Pride plays beneath the golden green eyes of the wolf as he watches mother and daughter draw from the foamy waves and onto the damp white sands. Warmth spreads like fire through the steady rhythm of his heart. Nasa speaks and the wolf listens, its golden eyes recognizing the lilting notes of sorrow that cling to her speech as she responds to his inquiry of the Harbor. Broad head nods in acknowledgment, a grim line planting itself upon his lips in understanding. Even he was not immune to the gods above or the roll of the dice that the fates toyed with. There would be a time in the future, when even he would find himself on the losing end of the islands and Paradise would turn itself on him regardless of how carefully he tried to cultivate himself to the land. The gods had no favorites, of that he was sure.

The attention turns however to the beautiful mahogany colored filly that lingered at Nasa’s hip. At her acknowledgement, Kaari steps forward to her mother’s shoulder, her bright eyes as fixated upon Rougaru as his were on her. She was a beautiful creature, delicate and fine bones like Nasa. Her finely chiseled face turns up to his, her proud neck is elegantly arched and draped in flowing tassels of obsidian onyx. Though she still held hints of the gangliness of youth, the first hints of womanhood were visible in the lithe curve of her broad hip and taunt shoulders. ”Kaari…” he murmurs, playing the syllables of her name upon his tongue. Exotic. Delicate. Perfect. ”I think more of her mother shines that you will admit.” he murmurs. The beginnings of the smile broaden across his lips as he meets Nasa’s muzzle with a gentle touch, inhaling a deep breath of her exotic scent and savoring the flavors that lingered there. She smelled of distant lands. She smelled of ocean salt and wild snows. She tasted familiar and yet different.

Nasa reaches forward, her small muzzle trailing along the lines of his face to caress the curve of his cheek in a tender touch. The heart that beats beneath his breast quickens its pace as he leans against her touch, multifaceted eyes of emerald closing for a moment at the gentleness of the touch. It had been some time now since he felt such tenderness, some time since he felt the gentleness of a woman’s welcome embrace and though the wolf recoiled in suspicion, Rougaru welcomed it with open arms. She draws back now to gaze at Kaari, the break of contact drawing a reluctant groan from his lips but one that is silenced quickly with a boyish grin. Home. She said they were home. How often had he found himself wondering where they were? Wondering if she was safe. Nasa was a wandering soul, a free spirit that even the wolf recognized and did not dare try to tame. There is a promise in his smile as he arches his neck to press his whiskered lips softly against her obsidian neck for a mere moment, savoring the feel of her quickened pulse beneath his touch before reluctantly withdrawing. There would be time in the future to spend with Nasa alone, however the time was running out to strengthen the feeble bond between father and daughter.

Kaari steps up to him now, her honey colored gaze hopeful as the gentleness in her small voice. Warmth softens his expression as Rougaru steps forward to brush his whiskered muzzle affectionately against her mahogany cheek, his whiskered lips teasing the ends of her dark forelock. He chuckles warmly ”I hope it has been good things.” he begins, glancing back to Nasa with a wink before returning his gaze to Kaari. ”Come darling, tell me about yourself? I am sure you both could use a drink of fresh water after that long swim. I dont know about you but the salt water tends to leave a stale taste in my mouth.” he finishes, shifting his hips to allow the mother and daughter to join him. They were home.