Willow Bark was tired. The father of ten — ten! — with his mate, the beloved and soft Minnow, hadn't had much sleep since the pups arrived. That was many moons ago: they were now full-grown and taking on roles of their own within the pack, with three of his newest litter going on to become protectors. He was quite proud, particularly because Thrush had essentially told Willow that he needed to help repopulate the pack. Thrush himself had spoken to Magpie and apparently Maggie had given him the go ahead to have pups with outside females in an effort to buff up their numbers. Minnow wasn't so at ease with the idea: instead, she'd proposed they simply expand their family more rapidly than initially planned. And the result? Way, way too many kids. All of this on top of his role as beta? It was near impossible for him to catch a break.
Luckily, at this moment, Willow was taking a breather. He padded throughout the forest, looking to lose himself in the barren trees, when he spotted a familiar figure just a bit away: Dusk Owl, The Swiftfell's elder, was also out and about. It wasn't all that surprising, considering most of the pack was awake and moving around, but it was a pleasant coincidence. He'd been meaning to check in on Dusk Owl — he hadn't had much time to speak to him recently, which was unfortunate considering how fond Willow was for the other wolf.
Keeping his slow, meandering speed, Willow Bark approached Dusk Owl with a gentle smile. "Great to see you out and about. I'm going to have to find myself some fur like yours if I'm going to survive this winter." This piece of fur that Dusk Owl often wore about was a point of jealousy for Willow; not only was it quite striking, but he was sure it came in handy when braving the harsh Kells winter.
"How are you, Dusk Owl? I apologize for being so... absent. As you can imagine, things have been... quite hectic. Though that's really no excuse." He half-smiled, then let it fall and puffed out an exasperated breath, thankful as ever that this was the beginning of a fresh period in his life where he would now be able to devote more time and energy to his role as beta rather than half a dozen puppies toddling about.
Luckily, at this moment, Willow was taking a breather. He padded throughout the forest, looking to lose himself in the barren trees, when he spotted a familiar figure just a bit away: Dusk Owl, The Swiftfell's elder, was also out and about. It wasn't all that surprising, considering most of the pack was awake and moving around, but it was a pleasant coincidence. He'd been meaning to check in on Dusk Owl — he hadn't had much time to speak to him recently, which was unfortunate considering how fond Willow was for the other wolf.
Keeping his slow, meandering speed, Willow Bark approached Dusk Owl with a gentle smile. "Great to see you out and about. I'm going to have to find myself some fur like yours if I'm going to survive this winter." This piece of fur that Dusk Owl often wore about was a point of jealousy for Willow; not only was it quite striking, but he was sure it came in handy when braving the harsh Kells winter.
"How are you, Dusk Owl? I apologize for being so... absent. As you can imagine, things have been... quite hectic. Though that's really no excuse." He half-smiled, then let it fall and puffed out an exasperated breath, thankful as ever that this was the beginning of a fresh period in his life where he would now be able to devote more time and energy to his role as beta rather than half a dozen puppies toddling about.
