"Are you sure you have everything, Del? I am still not sure this is a good idea." Soda flicked his left ear uneasily as he observed his mate, his normally bright blue eyes darkening with worry. On one paw, he knew he shouldn't worry so; the healer had said everything was fine and that they were safe enough for a short trip, but the one thing he had learned early in their mating was that there was no such thing as a short, easy trip when his beloved Delilah got involved.
A bright, cheery chittering laugh was the answer he got as the slender white vixen curled around her dark mate before booping his snoot with one paw, "My beloved worry wart. It will be fine, even healer Mapiya said that I am in excellent health. It is still early days, so there should be no danger. Besides! One last trip before we embark on the next big phase of our lives, yes?" Del snuggled close as she ducked her head under Soda's muzzle to nuzzle into his thick neck ruff. "If this trip truly bothers you, so dearheart, then we shall not go. Felix would understand, as I am sure your siblings would."
Drawing a deep breath, Soda wrapped a front leg around Del to hold her close as he let out a sigh before nuzzling the top of her head between her ears. The cautious part of him that wished to hide her away from any possible danger battled with the part of him that, like Del, yearned for the mysterious. What awaited them out in the big, wide world? What new things would they see on this adventure? What wonders (and horrors his mind supplied) would they find? Huffing faintly, Soda finally looked down into Del's bright green eyes, an amused yet tired expression on his face, "What and have you pout at me for the next six or so months? I think not. No, we will go see Felix, then hunt down my siblings wherever they have wandered and tell them our good news."
Happy little yips escaped the brightly colored female as she wiggled, licking and nibbling at his jaw and neck to show her affection. After a few moments of excitement, Del settled once more, though now she leaned heavily against Soda while gazing up at him with a besotted look, "You are wonderful, you know that? You take such wonderful care of me."
Scoffing, glad his dark fur would hide his blush, Soda looked away while clearing his throat, "Nonsense, I do what any good mate should, is all." Wanting to get the focus off of himself, the dark-furred male quickly changed the subject, "So! Uh, what all do you think we should bring? You shouldn't be carrying much weight." He frowned a bit as he looked at their supplies.
Del chuckled but slipped from his embrace to go examine things herself, a move that made Soda grumble some, as he rather liked cuddling his mate. "Well, for starters, we should bring our weapons, of course, and yes, I will leave any and all fighting to you, but I would still rather be armed so that if the worst happens, I can protect myself."
Words died in his throat, all protest halted as Soda knew she was right. Rather than argue and possibly start a fight, he came to join her, helping secure her sheaths to her shoulders before slipping her daggers into each one. Del nuzzled him before nudging his armor over, "You need to wear your armor as well. Don't forget your hammer either." Sure, it was heavy, but his warhammer was the weapon he was most comfortable with.
Taking a moment to arm and armorer themselves, the two phoxes exchanged a look before grinning.
"One last duo adventure beloved before this turns into a group event?"
"Always dearheart. Now let's go adventure!!"
FWC: 652
