The weather marked they were over halfway through the season and soon enough it would be time to be back at the hallows.  There was no need to rush but Rudy and Fern were heading back in the direction of their home, their family.  This had been an amazing experience with so many new places, new sights, and new ways to spend one's time.

Walking along the river bank they could see how the sun would cause the water to shimmer.  Dragonflies flit along the taller reeds of grass.  The day was pleasant, not particularly hot or cold with only the occasional light breeze.  On the wind, Rudy could smell plenty of prey but they had eaten recently enough.  Rudy also was just enjoying the moment of walking with Fern right next to him.

How long until they ended up on a path he knew better as they neared home?  Maybe another two weeks or so?  Time had flown by all too fast on their adventure.  A part of him wished for more time even as another part of him yearned to be home.  The motley wolf had a relaxed smile on his face, one that was most always there as of late.

Rudy’s playful side whispered up the idea of accidentally tripping and pushing Fern into the water.  He would of course have joined her right after but, he didn’t attempt his nefarious plan.  Let the peaceful moment last a bit longer.  “Let’s sleep near the river tonight,” not suggesting they end their walking now by any stretch, Rudy assumed the water would go on a way.  “I haven’t had fish in a while, and a swim in the morning might be nice?” What was it about water that Rudy enjoyed so much?  It wasn’t necessarily swimming, he just enjoyed being around it.  Maybe due to his childhood at the falls?  Either way, he liked being near it with Fern all the more.

"Rudyard"

The season moves on as time slips by and the gray pair continue their honeymoon travels. Now the pair find themselves plodding alongside a huge river, the couple taking time to enjoy the warm summer day. Fern finds herself lost in her own thoughts as they meander, the woman slowly turning over the events of the past week. She has awoken to do her training, as normal, but instead had to stumble away from the sleeping form of Rudy to retch quietly into a bush. After that, food would be difficult to choke down for breakfast and a twinge of queasiness follows her through the day. At first, she thought nothing of it, or at least, she tried not to get her hopes up over something that might not even be happening. But, as the nausea took a stronger hold in the mornings and throughout the days, understanding and joy had bloomed deep in Fern’s chest. Still, she waited to share the news, wanting to be absolute certain before letting Rudyard know. It wasn’t until she felt the changes in her body as it pulled nutrients to feed the pups that are now growing within her, that the gray woman decided it was time. As they walk, Fern’s blue eyes flick over to Rudyard and a dreamy smile slowly spreads across her pale lips. Rudy’s voice pulls her from her thoughts and she nods in agreement. Her gaze slowly moves to look out over the glittering body of water and a thoughtful hum fills the air as Fern slows until she comes to a stop. Waiting for Rudyard to join her, the dreamy smile is still on her lips as she looks to the water. Once he is beside her, the gray woman says, “You know… we will have to bring our pups here… once they are born.” Blue eyes flick over to Rudy as an amused, knowing grin crosses her lips. Would he catch the hint that she is pregnant or will Fern need to be more… blunt. "Fern Carpathius" | "Puff"

Rudy’s mind is of course on matters of play and entertainment, completely unaware where Fern’s thoughts are.  It was a wonderful day but he had no idea just how wondrous the day was to Fern or why.  Fern’s dreamy smile and look to the water have the lively Rudy wondering what was going on in her mind, after all, Fern was one to pull tricks as well.  That dreamy smile wasn’t her normal smile, though it was one he enjoyed on her.

When Fern spoke up about their children Rudy’s first thought was just imagining the future when it happened.  It took a second, the relaxed smile slowly fading.  The brows slowly raised up as he inwardly questioned what he was hearing.  Reality struck a moment later, the eyes going wide, staring at his mate, soaking in every inch of her.

The silence lasted for several seconds as the reality washed over.  Puppies?  He’d be a father?  She was going to be a mother?  There would be puppies? “Are you sure?” the voice was tense with built-up excitement he was choking down, needing to hear again those amazing words.  “Are you really… puppies?”  The water had been completely forgotten, everything was forgotten except this one thought.

“Fern!” His mind raced back trying to recall when she started that dreamy smile.  “How long have you known?  Puppies?  I’m gonna be a,” the words faded as a new thought came to mind, “how are you feeling?  Are you alright?”  Maybe they should slow down their trek!  Suddenly the path to home that had seemed to be coming to an end looked horribly far away.  Rudy wanted Fern and his future children safe in the hallows strong walls.  He also wanted to howl at Art and Gwyn and Bo and… well, everyone in the family.  They needed to rush home, at a very slow pace!


"Speech"

The words leave her mouth and Fern looks to Rudyard with an amused grin, waiting to see if he catches on. It is as if she sees the gears of his mind at work as her words filter in. At first they do not even registering with him. Then his brows slowly raise, their slow ascent seems to follow Rudyard rolling over each word carefully. Finally, the dreamy shine that the words had been shrouded in fades as reality sets in and his golden eyes open wide, his gaze moving to land on her. Fern’s grin only grows with each passing second, unvoiced laughter hiding behind her dancing blue eyes. His eyes scan her, maybe to see if he can tell or maybe just because he is in such shock at the fact. The silence stretches on but the gray woman does not break it, instead allowing him to replay the words over and over until they finally take hold. His voice, tense from barely contained excitement finally breaks the air and the laugh that she had been holding in, bubbles out to fill the air around them. Rudy speaks again and Fern can’t stop the stop laugh that continues, so she instead simply nods her head. Her mate’s mind seems to be flying as fast as his words and she holds up a paw to fend off any more questions so she can answer the already voiced ones. “First. Yes, Rudyard Carpathius, I am certain. We” she makes sure to emphasis the word, “are going to parents. I have had an idea for several days but wanted to make certain before I told you. I’m fine Rudy. I have already started taking some herbs that help boost my immune system.” Knowing that Rudyard will be overjoyed but also might try to rush her home, Fern adds, “We are fine, Rudy. Aside from a little nausea, nothing is off.” A huge, knowing smile appears as she leans toward him, reaching up to capture his lips with her own to silence any further questions he might have. Wrapping her front legs around his neck to pull him closer, Fern deepens the kiss as the joy and excitement she has been keeping bottled up finally is able to spill out. Breaking the kiss, she moves to place her head under his chin and snuggle into his body. This experience is new and equal parts terrifying and exciting but she knows, with Rudyard by her side, they can conquer anything that comes their way. Softly, Fern says, “Congratulations, Rudy.” As she gently presses into his chest. "Fern Carpathius" | "Puff"