The sight of the early rays seeping into the den would gently wake Frith from a half peaceful slumber. He would have to admit that sleep had become an interesting struggle. He wasn't sure what kind of schedule he had, he was never tired at the same time each day and he always slept for undetermined amounts of time. Though still not quite able to figure out what might be the issue he had his suspicions it had many causes. The first being the recent loss of his in-laws. Novel and Dutiron were great wolves, they built an empire together and their loss would surely resound for many years to come. As well the pups were starting to find their own dens, it was hard falling asleep with out tiny feet in his back. Or rather, not so tiny feet. Aslan was much taller than even him now. 

There were various other smaller reasons that he'd found over the course of the last few days, one being the return of spring and Novella's heat. He was very much attracted to his wife, believing whole heartedly that she was perfect. Adding the fact that she was fertile now would only prove to distract him more. With their recent loss though he'd found himself unable to make any suggestions to her, it just didn't seem appropriate. 

He'd sigh softly as wakefulness blossomed in him, he'd roll closer to Novella finding peace as he snuggled her form. He'd offered her all the comfort she'd needed the last few weeks, knowing how much she needed the support. Frith would debate for a long moment about waking her, finding it impossible to refrain from nuzzling her much longer he would kiss her tenderly behind her pale ears, hoping to gently bring her from her slumber. 

Though she had attempted to find some sort of normality once more in life, try as she might Novella of course found that such a task was easier said than done. There had been times that for a few precious moments she had been able to forget that they had gone, but each time the horrid realisation that she would never seen her parents again had of course hit her and sent her spiralling back into sadness. It was wonderful to have Frith once more at her side though it certainly was strange that the not so little children had left and found their own dens to sleep in. Of course in some ways it was necessary, the den, whilst it had once comfortably housed the family had been getting cramped with five fully grown wolves living within it. Her body was of course preparing for the possibility of more little wolves taking up the space that her three children had vacated, though truthfully the woman wasn’t sure she was ready for that yet. A combination of hormones and Frith however could possibly push common sense away. For now she slept somewhat peacefully, her dreams had fortunately welcomed a blank world of nothing to escape to. Perhaps it only made reality worse when it hit her but it would at least let her rest. Frith wouldn’t however, and the little kisses would slowly bring her to consciousness, mismatched eyes remaining closed though a soft smile falling over her features. "I'm sleeping." She informed him softly.

He knew very well how sad she still was, even he still found moments where he wished his mother beside him. She'd expected him to move on after her death though, made sure he would not dwell upon her absence. Novella just needed more time, more distractions to start the process of regaining normality. She'd never really dropped her alpha duties, and he would hope that the times when she found herself sorrowful would be further and farther between. He had no intentions of pushing the thought of more pups in her mind, though he didn't know if he'd be able to resist her unless she specifically denied him. Though for now he would enjoy the peaceful morning that they would have together, finding himself thankful that there were no children sharing their little hole in the ground. His smile was soft, and mismatched orbs would gaze at her sleeping form relaxed eyes as he kissed her. He'd catch a glimpse of her smile, something that seemed rare these days, as she informed him matter of factly that she was asleep. He'd chuckle quietly, not being dissuaded from nuzzling her soft fur. "Should I stop then?" He'd ask in a whisper as he added a couple of gentle nibbles into his affections. Would she ask him to stop? ""

There were times that she wanted a distraction, wanted to forget the terrible fact that her parents had gone. Of course equally she feared that very thing, forgetting them in any way, shape or form. She doubted she would ever forget her parents but to find joy in life still at times seemed so wrong given that they had gone. Frith however for those moments before any doubt hit her was a wonderful distraction and it seemed he was going to continue with that for now, his affections continuing despite Novella's reluctance to open her eyes just yet. Though instinct urged her to lean into those little touches, she remained still for now, eyes still closed as she continued with her little game of sorts. He of course knew she was awake and it was very unlikely she would find sleep again just yet but for some reason she simply didn't want to completely move. "I can't answer." She whispered, still badly pretending to be asleep. "I'm asleep, remember." Why such a childish idea had overcome her in the first place she certainly couldn't be sure, though she would continued along with it anyway.

He didn't want her to forget her parents either, but truthfully they would never be completely gone. In almost every way they were still with her, in the way she went about her daily business, interacted with their kids.. in so many ways they were still here. Now though, he would focus on her alone as she continued to insist on her sleep. He was amazed at her resolve, she hadn't move anything but her mouth since he'd found himself awake. Though she seemed in good spirits again she would remind him verbally of her state. He'd find himself chuckling again at her, only burying his features further into her fur. He'd continue his kisses with a renewed vigor, quite determined to see her open her eyes. "Are you sure I can't convince her to awaken?" Frith would whisper again, leaning into her gentle form. ""

The game continued and Frith would playfully continue it with her. His loving touches would continue as he softly enquired whether he could possibly convince her to wake up. She was torn between pretending and resisting the affections more and giving in 'waking up' and nuzzling him in return. It was a rather tough choice actually having evidently woken in a better mood than she had for a while. How much of that was down purely to Frith and changing hormones she certainly couldn't be entirely sure. "Not sure." She murmured back softly, eyes still closed though it was obvious she was weakening, there was a slight shift in her body as she fought that urge not to snuggle closer into him and that sly little smile was growing with each little statement, getting harder and harder to continue pretending.

