The whole scent marking deal was new to all three Rhiannons. As Zalen bent to nuzzle her pups, Sky watched without blinking. Lena was happy to return the 'affection' with licks and nuzzles of her own, instantly accepting Zalen as a friend and leader. Cody was reluctant to do the same, lowering his head away from the attention with a sound of protest. Then again, only his mother ever got away with messing up his fur and even then, she'd gotten a few nips and growls from him plenty of times in the past.
It was Sky's turn next and, following Zalen's cues, she offered him a nuzzle under the chin. It felt strange, but somehow natural to do such a thing. Still, she made a note to later groom her fur once he was out of sight. The howl rang clear through the air after a few short words and, as expected by both mother and brother, Lena swung her head back and howled along meaninglessly. Once she lowered her head again, Cody gave her a nudge and a bemused smirk. She made a whimpering sound, as if saying 'oops', but didn't linger on it.
Once the echoes of the howl faded, Sky smiled. "My services are here whenever you and the rest of the pack may need them. Thank for, Zalen, for letting us join your family." As if on cue, both pups rang out with thank you's of their own before breaking the moment and running off towards the den to explore their new sleeping quarters fully and properly. Sky watched them go, then turned to Zalen one last time. "I should... probably follow them. Make sure they don't get into trouble." With his permission, she'd take her leave, following the two pups into the den where the sound of yips and giggles could be heard, followed by the scolding voice of a bemused mother. A new dawn had risen over the Northlands and a new life had started for the hybrid woman and her children, one filled with promise of adventure and safety unlike anything they'd ever had before.
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