Amata was not blind to the game he was playing, but she still played along, although she didn't entirely know why. She did know she liked him, but how much she couldn't determine. She found she trusted action much more than words, words could be falsified, though actions could as well, but seeing as she was starting to get to know Saluce, understand him, and their last few meetings, it didn't seem like he would be the type to run away. She followed him, weaving through the vines, trying not to snag her fur in any of the hidden old wooden posts that helped the vines grow. Soon they were within an area that was much more tamed and she looked around, seeing that these vines were more vibrant, and even seemed greener! Then she saw the building and looked at it with interest as Saluce led her towards it. He opened the door with his nose and allowed her in first, she smiled at him and entered the musky old place, it was dark but she would soon become accustomed to it, though she waited for Saluce first, not understanding what building this was.
Saluce watched her reactions, his eyes looking vibrantly from her to the rest of the old building. Their work was evident all along the winery, from the big vats for fermentation to the oak barrels lining the warehouse in the back. But his eyes caught the glimpse of confusion in her eye, he yipped playfully at her to come with him then. His form walked up to the fermentation vats and looked at her with a smile.
“this is where you turn grape juice into wine. You crush the grapes, put them in here with the skins, seeds and all in a big cloth bag, then add yeast. The yeast turns all those sugars into Alcohol.” It was the first thing he had said to her since they had returned to the earth on four paws. This was after all how he would have to have her gain his trust. He was doing all he could to convey to her that he would still be here for her, and part of that was revealing the secrets of the pack land he lived in. If he showed her his home that was big in his book, because that was the most private facet of his life.
“Normally you let them ferment for 2 or 3 weeks before racking and letting the wine sit in an air locked container to clear, then you bottle!” Wine making was a truly natural process, as much attention went into growing and caring for the grapes, much more than the actual act of making the wine itself. “The hard part is just keeping the vines cared for and properly pruned, it is a very artful experience to grow grapes and make wine.”
His tail wagged and he nipped her shoulder then playfully. “The cellars down below hold only a few more bottles of wine left, Hopefully Nayru will be successful this year with her grapes and we can start replenishing it.”
As her eyes adjusted the surrounding items didn't give her any hint of what this place was, it just raised further questions. She was about to ask, but it seemed he could see the confusion in her face as he motioned her to follow him and started explaining. It all made sense now as he told her what went on in the building and she made a sound of understanding as she listened to his explanation. He was being so open with her, and it made her happy he could trust her with such information
"I see, I never knew it took so much to make a few bottles, you guys are lucky to have all this. I don't think we could really reproduce something like this could we?"
In no way was she thinking of bringing the idea of wine making to her family, they had enough to worry about with the hunting season, and she doubted there was land good enough for grapes to go there, but in no way would she even think of mentioning a possible winery to her family, she just thought something like this was entirely unique. He nipped at her and mentioned the cellar which was close to them. She wagged her tail, remembering she'd had some earlier already, and made a mental note to make sure to to drink much more.
Saluce wagged his tail as he sat down next to the captivating cream colored lady. The grey male lets his tongue roll out into a soft pant for the moment as he listened to her angelic words. He found himself perfectly content to just be near her, finally though he felt like their whirlwind tour was losing some of it’s luster. They had to make another short journey to the spring. Plus he was feeling playful, and a little water wouldn’t hurt anyone. So his form rose back up, rubbing his full body against hers as a sign it was time to leave.
“Yes it takes quite a bit of work to make wine,” he said in answer to her remark. Before he slipped outside and stopped looking back at her wagging his tail, giving a soft yip in urging. She was going to tire him out but that was perfectly fine, he could use the cardio exercise anyways.
“Ready?” he said as his head swiveled around a half moon in curiosity. This time he wouldn’t let out to where they were going, just that they were going someplace new. With a dip of his head he started walking out, getting his bearings about him before he’d lead her off to the spring.
Amata followed his touch and moved to him as he moved to the door, ready to see more, and she would follow, so far this place was something to behold, though so was her own home. She thought of some of the places she could show him the next time he visited. She wondered where he would take her next, this time keeping up with him rather than running a head for a bit. She wanted to take in the full view of the area as she followed, walking just as fast as the man, though keeping behind him.
“You really do have a lovely home”
She said as she followed him, taking in the grass that was finally growing green, and the trees that had their leaves. She was interested in what place he had to show her next It had to be as good, if not better than the winery.
The dahlian male stepped a little higher after her wonderful comment. The mountain of a man was utterly small compared to the weight of her being near him. So as he walked he couldn’t help but slowing down from time to just be closer to her. This time he took his time leading her to the spring complex. The walk would take an hour at least if they kept this pace but he didn’t mind. Because he enjoyed when his tail would swat just right and brush against her body.
For a while he had wanted to play, this form allowed for such frivolous actions. While he could dominate almost anyone while he walked upright, this form made things much more complex, it also felt more natural to be in contact with another wolf. The intimacy it shared and he took a mental note to make sure they were in their more natural form more often when they met each other.
Time passed and finally they arrived at the drop off leading to the stream fed spring. Being thirsty he jumped down nimbly before letting his tongue lap up some of the cool liquid. Finally he spoke after the long trip.
“This is it, the spring,” his maw raised up in a wolfish grin before darting across the stream and up the other hill side, his tail held high above his rear, ears perked atop his head before he sat his front down low along the ground in the universal signal for play.
She was finding herself enjoying the lands of Dahlia more and more. And being with him was a pleasure. She moved alongside him, her body moving with his, feeling his tail touching every once in a while, but she said nothing. She knew exactly what was going on, though she liked him a lot, and figured that as they were now, he could have slight freedom. They reached the spring and she looked at it in awe. She looked over at Saluce who was now in a playful stance. She grinned, this wasn't something she had done in forever, she returned the stance and then charged forward, not full speed and surely not full strength but towards him nonetheless in a very playful manner.
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