head down to them, touching each of them with her nose.
"Make way my bambini, we can't come sit with you if you won't let us in!" Excitedly they stumbled over one another to make room for the two adults. The Marino woman gave a warm grin to Geneva as she walked inside the room and laid down. Cambria immediately went and cuddled against her mommy, though all three pups' eyes went to the new lady. "Whossee?" Amata piped. "This is your momma's dear friend Geneva."
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Geneva beamed at the affectionate gesture from her friend. She had forgotten how close she felt to the dark hued woman. She remembered times they had shared the secrets that dwelt within the darkness of their hearts. But that time had been long ago. It seemed like it had been lifetimes ago instead of months ago. Life had changed so rapidly. The changes had been good, though, for the most part. Both women now had some form of clarity and so much to look forward to. The future always seemed brighter when Geneva was with the Italian woman, basking in the glow of her friendship and confidence. Being with Savina made her feel safe despite all her insecurities.
The gray wolfess nodded in enthusiasm, perhaps a bit too rapidly because she became slightly dizzy, but she didn't care. She had imagined what the pups would be like since the moment she had found out they existed. Judging by the pride and love radiating from the Lieutenant General, the babies were her new source of joy. There was a light that still lingered around her, almost like the glow that pregnancy had left haloed around her. But this glow was made up entirely of maternity. Geneva had always known that Savina would make a wonderful mother. "I would like that, very much. As long as I'm not intruding..." It had been only a short time since Savina had given birth, it seemed to Geneva. For some absurd reason, she though of Savina and the pups as being made of glass.
The wolfess followed behind the Lieutenant General, eyes tracing over familiar walls of Haven Mansion. Her doubts melted when Savina opened the door and her babes swarmed at their feet. This exuberant bunch was nothing like the delicate babes she had imagined. Still, she found them so precious, so dear to her heart already that she held her breath. It seemed almost impossible that they were finally here, sharing their lives with those around them. "Hello, bambini," Geneva said, stumbling over the word and wondering what it must mean. She stayed where she was, just steps from the doorway, watching in amazement of this mother and her children. It seemed a small, happy miracle to see them all together at long last.
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That conversation they had had those few months ago seemed like another life to the mother now. Thoughts of her darker self didn't plague her anymore. She was confident that she could control the beast inside of her. That and the arrival of her children was all the mattered to her. They were her life now. It seemed to her that Geneva was also doing much better than their last conversation. Savina would always miss having her friend in the pack beside her, but if she was happy in Phoenix Valley then she was happy for her.
"Don't be silly, of course you aren't intruding!" There were few people higher than the gray woman on her list for the pups to meet. Especially of those outside of Crimson Dreams. Though even though she didn't live her anymore, Geneva would always have a place here. They all loved her dearly and she would never be turned away for any reason. To Savina, she would always be family. Always be a part of her pack.
Once the pups had given them enough room and she had laid down, she motioned with her head for Geneva to come inside. She looked to Cambria who was watching with wide curious eyes. The brown girl was just as curious as her brother and sister, she was just more content to be curious in the shadow of either mother or father. Amata waddled up and sniffed at the slate wolfess, Gotham following close behind. The midnight fey's teeth showed through her smile as Geneva repeated the Italian word. "Bambini is Italian for children. I want them to know both languages so I speak it around them as much as I can." Her heritage was important and she wanted to pass it on to her babes. "Hiiiss!" Amata's stubby little tail wagged as she looked up at the other adult. The dark boy did as well, though his mouth remained closed.
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The grayscale female felt instantly at ease as Savina's comforting words and tone enveloped her, beckoning her forward. She moved gingerly, mindful of little bodies underfoot. The small-boned woman crept into the room with grateful reverence, still taken aback by the wonder of it all. Had it all really happened? It almost felt like a dream had come true. It was hard to believe. A miracle had come, had changed their lives indefinitely and forever, even though it seemed that this kind of miracle could happen at any time, to anyone. She still felt as though prayers had been answered, even her own prayers.
Geneva beamed down at the two small pups that inched closer to her. "How are you? It is very nice to see you again." It still amazed her that the pups, though still small, had grown already. She remembered the small, wriggling bodies from the date of their birth and tried to make a connection. But these were definitely Savina and Kansas' children. She could see bits of them, hints around the eyes or smiles of each of the pups, that pointed to their parentage.
