Once upon a time...

Wynter gave her head a little shake as she continued to sit and wait by the door of the den, refusing to let herself yawn as she waited for her dad to get home. She loved to sleep under his wing and the fact that he wasn't here to sleep next to didn't feel right! Her mother had of course assured her that he would be home soon enough and that she should go ahead and get to bed, but after laying there and pretending to sleep for a while she just couldn't quite get to sleep so she gave it up and sneaked away from her sleeping siblings. She planted herself by the door to wait for him and for a little bit she was on her own, but soon her dad's companion found her and perched near by to keep her company. Finally, just as she was about to lose the battle to her sleepiness, she saw her father's familiar form approaching the den and she perked up, her tail wagging happily at the sight of him. She smiled and stretched her head up to meet him as he leaned down kiss the top of her head. She nodded to his question, replying, "I couldn't sleep till you came home." Her head tipped curiously as she asked, "What were you doing, dad?"

"Wynter Carpathius"