Summer Nights [Keeya]

[Tay]

The black brute strolled easily through a meadow area of the Kameskai. The ground was familiar to his paws. It was like the beat of his heart or the rise and fall of his chest. Stars lit up the sky, like diamonds strewn across inky blanket. His pale green pools raise to take in the mountain sky and he sighs. Summer heat keeps the air warm and pleasant, lightly perfumed with the scent of flowers and what could only be identified as Summer. He glances once more to the stars, thinking of the past and future. His mind strays often to Keeya and it makes him smile the soft and lasting smile of true happiness.

It bothers him that his Father seems to be weakening but he refuses to let it show. The thought makes his brow crease as he stops and raises a hind leg to scratch his ear. He does not want Cassiel to feel like he's let someone down, or like he's making someone worry. The old wolf doesn't need to worry about anything more then he already does. Basile knows Luma is kind to his Father, and that she helps him every way she can. He can see her worry too, though. She was here before he had been born and the sight of their large and powerful leader slowly weakening worried her just as much as it did Basile. If not more.

Basile sat, scraping his claws against the ground before him to feel the cool dirt. He glances back at the mountains that mark his home. There was a time when he was sure that Cassiel, had he wished to, could have moved the very mountains. He knows of life, knows that all good things must one day end. Still, he cannot help but feel a kind of disappointment as those wild dreams are slowly put to an end. His Father always was and always will be his hero and role model. Basile hates to think of losing his Father.

The idea puts a raw hole in his gut. He shakes his head and looks to the stars. He contemplates a wish, but decides against that. His muzzle raises and he releases a low howl. The sound is mournful for his voice is tainted by his mood. He calls for his Keeya in the hopes that she will be able to cheer him up. His love is the only star he needs.

[Goanna]

She’d been wandering a little lately, for the heat of summer often brought with it shorter tempers and many times it was preferable to find somewhere to sit out the temperatures rather than attempt conversation. There had been times when Keeya had met up with other members of the pack, of course, and she had spent hours with her Basile, but for the most part she’d spent the day sleeping. However, the long months seemed to be reaching their end, and every day brought with it a fresher and cooler breeze. Now though, it was night, and the sky was painted with stars. She was under cover of trees but the moon still peeked its large head through gaps and smiled down on her. The female had been lying under a large tree for the most part of the day and now with the rise of the moon she stood and shook out her coat. Her ears soon turned to the wind and the sounds of night. This evening it carried with it a call from her love, which seemed to be edged with a slight sadness. Keeya raised her snout to the breeze and answered him, then started walking in the direction of the song.

When she’d seen him, Basile’s mood lately had matched the tone of his call. It was not hard to see why. Everyone had noticed Cassiel’s decline this summer, and it seemed to be hitting his eldest son the hardest. The loss of their leader would not have as great an effect on Keeya; she had only known the white male during this last year. Indeed she was more worried for the son than the father.
She walked at first then progressed into a gentle run and soon Keeya found her way to the meadow. Her steps led her to Basile, whose downcast eyes and body position revealed to her more clearly his mood. The situation needed no words. Keeya offered the dark wolf a daggy half-grin and sat beside him. She rested her head on his shoulder and leaned into him while the stars above offered their praise.

[Kaziph]

He heard his friend's voice rise on the wind, felt the sorrow that brimmed beneath the currents of longing. Basil, like everyone else in the clan, was dealing with Cassiel's decline as best he could, but it was only natural that the eldest son - the one likely to inherit the mantle after his passing or stepping down - was worried. Thad himself felt a guilty release of pressure whenever he considered that his father was merely a loner, and when Nuri died no ties of leadership would fall to his shoulders.

The old white loner, probably Cassiel's age if truth was told, was still spry and young the last time Thad had seen him. The brute didn't seem to be effected by age. It amazed the young black wolf, but he was thankful. Nuri might not have been a leader, but he was important to the island, too. In a more subtle way.

Thaddeus lifted his head when he scented Keeya passing nearby, perhaps heading toward Basile herself. On a whim he turned and followed her trail, keeping his distance but moving along at a steady clip. When he found her, she was already at Basile's side, comforting him.

With a soft huff Thad dropped to his belly a few feet away, strange colored eyes taking in the scene before him in silence. He felt for his friend, but he wouldn't intrude on a moment with his mate. A smile tugged at the corner of his muzzle at the thought. So, they'd finally accepted the inevitable. But such thoughts weren't for the moment.

[Tay]

Basile's ears perked at the sound of Keeya's call. His green orbs brightened for a moment for it had been far too long since he'd seen her. Basile watched her approach under the gentle light of the moon. He smiled softly, issuing a soft rumbling in greeting. He knew that she had heard the tone of his voice and read the emotions on his body. He hadn't tried to hide the feelings but all the same he felt thankful that she could tell.

