They were right in the middle of the festival, they'd finished the fights and the hunts and Frith had walked away only slightly sore. That was a lie, he was bruised up, sore, and still recovering from how far he'd pushed himself in the hunt. He'd found a nice quite place to nap after that, with a full belly and some obvious wear and tear on his bedraggled coat he was ready for sleep. The day was still young but he was already asleep before he could even think about that. His chocolate form had curled easily into a loose thicket barely in the border of their home. Hopefully that would deter any of the festival guests from disturbing him much, not that it would keep away his children or pack mates. Not that any of them had a habit of waking him. He'd drift easily into a dreamless sleep, quite oblivious to the rest of the world. ""

The festival was a little hit and miss at times it seemed, the spars and even hunts going well but activities like the healer's gathering falling behind. Novella couldn't be sure how much of that could be put on Sorrel's shoulders however, the boy probably wasn't the greatest at welcoming others to join him, maybe she should have requested Rhythm, Novel or Ara to take the responsibility off of him. The guests appeared to be enjoying themselves however, and whilst the crowd didn't contain all of the faces she had hoped to see, overall it was quite the success she had to admit. The return from her own little hunting trip prompted her to seek out Frith, the festival would be drawing to a close soon though she was curious to see how her mate had got on not to mention she would need him at her side for those final moments to thank everyone for joining them. She was shocked when she finally caught his trail and followed it, discovering him curled up just on the borders of the lands fast asleep. A small smile would find it's way to her features and whilst perhaps she ought to have simply left him to rest, she couldn't help but disturb him, ready to let him know he had been discovered and to tease him about it. "Is it nap time old man?" She enquired with a few nudges to wake him.

So oblivious was he that Novella had to speak and touch him before his dark form would stir. Good thing she wasn't something more menacing, he might not have had a chance if she had been a cat, he'd smelled some kind of feline within their borders recently. He'd awaken with a start even with the gentleness of her touch. His head would shoot up from his paws as instinctively his hackles would raise. He wouldn't go any further than that though as he would even repress the growl that had threatened to bubble up. When he was awake enough to realize that it had been Novella and her question that had disturbed him his form would easily slip back into his relaxed manner. "Yeah, old man needs his nap." Frith's words were groggy as he reiterated his question. Was he really that old though? When had that happened? He supposed he was not as young as he used to be but old? Not yet. He'd let Novella have her joke though, she didn't need a nap. Unless that was why she'd sought him out. "Does old woman need to share his nap spot?" ""

Novella didn't really think Frith old, or herself for that matter. Of course definitely older, she had grown a lot from the young girl that had first appeared here in Alacritia, so carefree and naive about much of the world. She was wiser and stronger now, a mother, wife and leader she certainly wasn't a child anymore. Old though? Not yet, the time would surely come but for now it was merely a joke. Waking with a start, it would take a moment for Frith to calm himself and actually get to grips with what Novella had said. Not realising he had been in such a deep sleep she certainly felt a little bad for disturbing him and momentarily scaring him and apologetically she would nuzzle him as he reworded her question for his answer. "Old woman?" She questioned, an almost offended tone to her voice. She of course had started this playful insult off in the first place, she wasn't truly hurt by his words.

He wasn't old yet, but as surely as the morning's sun came back up he knew one day that time of his life would be here. Not that he wanted to think about growing old and leaving this place he called home. He was still too young to start thinking about dying. There was a lot more life to get through before he started thinking about that kind of thing. His wife would nuzzle him, helping to dissipate the startle she'd given to him. "Old woman?" She'd question him with some obvious offense. "see, your hearing is going out." He'd offer her an incredibly amused grin as he said his words. "I can make some room for you!" He'd say, raising his voice a little so his joke would last that much longer. He was also pretty sure he was about to get some retaliation from the wonderful she wolf who was his better half. ""

The response that she received was certainly no apology, pretend or otherwise. Instead their little game would continue as a grin spread across Frith's features. Novella's own face remained rather serious for the most part though she couldn't help but break character and a small smile found it's way onto her lips. "How rude, I heard you the first time. And who says that I want to sit with you?" She enquired the more serious face had managed to return again, and once more that same hurt tone she had used moments before, now moving a little away from him and struggling again to keep that smile away. "There is room here, I'm sitting here." She proclaimed, sitting herself down a few feet away from him. Their game could of course continue from this point, not to mention she suspected one of them would soon give up and shuffle towards the other.