She bent down carefully and nosed at both pup's affectionately, brushing her muzzle against their velvety ears. Her nose was basically non-functional, but this close to them, she could almost catch their sweet scent. Smiling, she withdrew and sat down, curling her tail around her. She no longer felt as though she was intruding, set at ease by her friend's easy grace and the presence of the children.
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The inky woman could see the wonder in her friend's eyes. It was something she could easily understand. Even though the existence of her children was factual for her since she spent almost every moment of every day with them, to someone who had only been there at their birth, to see them now would be amazing. Even she was amazed by how much they had grown and changed already. They were real. So very real. For once Savina didn't find herself wondering if she was just in some wonderful dream. She smelled them and touched them. They slept curled up at her side every night. She would be happy to let these early weeks with them stretch on forever.
"Agins? Iss neva seeens ou efor." Gotham nodded his head in agreement with his sister. They had never seen this lady before! Cambria cocked her head to the side. She was also confused. Savina just smiled at her children and then winked at Geneva. The slender wolf could explain how she knew them. Amata giggled happily as the woman nuzzled her ears and a big grin flowered on Gotham's face. For a second Cambria thought of walking over to join her siblings at the visitor, but stayed put. She'd wait a little longer before venturing from her mother's side.
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[html]Geneva laughed softly as she realized that the pups wouldn't remember seeing her before at all. Savina's litter had been born only a short time ago. The slim wolfess could barely keep track of the time. Although it had been only a few scant weeks since the pups had come into the world, the time had simply flown by for her. She stopped to consider the fact that those few short weeks were the only conscience amount of time they had spent on this earth. What must it be like to consider time from their perspective? What was a day like for them? Did an hour drag on? It was fascinating to consider the world from their point of view. She regarded the puppies with new wonder.
"I was here when you were born," the lime-green eyed wolfess explained. She remembered that day clearly. The room had been full of faces - both familiar and new. She wondered, for a moment, how Crimson Dreams was faring. She had never thought to ask, though she saw Anu and Savina from time to time. Things with Anu were strange, all-consuming emotion erasing such thoughts from her mind when she was with the blue-eyed woman. And Savina always seemed serene, in control of every situation. The ebon woman's poise and confidence always set the wolfess at ease. She never found herself doubting her safety or well-being when she was around Savina.
The wolfess smiled. "You've gotten a lot bigger," she said. Although small, the pups were growing. She was glad to see them hale and strong. It gave her hope for their survival. In the back of her mind, in the pit of her stomach, she still remembered the malformed, limp masses covered in blood...her own children. It was a strange thing, but if she unfocused her eyes, she imagine those little bodies speaking with Amata's voice. It pained her to think that way, so she cast the image aside.
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Time indeed had flown by. Even though Savina spent the majority of every day with the pups, even she was amazed at how quickly they were growing and maturing. For Geneva it must be even more of a shock. To have them go from tiny squirming masses to now little bodies learning to walk and talk. Amata was already wondering when she could go outside of the room. While she was excited for them to be able to explore more and more of their home, that was when she would be becoming the worrying mother she had no doubt. While they were safe inside the security of the den room always under a watchful eye she had little cause for concern. That would quickly change once they really had their legs under them.
"Ooooos! I's seees." Or at least Amata thought she did. It was weird to think that someone knew her when she didn't know them. But she trusted the lady wasn't trying to pull a trick on her. "Yes, Geneva was here when you were born. Just like your aunts and uncle and the other members of our pack." Gotham nodded his head, showing his mother that he understood now. At that Cambria perked up and was bold enough to ask the lady a question. "Ou's noes dahdah?" If this lady knew both of her parents then she wasn't much of a stranger and wouldn't be so intimidating.
Amata's tail wagged furiously at that statement and her little chest puffed out. "Weallies? I'ss bigggerrs?" In her excitement she just about toppled over. Her brother gave her a look and shook his head. Savina was amazed by her little boy. Already she could see that his brain was developing much faster than his body. There were times he acted more like an adult than a pup.
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Geneva's gaze wandered over to wear the young pup lingered near her mother. She didn't know whether or not the little girl was shy, but she didn't want to push her. She wanted to make sure that the children were as comfortable as possible. Geneva would never harm them, never try to make them feel uncomfortable. She wanted to make sure each and every one of them knew that they were safe when she was around. She would do a great deal to prevent every one of them from coming to harm. She would do the same with their mother and father as well.
