It was a still night tonight, something Aragon was rather grateful for. The last thing he wanted was action on a day where many of their own had returned from their ventures. They deserved the rest, though he was sure there were some that would rather a good fight to relaxing.
There wasn't a huge amount of new news from the outside this time around, although word of a strange portal of some sort had trickled in... for the time being, he was going to keep an ear out but no more than that. After all, it could be nothing but wild gossip. Back to the topic at hand, while there wasn't anything new to report, there had, as usual, been a couple pups that returned with them. However, he had to admit that he hadn't been expecting a certain someone to be the mother of this new litter.
And in fact, as he walked purposefully along their border, he paused as the subject of his thoughts appeared before him. He wondered how long she'd been sitting here along the water's edge.
With a low rumble in his voice, he spoke up, "Out for a night stroll, Maske?"
She jumped at that, swiveling her head around before relaxing when she realized who it was that had addressed her. Had it really been long enough that she hadn't recognized her old friend's voice, let alone her king's? She couldn't help but silently berate herself over that.
Not that she let that show. Instead, she simply smiled back, "I've always enjoyed nights like this, where the world is calm and peaceful, and honestly," she glanced away again, looking out at the water once more, "I've missed this place. The outside is fun to explore, but home is home."
He eyed her for a moment and then nodded, walking forward to sit beside her. There was a time where he would have argued that he should just stay here instead of going on ventures, but nowadays, he knew better than to prod like that with her. The last time he'd tried, it had turned into an argument.
There was silence between them, both just listening to the waves of the water, until finally, Aragon spoke again, "Speaking of, I hear you brought back a few... new additions from this last jaunt out."
That got him a pair of rolled eyes. Maske had been expecting him to bring the subject up eventually. The litter she'd had with White Walker had been unexpected, but she was pleased nonetheless about her pups. Skuld had decided to join the pack, and though Einarr was still waffling in his choice, he was at least close by for the time being. She wanted to make sure he knew that whether he joined or not, he would always be welcome here.
As for Aragon.... There had been a time when the two had been interested that way in each other, but it never evolved beyond that. After all, he was king and as such, whoever he took as his mate would have to be perfect, something that Maske didn't think she was. That didn't mean that the two didn't dream of it sometimes, but it was just that; a dream. Something unattainable.
Not that that stopped Aragon from sounding just a little petulant right now.
"Yes," she responded, "I did. They're strong and resourceful like their father, and the pack will be good for them." She paused there to see if he had anything else to say about it.
However, he was nothing if not trained in how to take things in stride. Plus, the edge in her voice warned him that he should watch what he said. So Aragon took a deep breathe, nodding, "I'm sure they're be good for the pack as well. Any offspring of yours will thrive here."
The two fell into silence again, Maske silently daring him to try to continue opening that can of worms, but she would be disappointed as her friend instead stood up and turned to her with a soft smile. "Ah, but it's your first night back, and here I am disturbing your peace."
He turned to start walking away, but he paused partway, "I'll be joining the hunting party tomorrow, if you'd be amenable to joining. Perhaps... it'll help take some of the edge off between us." And then with that, he continued walking off into the trees.
Maske watched him leave, a part of her saddened that he'd chosen this option but another part still relieved that this conversation was over. She let out a sigh, shaking her head. Maybe he was right, and she should join the hunt tomorrow. It would be nice if things could return to normal with them.
Word Count: 794
