Kotori had woken up to a sound or, no, it was a lack of a sound that had been there.  When he and Ochi had turned in for the day it had been raining.  The consistent sound of rain beating against the landscape was gone.  The silence that comes after rain, with most life still tucked away where it was dry, seemed to take on its own version of noise in its emptiness.  The faint sound of the river could be heard faintly but little else stirred.

Tilting his head to slightly bump his forehead against Ochi’s as a gentle wake-up call Kotori stood up in their little den.  Yes, a larger one in the nook would be good.  “Rain stopped,” Kotori softly stated before moving to the exit.  He stopped at the exit with just his head partially out, noticing the soggy ground.  Yeah, it had probably been raining the entire night by the looks of it.  

The notion of a larger den for comfort and plenty of room for puppies had Kotori realize he hadn’t brought up his desire for pups to Ochi. His gaze went back to her acknowledging no time like the present.  No time like the present.  He’d wait for her to be fully awake and up.  “Ochi, once we have the nook, I’d like for you and I to have pups of our own.” Why beat around the bush, just throw it right out there. Seeing Mojito's pups were good fresh reminders of what Kotori still lacked and desired.

"Kotori"

The woman's eyes were wide open, seeing yet not seeing. She had been awake for some time, basking in the silence that only came after a long rain. The world outside wasn't yet ready to decide if it wanted to wake, just like the horned brute beside her. The rain had stopped at least an hour prior and Ochitsuki had remained completely still.

Suddenly, a forehead was pressed against hers and Ochi's eyes were opening again. She had dozed off, surrounded by the warmth of her mate and the comfort of their little den. She blinked mismatched eyes and, once Kotori rose, the black and white fae followed suit, giving her long frame a nice, big stretch.

Pulling no punches, Kotori spoke exactly what was on his mind. Ochi blinked, eyes widened for a moment. Puppies? Now? The fae cleared her throat and moved forward to stand beside him, her blue and orange gaze taking in the soggy landscape. She had... concerns. Ochi knew, however, that pups were something that Kotori wanted. She didn't. Not necessarily. They weren't a requirement for her. What kind of mother would she even be? Her own had been cold and distant. Ochi was more warrior than nurturer.

A sigh pulled from her and the woman pressed her forehead into the side of Kotori's neck. "Give me a few seasons," she asked softly. "Our wolves are good, but they aren't as strong as I'd like them to be. If we're to have a family, then we must protect it." Drawing back, she searched his face. "Are you opposed?"

"Ochitsuki"

Kotori didn’t plan to be a doting, overly absorbed loving dad.  He wasn’t thinking of unconditional love for the simple fact of them being his kids.  He wanted an heir and kids to raise that would become solid pack members that all respect and acknowledge.  Pups aren’t that simple but Kotori was not one to give up easily on getting exactly what he wanted.

Ochi had reservations but they seemed reasonable and logical.  He felt her head pressing against his neck as she asked for more time, a faint smile as he soaked in her scent and touch against him.  She wanted the pack to be stronger and that was something Kotori would always agree with.  A few more seasons.  He had waited so long already, surely he could wait a few more seasons.  

“No, I can wait.  It will give time for the current kids to grow older and gain some experience as well as the other adult members we have.”  Kids playing was all well and good but there was no reason they shouldn’t start training early.


"Kotori"

Kotori agreed to her request and a weight was lifted from the fae's spotted shoulders. Eventually they would start their family, but she wanted to bolster the pack first. They needed warriors to be strong and ready. Healers to be skilled and prepared. Hunters to feed the hungry pack while their lady was indisposed. Producing puppies and maintaining a pack... it was a lot of work.

The current kids, wherever they came from, would be good practice for Ochi. Perhaps she could make herself comfortable around puppies in the time between now and when she and Kotori decided that it was the right moment. She would make a point of visiting Mojito, Nao and their brood. Perhaps she would take them a gift.

"Thank you," she spoke softly, sliding her cheek along his own in a gentle nuzzle. "We have a lot of work to do to get the pack in shape. From what your sister has told me, the wolves have been working on their skills, but they aren't all up to par just yet."

"Ochitsuki"

“We only have one wolf left in the rank of Alkaa,” the lowest rank for wolves that had just joined before preference had been determined for their career paths.  He had shifted some of the newer wolves about, the last being Kranbari to a hunter's role.

“Along with working on the pack improving their skills, I intend to consider some of those who are more skilled for promotions.  Those promoted will then also be tasked with assisting others to grow stronger.  Currently, our best strength would be in our fighters.  Our weakest area would be our Scouts.  It’s a slot that needs filling so that I don’t have to ask allies to assist us in a basic pack function.”  While he knew he could count on his family for help it was irksome that his pack hadn’t been found self-sufficient in that area.  Maybe they should nudge one of the pups in the direction of scout.

Ochi was right, despite the pack being larger now it was true that many of them were still working on mastering their professions.  Kotori wanted a pack of elites and this wasn’t it, not yet.  Since Kotori planned to have everything he wanted, the members of Valta would be expected to train hard.  They had a reputation to build and maintain.  

"Kotori Fatalis"

Ochi was glad that Kotori understood her concerns. He didn't try to pressure her or make her feel any particular sort of way. He simply agreed. She was very glad for that. Their relationship was still new and they were still learning one another, but being on her side with this, it helped a great deal.

Stepping forward, the black and white fae slid her nose under Kotori's chin in a gentle nuzzle. "Thank you," she spoke softly as she showed her appreciation. Drawing back, Ochi's mismatched eyes searched those of her mate for a moment. "Perhaps you should call for more wolves. See if there are any loners out in the world that look promising. If anything, we definitely need to train our current packmates."

"Ochitsuki"

Ochi nuzzled under Kotori’s chin, her nice sliding along it and bringing a small smile to his features.  Looking in her face of black and white, and her mismatched colored eyes, he saw again how patience could pay off.  He had waited so long for the perfect mate and so far Ochi has been that.  Everything Kotori has wanted, he would have.

Kotori licked her forehead in a slow single motion, “I agree that more promising wolves, those who are already skilled would be good additions.”  Kotori’s goals were still to have a well-respected pack and children that would leave a great mark on the world.  He wanted the pack name of Valta to have weight to it.  He talked a big game and it shouldn’t just be hot air.  

“I said I’d never keep a wolf in my pack that couldn’t earn its keep.  The first thing is to remind everything of that.  Easier to gain stronger wolves when they see the pack is already strong.”

"Kotori"