Magpie

have courage

Magpie’s heart melted into a little puddle as Forrest peered up at her. Though she truly hoped that his mother was well, she had her doubts given the state of things. Certainly, though, if the wolf could’ve returned for her son, she would have. Despite her own experiences, the fluffy golden female couldn’t possibly imagine intentionally leaving a child of her own. Glad that he was willing to wait at least a little while longer, Magpie began to worry. What if Arace refused? She wasn’t sure Forrest could wait the length of time it would take for her to find another nursing mother for him to fill his stomach. Doing her best to keep her anxiety from showing, she waited and was relieved that not long after she’d let out her call, a dark male scattered with little pinpricks of white approached.

She knew him only as the father of the small pups. He was a handsome enough fellow though with a family and several years her senior, Magpie merely admired his unique coat and appreciated his calm demeanor. He wasn’t at all intimidating despite his size and the serious way he peered down at them. He kept his distance though seemed interested in Forrest. That was a good thing, wasn’t it? Certainly it wouldn’t have been good if he’d completely ignored the pup…right? Nervous and a little unsure about how to start this particular conversation, Magpie shifted her weight slightly, careful not to disturb Forrest as he leaned against her. When finally greeted them, Magpie offered a tentative smile.

”Hello, sir.” He seemed to analyze them a bit more then spoke again, obviously a bit concerned and perhaps confused by the presence of a pup so small away from its mother. She shared that sentiment and it was the noticeable concern and the mention of parents that spurred Magpie into action. Casting a furtive glance down at Forrest, she sighed and tried to word her query in such a way that would explain the situation without cluing the pup into what she suspected was the disappearance of his parents. ”I suppose this is a bit of an adventure, wouldn’t you say so Forrest?” She started in a soft and cheerful tone, trying to keep the pup’s spirits up though surely he was starving and nearly exhausted from the whole mess. She looked back up at the dark male before them and her own opal eyes met his, her expression intensifying slightly. ”I am a guest of Taviora; Magpie. I came across this little man here in the woods. He’s been waiting ever so patiently for his mother to come back...since last night. Isn’t that right Forrest?”

Lowering her head, she nosed him just behind his right ear and snorted softly, ruffling the fur there. She really couldn’t imagine what he must be thinking. Left in a hole and told by his mother she’d return. Several hours later a stranger finds him and takes him to meet more strangers. But she would make sure he stayed safe and comfortable as best she could. ”You see, sir. I was wondering if I might appeal to your mate to fed Forrest. It can’t be good for him to go so long without food at such an age.” Not that that had ever stopped her foster mother from refusing her meals when she was in a fowl mood. Magpie’s large ears drooped as she remembered the feeling of painful hunger and barely bit back a whine. It had been several months since she’d had to even think about that. She’d filled out and grown a bit and not once had she felt her stomach cramp with pain since she’d been found by Zanon. Now it was her turn to do the same for Forrest. ”I’d be willing to offer my services as helper. I could hunt or watch your pups. Anything really....please?”