Finally, she allowed herself to leave the safety and comfort of Taviora. She had been curled in the den, her chocolate and rust body buried in the bulk and bundles of Los and her pups. She moved from the forests with growing ease. Every step she took became more and more confident. Her will had slowly started to return to her over the seasons, and now she could feel herself becoming whole.
Winter had died, spring had sprung with a destructive whirlwind. Summer had started to sooth her and now the cool autumn wind brought back a spark she had been missing. It called to her now. The thrill of adventure, the mystery of fantasy, and the sight of things unseen. Taika was coming back. As soon as she came to the lowlands of the fields the wind blew and brought a scent she had been aching for into her nose. Instantly the spark she had been trying desperately to keep burned vibrantly within her.
She had missed her mate. More than she could have ever thought. Disaster had struck and she had needed him there. He had said he would be gone for a few days, not a few seasons. She never begrudged him, knowing he needed to take the time to find his family, to heal from whatever wounds he held. Still, a small part of her had silently called for him to return to her. It was a selfishness she could not deny.
As she drew closer her paws quickened their pace, her heart quickened its pulse. She needed him near her, she thirsted for his body against her’s. Her breath hitched and suddenly she froze. The wolf standing before her was different. He smelled like Edrick, and he looked like Edrick, but there were many things very different about him.The scars on his face, much like his daughter’s. His tattered ear and limp tail. Taika’s own banner wagged hopefully at him, her golden eyes shining hopefully.