It's a wonderful life

Fear and weariness had been Fern’s default emotions after she had watched her mother be killed. It had kept her alive, kept her moving when the world didn’t make sense or felt like it was difficult to go one. Yes, they had kept her alive but it had been hope that kept her going. The bright thoughts of meeting her aunt and being safe had comforted her when everything else felt lost. Now, as she looks to Rudy, worried that she will not be a good mother, it is her mate that offers her hope.

Fern walks alongside Rudyard as they slowly make their way toward the cave, taking in his words and keeping them close to her heart. Meadow had kept her safe and, before she had been murdered, the young Fern had thought their lives would continue on the way it was, traveling with the nomadic band… together. But everything had changed when the six-month-old pup had finally emerged from the bush she had hidden in for three days, her view of the world tainted by blood and gore.

Of course, it had been easy to blame Meadow for the hardships that followed, or at least, easier then admitting she was alone in the world because of some freak accident. How many nights had she cried herself to sleep wishing for her mother’s strong legs to wrap around her and tut away the fears of the nights? Fern feels tears sting the back of her eyes as she looks to Rudyard, his words igniting a fire of determination while also helping to quell the doubts that roll around in her head.

Even in the smallest gestures, pushing aside branches and holding them for her, Fern knows how much they love each other. That is one thing she did not have from the beginning, a mother and father whose love is as strong as theirs. She absorbs his words as they cross the threshold into their temporary home, Rudyard nudges her chin and reminds him of their vows. His tender lick on her cheek pulls a soft, loving smile to her lips.

As he finishes, whispering a challenge to let him prove that she will be a good mother, Fern turns to him and sits so she can wrap her legs around his neck and pull him toward her for a deep, passionate kiss. After some time, she breaks the contact, moving a paw to loving trace one of cheeks as she smiles warmly at him. Voice choked with emotions, Fern whispers, “I love you, Rudyard Carpathius. No matter what comes our way, we will face it. Together.”

Releasing her hold on him, she guides him to their makeshift bed, pulling him down into a loving embrace once there. Licking his cheek, she catches his golden gaze with her soft, affectionate blue eyes and whispers, “You will be a great dad Rudy. Let’s bring the Hallows some good news from our travels… hmm?” A soft laugh escapes before she captures his lips with her own. Tonight will be special and she hopes that they will more to celebrate in the coming days.

-fade to black-


"Rudyard & Fern Carpathius"