Rudy was living a dream most of the time since Fern had given him the good news.  However, any time he saw a risk to Fern, or anything he perceived dangerous or overly laborious the worry was quickly there.  Rudy was on his toes to help Fern out from anything that looked to taxing.  He wasn’t just helping Fern now, he was helping their children within her after all.  Rudy loved Fern and even if he hadn’t met the children in her yet, the motley wolf already loved them.  Those kids were a mix of Fern and himself, they were new life that he and Fern had created together.  How could he not already love them as well?

The moment they had entered the berry grove Rudy had felt some relief, they were back in territory that should be safe.  His tail swayed back and forth, for as much as he had loved exploring it felt good to be home and soon see all his family and share the news.  Once Fern and Rudy made it to the plains he howled a call, letting the pack know they were back.  It was also a call to his brother, he had great news to share soon as possible.

Rudy looked at Fern, grinning as he said merrily afterward, “I love you Fern.” She’d heard it enough times but it seemed the sort of thing good to share.  “Wait until we share the news!  We can get some extra furs for you, make the bed a lot thicker if you want.”  

"Rudyard"

The joy that Rudy has felt since she shared the news has been apparent in everything he does. Fern has had to chuckle at his ‘puppy fever’ and the plans he would tell her all about. She heard about all that he would do for them and with them, little lessons he wishes to pass on and, just when the gray woman thought she couldn’t love him anymore, she has found this new side to love and cherish. That is why, when he had started becoming a little too overprotective, she had taken it in stride, allowing him to get his way in some things but holding her ground on others.

Rudyard had asked for her permission to cut their trip a little short so they could return to the Hallows and Fern had relented if, for no other reason, then to quiet some of his worry. She can tell that the constant fretting that had been hanging around him since the news, softens slightly as they enter the grove, and his tail actually begins to wag. They cross into the plains and Rudy sings a call for Art and all she can do is chuckle softly and shake her head. He looks at her and she continues to gently shake her head, a knowing, gentle smile on her pale lips.

He shares the words of love again and she grins, saying, “I love you too, Rudyard.” Even as she gives an exaggerated roll of her eyes at his next words. A soft laugh is given as Fern says, “Did you finally decided on how you going to break it?” Eyebrows lift, humor in her eyes as she wonders what, if any, grand plan he has come up with. He speaks of getting more furs for their bed and that pulls a sharp laugh from her as she says, “Rudyard Carpathius! You are not allowed to touch that bed one bit. It took me forever to get it at just right the firmness for us both!” She scowls at him but there is no anger in her gaze as they continue toward the castle.


"Fern Carpathius" | "Puff"

Artorias laughed aloud as he bounded after his puppies, chasing them about the gardens of the castle while golden autumn leaves fell around them. He didn't know where the strange and magical fall had come from, but in a way he was grateful for it. His pups' first season would be remembered with mild weather and beautiful colors, rather than dark and snow and ice. It was the world he and his littermates had been brought into, and now he could share it with his own children. Their game of tag around the gardens was cut short however by a howl of a familiar voice from the north end of the plains, catching Artorias' attention. Black ears perked up, head tipped in confusion. Rudy was back already? It hadn't been a full season since he and Fern had left for their extended trip, but they had returned early. Worry clutched the alpha's heart, hoping his brother and sister-in-law were all right. Passing his children off to Briar and their grandparents to continue the fun, Art slipped out through the castle gates and made his way north across the plains to greet his wolves.

While Artorias' fears of something being wrong were founded—especially given Rudyard's history of personal injury—what he found when he came across the two monochromatic wolves instantly dispelled all of his fears and brought a growing smile to the Aegis' face. Fern was notably more plump around her midsection, her growing belly an obvious sign of what had brought them homebound and what the two newlyweds had been up to since they'd left. Artorias trotted quickly up to them, greeting both Rudy and Fern with an affectionate nuzzle before turning his gaze to his pregnant sister-in-law. "Well well, you two didn't waste any time at all!" he remarked with a hearty, joyful laugh. "Fern, you look spectacular! Congratulations!" After taking a moment to really take in the sight of his brother and his mate, Art breathed a happy sigh. "It's good to have you both home again. How far along are you, Fern?"

"Artorias Carpathius"

Rudy walked along with Fern, enjoying the sight of the castle and the feeling of just being home.  The ability to finally share with his family about their future pups kept running through his mind and their reactions to it.  It didn’t take all that long to spot Art in the distance.  There was a nuzzle of greeting which Rudy of course returned.  There was no time to tell Art about the future pups, Ferns belly was all that was needed to make it obvious.

“I have to say, the trip was wonderful but it's also great to be home and see you again. We saw some pretty amazing places.  Had a lot of good nights together also.  Now we've come home with a few presents and some future family members.” That comment could be taken in various ways of course.  They did have a lot of enjoyable nights just for the adventure itself, the scenery, and the new experiences.  Of course, her round belly said there were other ways the evenings were enjoyable.

The question of how far along had been addressed to Fern and Rudy just glanced at her, then at her belly that carried their future before back to her again.  Rudy had learned about how long it had been, at least as far as they knew from when Fern first realized it.  Still, Fern should get to answer the question since it was directed at her.  Also, sometimes when Rudyard started talking about something he was excited on it was hard to stop

The realization occurred that Rudyard was wrapped up enough in them he hadn’t asked about his family. “How are things here?  With you, with our family?” There was strange magic on the land and while nothing bad had happened to Fern or Rudyard that didn’t mean nothing wrong had happened here.

"Rudyard & Fern"