She didn't speak and merely lay her head upon his shoulder. He sighed, happy for her gentle comfort. He nuzzled into her, taking in her scent. He felt lucky to have found Keeya when he did. Basile was a strong wolf but the decline of his Father was hitting him hard. He needed the soft touches and understanding that only a mate--or mate-to-be--could give. You look lovely in the moonlight Keeya. He murmured into her fur. You look lovely all the time though, so I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. He smiled, pulling back to gaze at her. Thank you for coming so quick. Tonight is beautiful...but not so much when you are alone.

The wind shifted and a scent on the breeze caused his head to turn. A friendly smile wrinkled the corner of his eyes and he nudged his Keeya. I fear we are not alone any longer. He rose, his shoulder still touching Keeya and his banner fanned the air lightly. Thad! Don't hide in the grasses, friend. Come and join us. Basile lowered his muzzle to rub Keeya's head. I hope you don't mind. I feel tonight is a night for company. He whispered in her ear.

Basile looked over squinted in the dark, straining to catch sight of Thad. He noticed the dark wolf's eyes first and swore the brute wore a slightly amused smile. He knew that Thad must have been quite aware of how Basile and Keeya both felt for each other the whole time. He bared his teeth in a mock-snarl, amusement in his eyes now too. Keep your comments to yourself, brother.

[Goanna]

She could feel, as she pressed herself to him, what she hoped was Basile relaxing. Silence turned into soft mutterings from him, hopelessly flattering comments that made the female tingle from head to toe. Keeya never wondered whether they’d grow so close that there would be nights where each other would prefer to be alone. Their love was young, fresh and it had no need to be questioned.I think the moon casts a better light on you my dear she said, and licked his cheek. The stars made everything look better.

Only these few precious moments transpired between the two however, before a newcomer’s scent came into scope. Keeya looked sideways at Basile and smiled to herself. Oh well, one night out of the many to come for them was not so bad, especially if it were a friend who was invading. She searched the shadows herself for a glimpse of Thad and after her eyes adjusted to the increasing darkness she spotted the male’s bright eyes. Keeya shifted her weight as Basile stood, but remained sitting as they watched their friend in the shadows. She’d not heard him approach so he must have been laying there for some time. Basile was seemingly a little irritated by this, and by the expression on the second male’s face. Keeya couldn’t place the amused grin, it hadn’t fully occurred to her that their love might have been recognised by the others. Certainly it had taken her a while to recognise it herself. Still, she nodded at Basile’s whispered words and looked over towards Thad, a smile breaking out on her own face. It had been a while since she’d seen him, and so the smile on her face was a genuine one.

[Kaziph]

Hardly hiding, the black wolf growled as he stood and shook his mane. Definitely not from the two worst moon-struck whelps I've had the honor of knowing. His eyes sparkled playfully as he approached, closing the distance between them with a few long strides and a soft rumble in his narrow chest. You cannot commandeer my thoughts, brother, though my frame will leapt to do your bidding. The look in his eyes was serious, but light hearted.

He returned Keeya's genuine smile and laid an in-the-moment, sloppy kiss on her cheek… and while there was still enough mischievousness left in him, he planted on at Basile, too. He backed away quickly, then, laughing aloud and shaking his head. Come now, my brother and sister, where have you been hiding? He wouldn't mention that it had been him, indeed, that had been wandering away from the rest of the clan.

[Tay]

Basile huffed a small laugh, banner waving. He shook his head as Thad approached and gave a slight nod to the message. I'm glad to hear that, brother. I've missed your company. As sarcastic and quick witted as it may get. Basile had been about to speak again, his grin still in place. He watched as Keeya received a sloppy kiss on the cheek, he imagined it came much to her surprise.

The large dark wolf was caught between wanting to laugh and wanting to joke with Thad when a kiss found his cheek. He sputtered a little, staring at Thad for a moment before laughter found him. He shook his head at Thad, almost missing the other brute's words. He did catch them, though he took a moment to say something himself. I never would have guessed that it'd be Keeya you were jealous of brother! Myself I could see, with a lovely fem like Keeya at my side. Now I know though...and I must decline. I'm sorry. You are my brother Thad. I could never return those affections. He chuckled a little, raising a paw to rub at his still damp cheek.

Border patrols have kept me busy. Luma is busy with my half-siblings and Father...he needs his rest. Basile's eyes grew serious for a moment but he smiled to Keeya and Thad. I've looked for you two, occasionally. This summer has been to hot to stay out too long though. I mostly move at night. Now, my turn, where have you been hiding, Thad? Keeya? He felt the amusement returning to his pools and nudged his mate with his nose.

[Goanna]

The change in atmosphere was immediate as soon as Thad opened his lips and injected a vast quantity of humour into the scene. His first words to them matched the pretend anger of Basile’s snarl and it seemed at first as though the situation could potentially end up in a play fight, though Thad soon challenged this prediction and went off on a different... more surprising tangent. When he approached her and Basile and speedily left...surprises on their cheeks Keeya’s first reaction was a slight growl of surprise. Her face took on a mix of emotions; shock, laughter and even a little anger read on her face, but she understood of course that it was a joke and nothing more. Goodness Thad, you’d better find yourself a partner quickly before you start down that track, she said jovially. Basile was able to more aptly put into words what she thought, although why not poke a little more fun at the one who so often did so to them.

