Den Hunting (Aspen)

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OOC:

Private for Chaim <3

IC:

Simon's shoulder burned with each step. The blood-stained ruff that sat along his shoulder shifted as the light-colored male padded wearily toward the premade dens. The infection in his torn shoulder caused heat to radiate down his leg and down his chest, making him feverish and hot. The underground dens would be cool and damp, and he could sleep safely in the dark.

Even though the laceration closed long ago and was healing nicely, it took time and pain. Nature didn't prescribe painkillers so the ravaged flesh and nerves stung his every motion and disturbed his rest. Only now did the pain lessen and hopefully it would continue to fall away. He limped slowly along the soft trail toward the sheltered colony ahead of him where many pregnant mothers gave birth to squirming pups.

Now he would take refuge in these sheltering chambers like one of those helpless, dependent whelps.

His silvery tail drifted behind him as velvety ears swiveled to catch the sound of possible approaching creatures. He needed a heads-up because he was injured. There would be no way he could properly defend himself against a Tyjiik wolf, no way. Macabre probably wouldn't sneak into Kiskana land to kill him. Still, he hastened with his debilitating limp toward the dens and, slipping into the shaded grove, found the hidden entrances with his eyes.

A den served many purposes. It was a nursery, a hospital, a hiding place, a bunker. Simon needed one for three of those four purposes.
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<center><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/Carrico_Cadbury/ChaimOOC.png"> 
Poor, poor Simon! :( !mate
 


<img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/Carrico_Cadbury/ChaimIC.png"> 


 
 
Though Simon was not yet 100% normal again, he did seem to be doing better. (Much to Chaim's relief.) The young wolf had been joined to the silver male's hip. He constantly followed him about when he could. Normally though, Chaim would actually pull out some restraint and force himself to give Simon some time off.
 
 
Presently, Simon had not yet chased off or dismissed Chaim. But the young male was still worried that he'd wear out his welcome. Most recently, Chaim had been wondering if Simon was fully aware of how Chaim had come to be around him. Chaim had been hiding in the brush when he'd first happened upon Macabre. It was such a strange memory to recall, now that Chaim was aware of how vicious Macabre really was. Honestly, the male couldn't understand what had changed between Macabre and Simon that she actually attacked him as she had. To date, Chaim had not yet questioned Simon for details regarding the fight that had broke out between the two kin.
 
 
Days had passed though, so it was most doubtful that Chaim would ever trouble Simon with it. It wasn't really his place to say anything. What happened - had happened. It couldn't be undone. Simon was in hiding now. But at least he was where he wanted to be.
 
 
Moving through the hazy field of autumn grass, Chaim paused in his steps as a cool breeze circled up around him. Standing still, the male's ears arched forward as his nose was tickled by a familiar scent.
 
 
Sampling the air in an eager way, Chaim's leathery nose wiggled excitedly as he breathed in Simon. The other male wasn't too far. In fact he was rather close by. Slowly taking a few steps forward, Chaim's tail whisked back and forth in happy delight. Trotting in the direction he best assumed Simon was, Chaim headed for a closed off grove of trees and flora that served to house the well used dens.
 
 
As Chaim neared the denning grounds, the male slowed his pace before slipping around one large pine tree. Standing off to one side, the cream colored wolf easily spotted Simon lagging along. Frowning to himself at the faint limp Simon was sporting, Chaim lowered his tail so that it was completely relaxed. Rather he felt a bit bothered at seeing Simon walk in such a poor gait. It was depressing.
 
 
Flattening his ears against the back of his skull, Chaim allowed a low whine to be heard before he broke into a hurried trot. Quickly moving to walk up along side Simon, Chaim continued to project the feel of regret and concern.
 
 
"Are you feeling any better?" The male asked in a worried voice. "I thought you'd be sleeping..."
 
 
 
 
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OOC:

*pets*

IC:

Wet branches shivered as Simon brushed beneath them. They left their raindrops on his fur where they glistened like diamonds. He'd never spent much time here before but he knew of certain places where the ferns draped over the a den entrance. As he shuffled along, poking his snout through damp foliage, the earth quivered beneath Simon's paws and he hesitated. Another creature was approaching.

Shyly, he pressed his tail against his flank and pressed against the bush that covered the den, watching for the stranger. But then the warm tones of creamy fur appeared and Simon's ears perked at the sight of Chaim. Apprehensive tail unfastened itself from his leg to sway a bit, relieved that it wasn't a Tyjiik or Mordechai wolf. With that, Simon stepped back onto the trail again and felt his companion's shoulder brush against him, smiling with reassurance.

"Are you feeling any better? I thought you'd be sleeping..."

