Unity in the Long Night

As Bowen sat at the back of the gathering away from the crowds of wolves, she didn't feel disconnected from her family. They were there just as she was there. She didn't need to be right up with them to feel included and she hoped that they didn't feel put out by her absence in return. The slender fae just wasn't comfortable in such a social scene and the strong walls of the keep made her feel stronger in turn.

Tamsyn came forward and kissed her cheek, bringing a smile to Bowen's face. She nuzzled beneath her mother's chin, wrapping one foreleg around her in a gentle, loving embrace before allowing the black wolf to move on to her other siblings. Her gaze followed the form of her mother as she greeted each sibling, then moved to sit beside her new lover. Bowen wasn't entirely sure how she felt about that, but she knew one thing: she wanted her mother to be happy. She deserved it. If this man made her happy, then Bowen would accept him. It might never feel as right as seeing her mother's together, but she would accept him.

Haiku came next, sprawling out protectively around her like some big, chocolate bulwark. The copper and cream woman pressed her belly up against his side, leaning her upper half forward and draping her sable clad legs over his wide back. She nuzzled into the back of his head, bestowing a soft kiss just under his ear. Then her attention was pulled to the front as Ulric and Artorias began to speak. She was so very proud of her brother and she hoped that this pride showed in her vibrant, gleaming emerald pools. She was unable to look away and the fae's soft smile lifted the corners of her maw. When the pack began to applaud, Bowen raised her muzzle and released an ululating call of camaraderie, unity and pride.

"Bowen"