Cherished dreams are never asleep

[Cercelee]

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The chiming sound the glasses made as the clanked together brought a smile to Cercelee’s face. The first toast had been a bit of a private celebration, a sort of peace that had sprung between Haku and herself for the time being. They could for once enjoy each other’s company and celebrate what both of them worked so hard for. Cwmfen had brought a lot of it about, lessening the tension between Rosea and Lilium merely with her presence, but Cercelee had wanted to just congratulate and thank Haku alone, who knew how long the truce between the two leaders would last? That was not to say she did not appreciate the woad marked warrior, a present for her had been stored away, ready to be whisked out at the Adonis’s arrival.

Thank you Haku, and congratulations to yourself as well. The taste of the wine was sweet. Not a drop of alcohol had touched her lips since the night with Red Sol so long ago, the liquid could really be evil stuff, but she was happy to consume it now. So much more confident and happy than she had been then, Cercelee was awed when she realized she how much she had changed over the past year. And how the pack had changed. Among the first to arrive were Mew and Slay and she beamed at them, setting up glasses filled with lightly spiked water for her charges and an optional glass of liquid for Slay so he need not shift if he decided to partake. Mew, Slay and she had been pioneers of the pack, and Hanna was still about, showing her face now and then. Colibri Soul was the only unexplained absence. For the first time in a long time Cercelee let herself think about the older women, who had created the pack, who had lead her into the life she had now. Later when more were gathered she would toast the women many of them hadn’t even met.

Where else would we be? Cercelee rose and embraced Mew as she rarely did, but she was feeling generous with affection today. Next she greeted Slay and the children in turn, taking note of that not all had arrived with their adoptive father but Cer couldn’t criticize him. She knew from experience how hard it could be to round up the pups. Taking back her place every now and then, between the others arriving she glanced to her mate and family, and then to little Conor and Emwe newly returned home. The pack was as full as it had ever been, her own home was as well and it seemed that good fortune came in waves.

Cercelee noted the arrival of Deuce and Coli, but they would have to amuse themselves until others arrived. There was no formality today, it was just a party for mingling, for socializing, for giving blessings and thanks and to remind everyone of what they all worked for. This was Dahlia de Mai and Cercelee had never been more proud. A male she did not know quickly approached and she smiled up at him warmly, listening intently and swelling with the sweetness of the alcohol and the celebration of their pack. I'm Cer, Rosea. It is a pleasure to meet you Henratha, and today, of all days, is Dahlia de Mai’s first birthday.

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