[/html]Oak had returned. There was a change in the air, a scent riding the gentle summer breeze, and in her gut the wolfess knew that her son had returned. Blue eyes closed as she took in the sensation, a tingle of instinct. She left the cider barn, not looking back and raced in Optime form to the orchard road. There she waited. The sun was low, signaling the end of another long day. She had been wondering when he was coming back, and that made the days stretch and each hour seem like an eternity.
Her heart fluttered at the thought, remembering when Tayui had told her that she would follow Anu no matter where she decided to go. Such devotion was not new for the woman, she had had followers in the pack and they had always been true and honest hearts. But the white woman was different… And she caused Anu to place her hand over her heart to as if to search for its fluttering beat.
He appeared along the road, her hand still perched above her breast and eyes slightly unfocused. Her ears turned, and caught his soft sounds. Anu turned to see him, his russet form bright against the dank hue of the dirt and dusty road. The mother waited for him to approach her, rather then meeting him half way along the road. He stood taller then she, stature that was no doubt given to him by his father. He placed his dark nose against her forehead, and both wolves waved their tails behind them in happiness.
Oak retreated after a moment, tore bay eyes meeting their match. He was surprised, for he had not expected to see her at the edge of the orchards. She had been standing as if she had been waiting for him ever since he had left. But Oak did not try to guess how his mother knew that he was approaching the cider mills boundaries. He knew better then to try to understand her mothering instincts. Instead he greeted her in the way that was unique to the family, and smiled once he saw her face again.
You have returned. She spoke, soothing voice causing his body and mind to ease in a familiar comfort. I did, He returned, his voice falling away at the very end and leading into a pause. He placed a hand on the necklace that was strung around his normal unadorned neck. as a Vináttan.
The Risna took a step back, to be able to read her thought through her body better. I think it is the place for us. He added, tone unsure and uneven. He worried that she would feel betrayed for committing to the new pack so quickly and without her guidance and consideration. His mother was silent, but he knew that her silence was not always a bad thing. Black tipped ears fell slightly though, body instinctively falling into a more submissive tone as to tell his mother that what he spoke was the truth and he was searching for her acceptance.
She nodded; a single approving nod. Her features did not shift, and she reached out to take his hand. He allowed it, and they turned to face the orchards that they would all leave on the new days’ morning light.