He'd easily show his mischhief, but as Novella continued to stay serious he was almost worried, not that she could keep a smile off her face for long either. She'd crack just slightly as he raised his voice for her. Apparently she had heard him just fine and he shouldn't have assumed that she even wanted to sit next to him. His expression turned to one of hurt as she moved away though he could tell that little smile was eager to return. She seemed to find a very decent place to sit herself, and he could hardy pass up the opportunity to continue their amusing game, even if he was bruised and tired. "You know, it does look a bit nicer over there." Frith wouldn't hesitate to place himself next to her. And not just next to her, he wanted to be all up in her personal bubble. "Yeah. much nicer." He'd want to push his head into her neck all snuggly like as he grinned from ear to ear beneath her. After all she'd said she didn't want to sit by him nothing about him sitting by her. ""

There may have been brief moments that it seemed like a real fight was threatening to take place, though it was all in fun and games really, playful teasing back and forth continuing between them. It was Frith's turn again now and he chose the potentially more annoying option, not just joining her but squeezing himself right beside her declaring this was a nicer spot. Well the game could have continued but the action had broken Novella's attempts to remain serious, a small giggle and a big smile finding it's way to her features as she nudged him a little out of the way. "You big lump." She muttered simply, that usual softer tone back in her voice now and she continued to try nudge him around as she fought to make herself more comfortable again.

He couldn't have predicted how his teasing might turn out, though he had a hunch it would start to go his way. As he gazed above him he'd clearly see the break in her expression and hear the giggle that left her lips as he was pushed away. "You big lump." He'd grin brighter as he'd let her move him from her personal space, not that he was going to let her get away with out a couple of kisses first. Frith stole them away as he gave her the room she sought. He couldn't help but to chuckle, "That I can not argue." He was certainly quite lumpy. "Anyway, I don't believe you came all the way out here just to call me names. The next leg of the festival starting soon?" He knew he should be just as involved in the activities as his wife, he just thought he might have been able to catch a quick nap in between. ""

Frith probably could have resisted far more than he did, though after a few kisses he would move and allow Novella to settle down in a more comfortable position than her husband awkwardly barging his way in for any sort of embrace. She wouldn't pull entirely away from him of course, comfortably nestling against him now and the teasing for the most part left behind them. "You don't?" Novella enquired, mock surprise within her voice. "I suppose I'll have to try harder to convince you then, you fool." There was a far more affectionate tone to her voice now though however and she would even nuzzle him lightly as well. "You mean the part were we thank them all for coming and send them back to their homes?" Novella enquired, that was all that was left now really. In the mean time socialising with them was still pleasant, she and Frith should have been out there doing that now themselves though she had come to investigate what her mate was up to instead.

She wouldn't move away from him again, nestling perfectly into his side she would get comfortable and he would mold himself around her into his own relaxed position. She wasn't quite convinced about what he'd said about her calling him names, she emphasize that point with another name. She was quite obviously just playing and he'd kiss her once more as she answer. The festival was coming to a close, all they really needed was to send all their guests on their way. As he thought about it he couldn't help but agree that he should be there for that little part. He felt bad that he was missing out on social hour, but he was wore out already. He'd probably worked a bit too hard on that spar he'd taken on. "That part sounds pretty good right now." Frith enjoyed meeting all the new faces and seeing some familiar ones, but he was ready to be back in his home surrounded by the quiet that was Threar. "I'm ready to have you all to myself again." He'd wink, knowing full well that wasn't exactly possible considering the young age of their children, but they would soon be able to look after themselves and go on hunts with their older siblings. He and Novella would be with an empty den again soon enough. ""

Though parts had been tiring, they may have missed having their own little space and comments like the previous ones didn't exactly seem overly convincing, Novella truly didn't have any regrets about organising the festival. It had been a good event to host, had certainly encouraged meetings between others and would likely create a strengthen relationships between some packs as well. It had been an enjoyable event all round really and to be honest a small part of her would be sad when it was all over, who knew when she would meet some of these wolves again? "You don't mean it really." Novella commented with a small gasp of feigned horror at his confession. "It's been fun hasn't it?" She doubted Frith would say it was rubbish but she was seeking his honest opinion on the success of it all now.

