From the moment that their little ears unfurled and their beautiful eyes opened, Bowen had been regaling her children with story after story. She told them all about their father, Haiku. About how he was her hero and had saved her from a nasty woodchuck when they were just young pups. She told them that, no matter what happened in their lives, they always found their way back to one another. They always, always, always loved one another.

Protective as she was over her four darlings, Bowen may have waited just a bit longer to let them out into the world than most parents. She wanted to be sure that they were healthy and strong. Also... Bowen herself needed to heal. Pushing out three big boys and a little girl... it took a lot out of her.

Today was the day, however. The sun was shining and the ground wasn't too damp from all of the rain. She'd allowed her babes to run amok through some of the castle, but this would be their first real outing. "Remember to stay where I can see you. Be safe, my loves." Bo then pushed open the massive front doorway just enough for the five of them to head out into the courtyard. They would be stuck staying within said courtyard, but there was grass on either side, flowers, trees... They would get to be kids while mom took a little rest in the shade.


"Bowen"

There will come a soldier There had been stories a plenty to entertain them all from the moment they could hear. Stories of bravery and how their father was known as a hero. Titus had soaked in every word, every praise, asking always for more as he stayed close to their mother. They'd been allowed to move about the castle some but the fire marked boy had been content to stay close to their mother. Even now as she led them out he was on her heels. And as she pushed open the doors he dared to look past her into the open they were being offered. Wonder and curiosity playing about his face as he took in the sky and the trees. Still he stayed though. Waiting. When Bowen gave them permission his ear flicked to the sound of her voice and an acknowledgement passed his lips. "Yes mama." There would be no trouble from him while Bowen was there. Only once Bowen was outside and had allowed them out did Titus go. Soft paws barely making a sound as he moved to the gardens. His dark pelt barely fit here, but he didn't mind. His paws moved until he was near the flowers, claws retracted and never making a click on the stones. His eyes turning to his siblings briefly before his body turned, going to follow their mother once more. In fact he plopped himself right between her front paws once she had settled. Bowen was the best thing ever to the boy for now, though he kept his eyes on where his siblings were. Walk, "Talk", Think He will slay you with His tongue He will tear your city down

Spriggan had a deep connection to her father if only by the stories she heard of him. His love of healing and plants, it was like he had personally blessed her with the mushrooms that grew on her shoulders and hips. Even if he wasn’t here with them she could feel his love. The tiny child was eager today, she knew their castle rooms forwards and backwards and today was the first day they were going into the outside!

Tiny paws pitter pattered on the stone floors, eager to be outside in the grass. She’d seen the plants and the sun from within, but as soon as they were let out she let a delighted noise from her lips as the sunshine fell on her pale coat. The warmth and the feeling of the soft grass under her paws was indescribable. Overwhelmed she twirled around excitedly and flopped down onto the grass in a happy heap.

Kolt, in stark contrast to his siblings, was brimming with curiosity yet tempered by his usual caution. As the doors were pushed open and his mother gave them permission to step outside, an almost palpable thrill passed through his body. Tilting his head upward, he squinted against the bright sunlight, every fiber of his being alert and eager to explore.

He paused for just a moment, soaking up the warm rays that dappled his mixed coat of cream and chestnut. His bright blue eyes were wide with wonder at the world outside, but he was careful not to stray too far from Bowen. He respected her command and knew there would be a time to venture further when he was older. Kolt took a tentative step forward, his paw sinking into the soft grass, a sensation so different from the cool stone floors of their castle rooms.

Suddenly, a kaleidoscope of scents hit him— fresh earth, blooming flowers, the lingering rain from the night before. His nose twitched, trying to distinguish each unique smell. He even thought he could detect the faint musky scent of other animals, some he recognized from hushed stories his mother had told him and others entirely alien.

His keen eyes roved around, drinking in the sprawling landscape around them. Tall trees stretched their leafy arms towards the sky, their trunks thick, gnarled and inviting. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soft rhythm that was almost musical. Enchanting.

"Kolt Carpathius"