Rhythm strolled easily over the spring grasses of the plains, with the warmer weather she was moving so much easier. The old woman was able to cut back sharply on her medicines, and she felt younger than she had in years. However, her age was visible over all of her body. Her fur had shed out much whiter this year. She wasn’t near as dark chocolate as she used to be and her facial features were nearly covered in white. Her paws and tail held silver streaks heavily that concentrated at the points of her body. She was looking a little hunched, but moved more smoothly than she had this previous winter.

She slept a lot more now too, but this morning she was bright and alert as Feather led her down the banks of the creek. Rhythm’s lips were pulled back in a soft smile as she just enjoyed being alive. Her time here was limited she knew, and did her best to make the most of what remained. She had to for everyone that she remembered and couldn’t be here to do so with her. Feather’s voice sang and Rhythm nodded, yes this was a good place to stop. Rhythm’s paws kneaded into the warm stone as she lowered herself to the ground with a stretch and yawn.

Haiku found another target for his mischief and play, and bounded towards her with a wiggle in his step. He recognised the form of his Grandmother as he approached. She was a distinct, imposing figure streaked through with silver like the stars. She was the oldest wolf that he had ever met, and for someone who was under a year, everyone was much older then him, so that was saying something!

He knew not to pounce on her roughly, so as he approached he gave his butt a wiggle, and gently pounced her tail, trapping it beneath his body. Of course, he was still small enough that his entire body could fit on the other wolf's tail. His own wiggling behind him, he rested his paws, and then his head on her rump. “Auntie Motif said you're the ex-purt on catching Sal-sal-mon… water bugs. Is that true Grammy?” he asked.

Thankfully an old woman like her still had full use of her ears, and the sound of little puppy paws alerted her to the approach of a naughty grandchild. For the most part the pups understood how old and frail she was getting and behaved as much as could be expected of such a young wolf, but Rhythm appreciated the moments like these. She acted in mock surprise at the sudden pup on her tail, it still held a slight crink from when she had made her attempt to become queen at Valentine’s side. Thoughts of Cascade didn’t often reach her mind, but she was an integral part of her life before everything changed.

Rhythm focused on the naughty pup instead. ”Oh! My goodness!” She cried out softly to aid in her performance as Senryu asked his question. She had no trouble telling he and Haiku apart, she didn’t have a visual reference to confuse her. ”What a sneaky boy.” The name of Motif brought a sharp pang to her heart as she remembered fondly when she and her sister had been inseparable. She relied so heavily on Motif, and not a day went by she didn’t miss her sister. ”It might be true,” It felt like a lifetime since she had played in the creek with Shaye and her mother. ”Do you want to find out?”