WC: 599
It had been a pleasant surprise to find Lilin knocking at her door this morning. Coli was a bit of a hermit on the best of days, and her sour moods were exacerbated now that she was so close to her due date and embarrassed at how round her pregnant belly had grown. The whole ordeal was harrowing. But of course, Lilin was undergoing everything Coli was, and her Virding sister's presence did wonders to lift her spirit and help her survive it. She was quick to open the door for the one packmate who seemed to understand her effortlessly, her closest relative and secretly, her best friend. She didn't need words to express it; it was told in the easy way their arms linked and they walked together. They needed each other. Coli never once regretting coming to this pack.
She had been crestfallen to hear the news Lilin brought, that Ezra wanted to leave, not that he had to. She had done her fair share of wandering, but it had never been pleasant; she was always searching for a home, a place to settle and put down her roots. It hurt that he hadn't come to say goodbye to her, not even for little Eli's sake, but perhaps Coli wasn't as important to the Rosens as she had wanted to be. At least their last time together had been sweet -- she told Lilin about the dinner they had shared, the ducks and wine and good conversation. Ezra knew she was expecting a litter, and didn't question her about it, merely welcomed her into his home to unwind. It felt too good to be true, like she was part of their family if only for that one night. She could never have guessed that it was a farewell dinner -- had the carpenter already been planning their departure? A melancholy sigh marked her resignation; they would probably drift back again someday, or so she hoped aloud. She would miss them.
Hearing Lilin get worked up about the neighboring pack made Coli smile faintly, listening intently to her younger sister ramble. Coli had not yet formed any opinion of Sangi'lak, but she nodded and murmured her assent whenever it was appropriate, happy to play along if it meant she was included in the conversation. Their sisterly relationship was the most important bond in Coli's life right now, and as long as she had Lili, nothing seemed so bad. They ambled at an easy pace, immersed in the tranquil scenery of their northern home. The tangled masses of grape vines came into view, dark green leaves clamoring to reach for the morning sunlight. The vineyard remained wild and overgrown, as no one in Vinátta seemed eager to take on the task.
Until today, it seemed; there was a white-furred figure kneeling amid the first several rows, inspecting the plants. Of course Lilin had to see who it was -- Coli whined softly as she felt the insistent tugging at her hand, less willing to introduce herself to a stranger. How silly they must look, a pair of big round pregnant mothers-to-be trotting about the territory together. "I'm sure he's more than capable on his own," she mumbled under her breath, but obediently followed suit, shyly glancing at the packmate she did not recognize. He was wearing some articles of clothing, which was always a novelty to her. He also appeared older than most, bits of grey creeping in his pelt here and there. Coli smiled weakly in wordless greeting, waiting to judge his mood before she introduced herself.