Shadows and Dust

"Eska"

The look on the rust colored man's face spoke volumes. Her efforts were well worth it to see the smile cross his features. He was a very serious wolf and was constantly working well into the evening. It was about time he got to relax a bit. The Hollows wouldn't fall apart if he took one night for himself.

Ulric nuzzle into the top of her head and Eska allowed her eyes to close for a moment, savoring the touch. Laying beside her, there was that constant tingling as their fur mingled and their bodies touched. She doubted that she'd ever grow tired of that. Together, the pair consumed their rabbit dinner, sipping the wine and passing it back and forth between one another. Night had fallen, but the stars above were brilliantly bright and illuminated what might otherwise be a blackened plain. It was the perfect setting for a shared meal and some relaxation.

Though she was thanked aloud, Eska merely nodded, the corner of her maw closest to to him rising in a lopsided smile. Taking another drink of the wine to clear the bite of rabbit from between her teeth, she directed her full attention to him. "I'm happy to do this for you. Everyone deserves a break." It seemed as though he worked nonstop. During the few days that she'd been part of the pack, she'd barely seen him take a breather. The wolves of The Hallows needed him. He couldn't go working himself ragged.

Once the main course was complete, Eska sprawled out on the furs for maximum comfort. The wine had done its work and she was feeling extremely relaxed. Her golden gaze drifted upwards, staring at the bright, twinkling stars that danced in the black, blue and purple swirl of sky. Ulric's voice pulled her attention back down to earth. She turned to him, noting that he was offering her a berry. With a soft chuckle, the woman deftly plucked the strawberry from between his claws. She chewed the sweet fruit, savoring its flavor before taking a berry from the basket and offering it to him in kind, one silver dipped paw lifted so that he wouldn't have to bend. The wine had warmed her, dulling her inhibitions just as it had once before. There was a mischievous glaze in her eye and, at the last moment, she placed the berry between her teeth, offering it to him that way instead.