Love and Hush

Silence. It was always quiet at this time of night, when the sun had long since set and the moon was up to watch over its nocturnal children. A hush had settled over her sleeping siblings, slumber coming easily to them this night, even as their mother lifted herself from her position behind them. Luce had always hunted at night when she had more then enough time to leave her precious bundles of joy and return long before she was missed. Nine times out of ten her brothers never noticed, they simply snuggled closer together to make up for the missing body heat and carried on in their slumber. Only one small form stirred as nails clicked along the stone floor, marking their mothers departure.

She counted her breaths, waiting quite some time before she dared stir. Small head lifted slowly, overly large ears pricking and flipping forwards to listen for any movement. Gaze would slide over the still forms of her brothers, gaze softening as it lingered for a moment on Aeron. She had always had quite the soft spot for him, not to say that she didn?t love Jacques or her mother any less, but often she found herself following Aeron around without conscious thought. Sometimes he didn?t like it and sometimes he allowed her to tag along with him. Jacques lay with his back pressed against hers, Aeron more stretched out but with his head lying comfortably on her hip. Not daring disturb him she lay her head back down, pressing her cheek against the tops of her paws as she closed her eyes and allowed sleep to drag her under once more.

Silana jerked awake, how many hours later she didn?t know, head snapping up and gaze darting about. Why wasn?t her mother home yet? The young girl lifted herself up, sliding away from her brothers who had since repositioned to make her escape easier. She was careful not to wake them, movements slow and easy until she was far enough away that there was no chance to wake them. She moved towards the mouth of the cave, the function of her legs discovered some time ago but sleep seeming to leaden her limbs as she teetered towards the waterfall. A paw extended slowly to touch the cool wetness before she placed it back to the earth and stretched her neck out to poke at the water with her nose.

A soft smile slid over her features as she wet her head and the back of her neck, completely oblivious to her mother?s watchful gaze. It wasn?t until Luce made a noise to alert her that her head snapped around, graze attentive to the woman who had birthed her. Words drifted from the beautiful she world as she approached, lyrics sweet and lovely. Not for the first time the young female wondered if she could ever have a voice like her mothers or be as beautiful as she. But their mother?s pure white coat was so much different then hers and her brothers, Silana?s tan coat the only hint that she had of what her father might have looked at.

Loving kisses and nuzzles showered her and her grin widened, shoulders shaking with a silent giggle as she returned the kisses with equal affection. No response was given to her mothers question, just a motion towards the full moon shining brightly through the mouth of their den. It was so pretty and bright out tonight! She remained silent as she turned and padded closer to the entrance, tail licking at her heels as she gazed in wonder up at the globe suspended in the night sky. She hoped her mother would tell her a story this night as she did most when they were alone ti fill the silence. Since her birth Silana had net even attempted to use her vocals. Not a word was spoken or a sound made. Her life was silent but full of love and for now she was content with that. Content with her brothers and her mother and her life, there was nothing she had to say and no sounds to make because there was nothing she wanted to change.