This Is Who We Are
The day began to greet her, sun warming her face and waking her from her slumber. Thanks to the unusually mild winter Maria had slept outside with Shadow within Southern Boreas. Though the trees did not yet bear fruit Maria suspected, come spring, this overgrown orchard was to be full of wonder. Insects too, but sweet treats for those who were tempted to take a chance at trying the delicious spoils of the earth. In all Maria was in much higher spirits, looking forward to the coming season so that she might be able to rebuild her arsenal of herbs.
She respected Shadow too. Not just as a friend, but because he was not swayed by her heat scent that had been lingering through winter; the season of her birth. The male was truly kinder than he thought of himself, respecting her boundaries and protecting her. His wounds were doing better too, thank goodness, and Maria found herself able to rest a little easier. The lush grass of the orchard, still more green than brown, had lured decent prey to the area. She could only imagine how it would be in spring and excitement rushed through her.
Maria turned her dark blue orbs on Shadow, holding back a yawn as she gently nuzzled her cheek. The femme had grown closer to the uniquely marked male. It could be said that she definitely looked up to him, respected him... And more. Her heart raced when she was near Shadow, and, whether it was because of her season or something more, she wanted to stay with him for many days to come. “Shadow?” Maria asked softly. “Do you want me to go hunting this time?” Would he wake? Or would she have to slip off and surprise him?