"I know your dad," she said, smiling. She remembered the first time she had met their young father. The white male had surprised her, a quiet and poetic soul not unlike herself. She wondered which of the pups would be the most like Kansas. Gotham hadn't spoken very much, and she felt as though the boy might have some of his dad in his mannerisms. It was impossible to tell yet, though. The pups were so new to the world, and each experience would change them.
She looked down at the exuberant Amata. "Oh yes," she said, nodding with as much exuberance as the child. "You are much, much bigger. I think you've grown a little since your mom and me got back here, in fact." She loved that Amata already had a spark of life in her, like she was full to bursting with potential. Each of these children was special. Each and every one of them.
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Savina had often wondered as she noticed their personalities and temperaments develop how they were each so different. Amata was almost the polar opposite of Cambria. The cream girl was extremely talkative and never cautious around strangers (which she had to admit, worried the mother a little). She always wanted to play or explore or do something exciting. The darker girl on the other hand preferred to always be right beside her parents. She was very wary around strangers and had a much calmer temperament. Then there was Gotham who was a little bit in the middle of his two sisters. So far their experiences had all been the same and yet they reacted to it so differently.
The news that this lady knew both her momma and her daddy made Cambria feel more comfortable. She looked up at mother and Savina gave her nod. Unsteadily getting to her feet the chocolate pup waddled over to join her brother and sister in front of the gray lady. She looked up at her with big, doleful eyes and her tail wagged tentatively. "Whaass ou names aginss?" She had been a little too distracted before to take note of that, but now she felt more comfortable. Besides, her mommy wouldn't let anything bad happen to her.
If possible Amata's eyes grew even wider at Geneva's words. "Oooohhh woooowsss! Ssewiouslys?" The pup bounced on her little paws, this was all too exciting! Gotham rolled his eyes. It was impossible for any of them to have noticeably grown in such a short time. He would say something, but Amata would just argue with him and wouldn't back down. It would have been a waste of breath. Savina chuckled lightly, always amused by her light daughter's exuberance.
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Geneva was glad to see Cambria coming out of her shell. She remembered that as a child she had stuck close to her father. She had had the most wonderful relationship with him, her only parent. He had been the stars in the sky for her. He made the sun come up every morning. She had grown to feel safe with him, and eventually ventured out from his shadow. But it had taken much longer for her to grow into herself than it had taken her siblings. She was glad to see Cambria overcoming that obstacle already.
"My name is Geneva," she repeated, glad to see that Cambria had come closer. She looked closely at the small girl, seeing that her coat didn't look like either Kansas or Savina's pearl and onyx hues. She was earth toned, and Geneva was reminded of Mati. It had been a very long time since she had seen Anu and Naniko's little girl, and she wondered how she had grown. She hadn't seen Haven for a while in fact. She made a note that she would have to see him sometime soon.
Geneva nodded and winked in Amata's direction. The inquisitive puppy was adorable, and very friendly. She was instantly reminded more of Savina than Kansas. The pups' father was far more shy and reserved, whereas his mate was open and always ready to dive into conversation. It was strange to see the contrasts, and the similarities. "What have you been doing today? Anything fun?"
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Cambria wasn't always so shy. She wasn't around either she or Kansas or her siblings. She got along just fine with the members of the pack she knew. It was just strangers that she wasn't keen on. The girl didn't know if they could be trusted, if they were nice. Unlike her sister, she wasn't willing to trust whoever came along. They had to earn it from her. But this lady seemed okay. Both her parents knew her, so she must be fine. "Gen..eve..a.." the girl repeated. It reminded her a little of her mommy's name. At least they ended with kind of the same sounds. While both Savina and Kansas were in lupus forms it would be almost impossible to tell that Cambria was their daughter. But shifted Kansas had a chocolate brown mane that matched the girl's pelt. Her uncle Ehno also had dark brown in his pelt. So once one took a closer look it was easy to see.
As Geneva nodded at her Amata giggled and shot a grin at her brother. Gotham shook his head, but smiled back at her nonetheless. Cambria decided to sit down. She didn't like standing for too long, it made her feet sore. "Weeesss beeens pwayin's!" Amata loved to play. She did it almost every waking hour when she wasn't working on walking better. "Yahss." The coal boy nodded in agreement. That's was really it though. They still weren't allowed to leave the den yet, so there wasn't much they could do. "They're excited to get to leave the room and explore more, but they have to wait a little longer before that." Savina smiled down at her children. "Wes wants ta exploors sooooo bad thos momma!" "Soon enough dear, soon enough." Probably too soon for the mother's liking.
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