One down… One to goThat was her only thought. The fiery ess had trotted through the entirety of a snow storm. At least she could count on the fact that her scent and trail would be long gone. Vestige, her own blood and flesh was still sleeping somewhere in Blossom Field. But there was stirring in heart, a pain and stab… What have I done...? But she forced away the doubts, she couldn’t stand to keep them around, she just couldn’t. She was no good for them, they needed a proper caretaker. And then again how was laying them in the hands of mother nature, finding a better mother..? It wasn’t. Plain and simple she was trying to cover herself and find the reasons to leave them behind so she could continue her life. Just like it used to be. That’s all she wanted. She just wanted her life back, and Abendrot was no place for pups. At least that what she wanted to believe, but look at her… she turned out okay… didn’t she?

Nova Prospekt padded along the River, it flowing current was her guide to the next stop. Wherever that was. She was still finding the best locations to leave her children by feeling. Her instinct; what little of it she actually had. The river flowed swiftly and so she stayed to the far side of the bank, it would be no use if both of them were swept away and drowned. Nova was already drowning her own sorrows. The river slowly transformed into a widened area, Leisure Lake was suddenly before her. And that same feeling had returned, it was a good a spot as any. She plodded around the lake searching for a safe cozy spot for the russet-black brindled pup. The little doll was hanging limply in her mother’s jowls, her head drooped down in sleep. After the adventure with her brother and then their recent travels to Leisure Lake, the little lady was exhausted. This one should be easier… Nova found a hollow log laying not far from the lake water. The sun had peaked through the grayish cloud and warmed the area slightly. She padded to the log and placed the little body down into it. Affinity stirred slightly but did not wake. Nova kissed her gently, You’ll be better off without me, my love. Do not be so foolish to believe in love my dear, it will only hurt you… and I hope you’ll understand my leaving one day… and maybe you too can forgive. Nova whispered gently into the pups audit, kissing her one final time before walking away. Her lithe, fiery figure disappearing into the trees. She was going home, finally.

~*~

Words flickered into her soft auds, her dreams altered. The little black bruteling that was running beside her was suddenly gone and her mother running away. And Affinity herself was still going in the same direction, but she didn’t care it was fun. Her light heart didn’t comprehend the words, she thought it was game. Everything was a game to her.

Affinity jolted away, the hooting of a barn owl just above her head. The large bird was perched on the log’s rim staring down at her. She started to growl, a tiny little sound escaping her maw. The bird stared harder at her trying to figure out whether she was crying at him or trying to scare him. The barn owl quickly lost interest and fluttered away leaving the little brindled pup alone once again. Her deep blue eyes starred out into eternally, black lake. The glossy surface reflected the first moon and glittering star. It was a sight to behold. A clear winter’s night. Affinity didn’t feel alone, she felt rather at home. Her mother was out of sight and therefore out of mind. Her brother was on his own adventure in her mind and maybe someday they might meet up again! She was just going to live in the moment. Because even as a small pup she understood the bigger pictures but still enjoyed the little things in life.

She jumped out of the protective log and began to plod around the beach. Exploring. What was this new place that she had been summoned to? She padded to a sand bank that over hung the lake side and stared down. The glossy surface of the water reflected her image back to her and she laughed. Her pelt was a mess, moss was tucked behind her ear! She scratched at the green algae and pulled it out with a few tries at it. Her paw dipped into the water and slicked back her spiky fur. As the water settled she smiled to herself. I can do anything I want now! She yipped to herself, unaware of her surroundings.