She was complete;y adorable, their game would amuse him to no end and he would be thankful for such a joyful time with his wife. There had not been enough moments like this in recent past, too much tragedy would hold them in its grasp. She seemed to debate for a really long time as he started grooming her ears tenderly, her voice soft but her smile seemed to have grown a considerable bit since he'd first heard her speak. He felt her resist the urge to push closer to him, and he'd smile mischievously. "Maybe more kisses?" He would ask quietly as he shifted, wanting to be able to reach every inch of her with that exact tool. He'd start at her nose and quickly trail his lips over her still form sweetly. ""

Frith wouldn't call her out on her weakness, that she was incredibly close to caving now still she would fight it however and he of course would find ways to tease her further. Unable to see the growing smile upon his features, she would still take note of the slight mischievous tone to his voice before the first of the kisses began once more. "Maybe..." She responded softly, still resisting the urge to open her eyes, allowing him to continue with his actions and attempts to stir her as his kisses begun to trail down her neck. Was he finding difficulties in the game as well, longing for her to awake and return the kisses? Novella would be the first to give in in the end, eyes finally opening to cast a brief glance to her mate as the kisses continued to trail down her back. They closed again soon after, attempting to keep up the game, though with a quick glance in return it was certainly possible that Frith would have noticed.

He would only receive a one word response this time but he would feel like he might be getting closer to cracking her shell. Though he would take the word as a positive sign, she had certainly not said no to his advances. He would continue watching her facial expression, not missing her little peek as he made his way down her spine. Frith would feel an amused chuckle rush through his lungs as he shifted from kisses to little nips as he drew more near to her delicious hips. "Are you sure you're not ready to wake up?" Another whisper would be uttered as she found herself in that still semblance of sleep. Nipping eagerly at her hips he would urge her to open her eyes once more and return the affections he lay so easily upon her. ""

Though he had seen her little glance, Frith didn't show it and Novella remained oblivious to the fact that the game was perhaps well and truly up. Of course it had been obvious she was awake from the start, talking had certainly given her away though he had played along even till now. He would pause at her hips now, questioning once more whether or not she was ready to wake up. How much longer would he let the game continue for? A part of her wondered though there was of course still that part of her simply ready to give in. That part one out in the end at the teasing touches continued. Eyes would open once again, fully this time as she shifted her own position, her hips now once more out of reach as she turned her body to nuzzle Frith contently. "Good morning" She greeted, though voice still as soft as it had been during her pretend sleep.

Frith had not made not of her cheating at her game as he teased her softly, waiting until she truly decided to wake up, though he longed to look into her similarly bicolored gaze. He wasn't sure how much longer he would keep it up, but he knew that he could snuggle her for all of eternity and still not tire of her perfect form. She would eventually give in though, opening her bright eyes and shifting away from his grasp. He'd smile slyly at her as she nuzzled him softly. "Good morning, beautiful." Frith would tease gently as he returned the nuzzle and added in a kiss. "You were sleeping rather heavily this morning, it took me forever to wake you," He would add, a mischievous grin taking over his features as he scooted closer. ""

Though there would have quite easily been room for a triumphant cheer from having won and finally made her stir, instead it seemed that the game wouldn't quite end. Instead Frith would continue with it, greeting her as though she had indeed only just awoken and even comment upon her heavy sleep that morning. She would smile softly, though not pause in her actions continuing to nuzzle and kiss the man, now 'awake' and able to return his affections. "Is that so?" She enquired attempting to act genuinely stunned by this revelation, deciding that she too might as well continue with the little guise.

He enjoyed the game she'd started, so much so that he had no problems with continuing, making sure that she knew that she had just not wanted to wake up for him that morning. He would revel in her touch, enjoying every kiss and nuzzle as she asked him to reiterate his observation. He would chuckle again, "It is! No matter what I tried you just kept sleeping." His voice was playful as he reached up to nip at her ear. "Did you have a good sleep?" He would ask quietly as he quieted back down, making small talk as he trailed kisses down her cheek and to her muzzle. He would push his nose against her own as he gazed at her longingly. ""

The silliness would continue, Frith opting to explain further, retelling the facts of her apparently deep sleep which they both of course already knew quite well and were not even really facts at all. He had held Novella's attention all through the pretend sleep, and he certainly had it now as she listened to his retelling of the morning's event, enjoyed his affectionate touches and returned them with kisses and nuzzles of her own. Sleep was welcomed these days, to fall into the nothingness and escape. As of late it had been difficult to escape her emotions and the reality of life and death whilst awake. Somehow fresh from sleep and with Frith and hormones surely fuelling the day there was a chance to escape, to feel somewhat more like her usual self and the light-hearted responses would continue. "Apparently very well until someone interrupted."