She noted the way Basile said half-siblings as opposed to full blooded relations, and wondered if this was still on his mind, though presumably his father was the biggest of his worries right now. The second part of his sentence confirmed this and a trace of his previous melancholy returned in his eyes, though it was soon gone. Keeya returned Basile’s nudge with a smile. I suppose I’ve just been here and there a bit. I agree- the summer is a drag. It’ll be wonderful to have snow beneath our feet once more. The winter was perhaps on both their minds, for it would possibly bring with it more than the ice and snow of the season.

[Kaziph]

Thaddeus's laughter was rough and low, but his good humored intent had worked. They were chuckling, too, and some of the mood had briefly evaporated. He merely shook his head toward Basile's claims, saying in response to Keeya, I don't need a partner yet. His khaki colored orbs glimmered pleasantly. Not yet, by far. There hadn't been a fem to turn his muzzle…

Basile asked of his whereabouts, and the dark hued wolf just shook his head while Keeya responded first. It would have been easy to lie, to give his friend the same answer or one similar to the she-wolf's, but it wasn't true. He hadn't just been wandering around, laying in shade and waiting for winter. He half lidded his eyes, pondering for a moment before he voiced a response.

I've just been… busy, he rumbled, ineffectively looking past Basile's features into the distance. Looking for something. He blinked, realized his words, and grinned slyly. Certainly I've not been mooning over something or someone. No, not mooning, precisely. Rolling in a mire was more like the right term.

But his face didn't speak of his dark thoughts, and Thad's grin erased whatever deception might have crossed his mind. He hadn't lied, at least. He just hadn't told the whole story, either. So, where are those young bundles of joy, hmm? He hadn't seen the cubs since just after they were born. Surely by now they were nearly a third of their adult size.

[Tay]

Basile grinned at his brother's words. You'll know the right fem for you brother. He offered no more on the subject though, allowing it to be dismissed easily. He did, however, let his banner momentarily drape over Keeya's back, before lifting it. I certainly did. He listened to how Keeya had spent her summer and nodded in silent agreement. This summer had been something horrible. He wasn't exactly sure if it truly had been worse then any other Kameskai summer...or if perhaps it had something to do with how eager he was for winter. Basile had always loved the winter months, the crunch of snow under paw and the beautiful blanket that covered the mountains. The crisp scent in the air every morning. Far better then staggering heat and humidity.

Normally he enjoyed the summer months as well, but now...he had more then just the beauty of winter to look forward to. This winter would bring a new life for him. He and Keeya would mate, he hoped. And she would finally be his mate, truly and completely. He wasn't sure about fatherhood. He loved pups, he truly did, but...he worried he wouldn't be as good a father as Cassiel had been to him. He looked forward to passing on his genes, though. Thinking about little balls of fluff with his eyes and Keeya's pelt warmed his heart.

He watched his brother zone out slightly, seeing to look through him instead of at him. He wondered about his thoughts, but said nothing. He smiled at his comment about mooning over someone. You'll find a female soon enough, Thad. You'll see for yourself then why mooning over someone can be so captivating. He did wonder over what Thad had been looking for and he cut his brother a curious look, pale green orbs glowing. Looking for something, brother? He did not press it further, feeling that if Thad wished to tell him of it he would, and he was sure Thad would want to in time.

Basile smiled softly as Thad changed the subject. He briefly wondered if this was to distract them from asking what he'd been searching for, but he allowed himself to be distracted. Half-siblings or not, he loved his new brothers. He shrugged slightly. Gabriel and Rose have been running around together. I half wonder if they're plotting something. From all I know, though, they've not been in trouble. I spoke to Luma a few moons back. As for Jerrico...last I heard of him he'd severely set Luma off and she was scolding him for something. I was headed in to check on her and the pups...and...I guess he jumped into the pond or something. I don't know. She started going off so I kept my distance. He laughed as he spoke, his eyes twinkling. I don't know what he did...but I don't think I've ever heard Luma yell like that before.

He shook his head, still grinning. I'm not sure if Aisha watches Briar at all. The little pup just seems to run wild on her own. Not that she gets in much trouble. She's taken her...Jaden's...vanishing act better then Aisha by far. Aisha's still kinda out there right now. I haven't talked to her lately...but after seeing Luma that time I headed to her den. He gazed into the distance. She wasn't there and it didn't smell like she'd been there for a while. I found her, eventually. She's gotten skinny...but at least she wasn't talking about Jaden still. She's definitely different though. Not my Aisha. He wrinkled his nose and sighed, shrugging. I don't think I can help her though.