and your shade dappled smile

Duchess didn’t stray far from him on their outings these days, she was privy to a front row during one of his most ferocious moments. Indy was lucky he hadn’t scared her away then, but she kept close so he could keep her safe. So he wouldn’t have to repeat his performance to keep her from harm. His mind didn't wander too close to the cat he had beaten back, he was too focused on the life that was growing up around them. Moss and lichen were reviving, underbrush was returning, the forest was renewing.

The pair of them had their eyes peeled for anything they could bring back home, rare and common herbs alike. The stores were pitiful after such a long and arduous winter. Not only did they need to renew their resources but Indigo needed to revitalize his soul. He never felt right during the winter. The cold and death to the plant life he loved so much. It was a difficult journey of life and death every year. And he was really feeling how off balance everything was this year.

An easy quiet peace fell between the two, their walk was so much more than a stroll. Indigo needed this, a promise of hope. He was forced to stop though, as both wolves were bathed in sunlight and presented a sight that took the young man’s breath away. Flowers. Dozens and dozens of them in this clearing. Spring and summer species alike popped up and reached for the sun. They blossomed just for him.

Indigo’s jaw drop and he felt the now familiar over flow of emotion. Without being able to help himself tears spilled from his eyes as he was overwhelmed again. Astonished and grateful to have this moment. His haunches lowered to the ground as his knees grew wobbly and his massive shoulder leaned affectionately into Duchess as she gazed up at him just as brightly as the flowers surrounding them.