Though they were playing there was truth behind their game, he knew how hard it could really be for her to wake up in the mornings. One reason he had been so overjoyed to see her smile this early morning. Her gentle touch made it all the sweeter as she returned his affections eagerly. Her retort would widen his grin as he watched her amusedly, "How rude." He would mutter kissing her once more as he scooted closer to hr form. Now that she found herself awake he would find himself having more trouble keeping himself restrained. Burying his features into her chest he would breath deep her seductive perfume as his tail beat steadily against the ground. Almost absent mindedly he would nip at her chest needfully. "Do you feel like you'd like to go to the cave today?" He would whisper into her fur, finding his way away from their morning game. ""

Though Novella of course wasn't displeased with the interruption to her sleep, Frith would play along all the same, commenting briefly upon the rudeness of the individual to have dared rouse her. Whilst the loving touches continued just the same, that comment would apparently be the end of their game, Frith now choosing to chance the subject. It had been a long time since either of them had ventured to their cave. Too busy with children and then Frith had been too ill for a while. When the possibility had presented itself to visit again, Novella had been too devastated to tarnish the place with such an unhappy memory or equally taint the memory of her parents with a wonderful crystal cave. Frith hadn't mentioned it again until now, and even then it was in a delicate manner, not a part of their games but a soft request. Novella would be the one to twist it back to their fun it seemed though there was no way of telling this as she withdrew from her mate's side, a calm expression still upon her features until she spoke. "Catch me." A sly smile would form now and already the white woman was bounding out of the den before he had a chance to react. She wasn't sure whether to beeline straight for the waterfall or extend the games further, but for now she simply ran.

Too much time had passed since the pair had enjoyed the cave that Frith had stumbled upon so long ago. Even now he found himself almost taking back his statement, unsure if she was really ready to make the journey. Though if any morning she was prepared it would be this one. Thus far everything had been perfect, would their streak continue as the hours rolled on? Though he was quite unsure as his wife withdrew from his touch rather suddenly. He would tilt his head curiously, disappointed at not having her in his arms any longer. Her two words would explain everything, but he still was hardly prepared for her to leap away from him and from the den. A playful growl would boil in his chest as he too would find his feet and speed from the hole, quite a bit of ways behind his wife it seemed as he emerged. Dual colored eyes would catch her as her pale form darted into the forest, his own frame speeding after. He wasn't much bigger than her, making it hard for him to make up the difference as their strides were similar in length. Though he wouldn't lose any ground either, and his gaze would remain on her lithe form. ""

Frith of course wouldn't immediately realise the game and instead stand confused for a moment as Novella suddenly pulled away from his side. He would soon catch on however and with a brief glance over her shoulder, the white woman would see his chocolate form had indeed followed her lead and was running after her. It was a fairly evenly matched race, little fun in that really for she had intended to be caught at some point in the chase. She would choose instead to head straight to the waterfall, he could catch her within their cave if not before then. With ease she would find her way to the water's edge, slowing as she reached it though not the hesitance she had displayed a couple of months before when she had first been plagued with the grief of the loss of her parents. They entered her thoughts often still, though right now it was simply Frith that consumed her mind. She would slip behind the waterfall and up the path into the cave, pausing once inside to glance to the narrow path that Frith would surely soon appear in. "Oh no, I'm trapped." Like a bad actress she spoke the words with terribly feigned surprise.

Their race would continue as she continued to elude his grasp, just far enough ahead that he could not overwhelm her. Still, she would head for the cavern, with her husband hot on her tail. The still cold water would slow the both of them down, he would hit the liquid just as she disappeared behind the waterfall. He paid no mind if anyone was watching though he had serious doubt about that fact. His attentions were focused fully on the woman he was trying to catch. The chocolate man would make his way into the entrance, making his way to the opening he would hear her words as he peeked into the brilliant cave. His grin would widen as he let out a deep playful growl, hs own theatrics similar to her own. "Now I've got you," He would mutter darkly as he made his way to where she stood, dark tail flicking excitedly behind him as he pressed his chest against her own, leaning in to nuzzle her tenderly. Feeling as though a great weight had been lifted off him suddenly. ""

It wouldn't be long at all for Frith to appear and join her. He'd easily close the small gap between them, a little playful growl sounding as he announced he had got her. The games could continue from here, though she chose to leave the bad acting behind as she leaned back into him, nuzzling him in return. Mismatched eyes would now finally take a better look around the cave, the faint rainbows of the crystals casting that beautiful glow around it. She had missed this place, and she had certainly missed Frith as well and their time together. Life was still far from being ok really, but it continued and she was glad she had it to continue with him.