Yeah he was tired and very much ready for his nap, but Frith could never deny how much fun he'd had during it. Far too long had passed since he'd experienced such an interesting fight and the hunt had been more than pleasing. With his belly full and his body tired though he was just about ready for the end. "It's been an experience, and I have had a great amount of fun. But I'm sore and tired and feel like the kids when they miss a nap." He'd tell her honestly, though there was no lack of humor in his voice. "I don't regret a bit of it, except maybe being the reason you were pulled away now." He'd nuzzle into her cheek affectionately. He'd only wished for a quick nap to rejuvenate himself to finish out the rest of their festival. ""

Frith would indeed confirm he too had had fun with their little event, or rather large one though he would certainly show his tiredness now as he listed his aches and wish for sleep. It didn't help with that 'old man' comment earlier though she would go down a different route now.  "Oh dear, you are getting rather cranky." She commented, though her own voice was light and playful as well. "I'm sure they've found ways to entertain themselves. Perhaps they are feeling a little sore, tired and cranky after it all as well and not particularly wanting the crazy hosts of such an event to come and bug them." Novella pointed out. Perhaps such feelings would in fact be all the more reason to say thank you and goodbye before they all begun to trail off on their own.

It seemed as she answered him that they went from old to child like care quite swiftly. Her words brought an obvious sense of care that reminded him of how she spoke to their small children. Frith smiled devilishly though they were obviously both enjoying their play. He couldn't deny her observation, but his grin was bright. She wouldn't agree with the second part though, as she offered her suspicion that most of their guests probably felt just the same as he. "They are rather crazy aren't they?" He'd answer her about themselves, not actually thinking that he or his wife were crazy but it was amusing to continue their banter. He'd chuckle softly as he nuzzled her again softly. "Maybe we should go and bug them, make them leave so I can get a decent night's rest!" He'd offer, making another cranky old man joke. Next he'd be chasing them off his property with a cane. ""

Rather than defend the sanity of the two Authors, Frith instead would simply agree that they were a little bit crazy. Never once in her mad plan had he made such a comment, supporting her whole-heartedly even though it was perhaps too much to take on too soon. She had made it through though, her sanity as in tact as before and she would secretly revel in that fact. It was never meant to have been a test, a method to see if she really was ready to cope under pressure again but she would look at it for a moment that was now. Perhaps she was always a little crazy, but it certainly seemed she was indeed much more like her usual self still. "But a good crazy." She responded with a smile. Novella was sure that Frith wasn't really in any major hurry to be rid of the wolves lingering around Redbud Nook. Threar's lands were still free from all of them, still their quiet little home, if he was truly that desperate to escape at any point, he could quite easy do so for a quick break, just like this one here. It had definitely been a good idea keeping the guests of the festival away from their home for that very reason. "There is no reason to rush it. Besides, we're parents remember, you've coped with nights far more difficult than these." She reminded him, nights of bad dreams, fidgety sleepers or energetic children that simply refused to admit it was time to sleep.

Frith probably should have worried about his wife a bit more than he had during the organization of their festival. Neither of them really ever came to understand what had afflicted her after the birth of their children. What if she started feeling like that again when and if the festival turned out more than she could handle? Thankfully though it seemed those doubts would not appear in Frith's mind. He had his Novella back, he couldn't think that she might relapse. Not that her ever seriously thought her sanity was at stake. "A great crazy!" He had to offer back one last time before the subject was changed. Though he kind of meant what he said really it was all just talk. He enjoyed all the new and old faces. Participating in the hunt and spar were a joy and to be truthful already he looked forward to their next festival. "You bring up some very good points." He had to agree with her really, there wasn't any reason to run them off. Everyone was having a good time, and even if he was a bit wore out there was still more fun to be had. Even so he couldn't stop the yawn that left him. ""

They may have dealt with worse on less sleep but it seemed that the events of the festival had gotten to Frith now, though he would whole-heartedly agree with her it seemed that he was still feeling ready for a nap. All the more reason to delay the final parts of the celebration then it seemed. She would smile slightly at his yawn, his efforts to keep the tiredness at bay though would tease him no more. "Have a little nap then my King." She commented softly, nuzzling him gently, a little joke for his imagery during his spar. "The crowds can wait." She wasn't sleepy herself, though she was stay with him all the same for now, the moment of peace and quiet with her husband quite enjoyable.