*This is a backdated RP of when Austin and Alura were expecting.
Austin was ecstatic with the news that he was going to be a father. Now he had to go let his parents know they were going to be grandparents! He set off early in the day, kissing his mate Alura as she slept. He had mentioned leaving early in the morning to her the day before, so she shouldn't worry about him.
The crisp morning air was a welcome feeling his pelt. It helped him wake up and face the day. His breath came as a soft mist on the air. Spring was soon to arrive, but the mornings were still very cool. The grass had started to grow and a few flowers had been seen starting to bloom.
Austin had made the journey to his parents home many times before, so it was almost second nature. His mind wasn't on where he was going, but of how he was going to tell his parents of the news. He thought he might find a small gift to give his mother as he trotted along. A small patch of snowberries grew near their home. Maybe that would be a nice gesture. He stopped and picked a bunch, breaking off a long stem to hold them by. He laid those on the ground while he took a mouthful off the bush for himself.
After he had his fill, he picked up the bunch, and continued on to find his parents. It wasn't long until he saw his mother in the distance. It looked like she was finding breakfast for herself this morning.
"Hi mom!" he called, not wanting to startle her with an abrupt arrival.
Chayse was usually up pretty early, and today was no exception. She stretched and looked around for either Preston or Arctic. They must be gone training or hunting since she didn't see either of them. No matter, she enjoyed some time alone. Her stomach growled quite loudly, letting her know it was time for breakfast. She made her way to a green patch of new grass that looked just scrumptious and began to eat, when her ears perked up at the sound of a very familiar voice. She raised her head and looked in the direction of the voice, smiling brightly at her oldest son, Austin, who was trotting towards her. "Hello son," she called. "What brings you this far from home?" She didn't want to automatically think something was wrong, but it wasn't like him to come home all of a sudden unless there was something wrong or he had some sort of news.
He slowed to a walk as he got near, and walked right up to his mother, and nuzzled her hello. "I brought you a gift," he said, as he lay the berries on the ground in front of her. "I know you like these, so had to pick some on my way here." He stepped back a step and smiled happily at her.
She returned his welcome nuzzle, and watched as he dropped the berries on the ground "Oh! Thank you Austin. That's so sweet of you." She bent to take a quick bite of the sweet berries. "They're yummy." Some berry juice trickled from her mouth, and she bent her head to wipe it away on her shoulder. She swallowed and continued, "Now don't tell me you came all this way to bring me berries now." She knew something was up, but wasn't sure what.
He was happy she enjoyed her gift and smiled as she ate a bite. "Oh, no, of course not," he replied. "I came to give you great news. My mate and I are expecting foals! You're going to be a grandmother!" He couldn't wait to blurt it out, he was so excited.
As the news washed over her, her smile grew even bigger. "Oh Austin! That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you." She stepped forward, careful not to squish her berries, and nuzzled him again. "When did you find out?" she asked.
"Just yesterday," he replied. "Alura surprised me with the news."
"Well, I'm so glad you came to tell me," she said, stepping back again. "Is this her first time?" she asked.
Austin blushed, a bit embarrassed about the question. "I think so mom... Don't you remember Alura? We were always playing together as foals. We were best friends." It had been a long time since his mom had seen her, so it stood to reason she may not quite remember.
"Oh don't be embarrassed son. I only asked because the first time can be so scary, but so wonderful." She recalled when she was pregnant with Austin and his sister Aaricia. "Of course I remember Alura. You and she were inseperable, and always seemed to find trouble. I swear you were with her more than you were with your own family." She chuckled, "Didn't her family move away when you were young?"
"Yea, they did, but fate brought us together again. And we've been inseperable since."
"I'm so glad you're happy Austin, and I cannot wait to meet your little ones." She smiled, so excited for her son. "I'll have to come and visit you soon, so I can see Alura again, and congratulate her in person, and maybe see if I can help her prepare in any way."
"Thank you mom," he said, "Now, where's old pops so we can spring the news to him?"
"Well, I'm pretty sure he's off training this morning, but I'm sure he'll be home soon. Would you like to join me for breakfast while we wait?" she offered.
"You know, I could eat some more. I had some berries on my way here, but that didn't quite fill me up."
They spent the rest of the morning chatting and reminiscing until Austin's father came back, and he told his father the great news. That evening, Austin returned home to Alura and told her of his wonderful day.
[FIN]
[FIN]