Deep brown eyes skimmed over the dens nearby at the mention of sleep. That, precisely, was the reason he came to this site. Winter would bring cold and snow while Simon's shoulder still healed. He needed warmth, safety, solitude from the unknown. A den would be known only to the other Kiskana members and come breeding season many females would frequent this grove.

"I'm feeling much better now that my shoulder is healing. It'll be weeks until I can run again, though. I don't know what use I'll be until then, but I'm looking for a den for now. It'll be nice to find someplace warm and safe to sleep once winter hits."

Hopefully Chaim didn't worry too much about him. Simon glanced sideways at his friend with a soft ruffle of gray fur, then affectionately nuzzled his head against the young male's ruff. Black lips parted with a smile, feeling better, and he continued his inspection of the dens. Anything uncovered by a plant would be too conspicuous; he wanted privacy.
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What to do..what to do...
 


<img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/Carrico_Cadbury/ChaimIC.png"> 


 
 
"Oh." Came the innocent sounding response from the creamy colored wolf. Pausing in his movements, Chaim stool still as Simon moved on by a bit. Pinning his ears back some, the young wolf studied his immediate surrounds before hesitantly stepping forward to follow after Simon.
 
 
"Have you ever had your own den before?" Stupid question blondie. Blinking once and then twice, Chaim's ears arched forward as his amber gaze swept over the silver pelted male before him. "I mean.. Well, I'm sure you have - but what I mean to say is.. Well..." Chaim was speechless. Utterly, completely and totally speechless. He was fumbling and stumbling over his words like a pup learning to pronounciate.
 
 
Dropping down to sit on his haunches, the wolf more or less collapsed upon his bottom. Turning his gaze skywards, Chaim curiously peered up at the looming canopy of trees. The denning grounds were in a wise location. The large pine trees would serve to offer extra protection from Winter's harsh weather.
 
 
Flicking an ear in Simon's direction, Chaim remained seated as he quietly regarded his friend.
 
 
Friends...
 
 
For a split second, Chaim found himself wondering about Taye. Did Simon miss her? Long for her? Feeling his fur bristle and stand on end, a muted snarl came forth as his top lip curled up in disgust. Simon had been so protective of the female. He'd been concerned and worried about her. So much so, that Simon had remained close by her side so that he was at her beck and call.
 
 
That seemed to have changed though. Where was Taye?
 
 
Gone, gone, gone.
 
 
Now Chaim smiled, though he wasn't too sure why. He hadn't won over Simon's affections. The other male was friendly and accepting of him, sure. But that was it. Realizing this factor caused the wolf to frown some. Huffing an exhale of self frustration, Chaim lowered his eyes to look upon the forest floor. Studying the odd assortment of sticky sweet pine needles, the wolf hesitantly stole a glance towards Simon.
 
 
"Simon.." Pushing himself up to stand, Chaim took on a relaxed stance before padding over to the silver wolf. Once he was close enough to breath in the other's scent, Chaim pressed forward to close the distance between them. Nuzzling against Simon, Chaim pinned his ears back to better convey his loyal feelings of affection.
 
 
Chaim wasn't afraid - not really. He was however a little confused - and perhaps even a bit concerned when it came to the idea of rejection.
 
 
As it was, Chaim wasn't too certain what it was that he wanted. All he knew was that he needed to keep Simon happy - and he needed to be close by.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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OOC:

D’aww

IC:

Simon noticed Chaim's delay and glanced back at him, wagging his tail casually. At the question... and Chaim's awkward embarrassment, Simon smiled and shook his head. Actually, he never slept in a den. Nor was he allowed. Macabre always wanted her pups to learn how to dig their own shelters, scoop out bowls in the snow - or learn to bear it.

Hearing a muffled sound from Chaim, Simon turned his murky gaze back to the other male. Oddly enough, Chaim's hackles bristled but he smiled. The gray wolf tilted his head somewhat before turning back to the sheltered mouth of the den. Chaim continued making peculiar sounds - a sigh, a huff, etc. The variety of Chaim's behavior made Simon grin and wave his tail behind him as he poked his muzzle into the cool den. Damp soil and stale wolf scent filled his nose and he smiled.

This one had cover and no female claimed it yet, nor had any for a year or more. It served as a bed and a home, a shelter and a shield. Although Simon's shoulder still ached, the throbs dulled and dimmed as he inspected the area around the den's mouth. Then, stepping back and huffing, he felt Chaim step up beside him and offered a smile. He felt much better now that the wound's infection was fading.

Good ol' Chaim. The young male remained watchful over Simon during his injury and never took advantage of his weakness. These past few weeks made Simon feel useless, an invalid. He couldn't hunt or even run well so he resorted to scavenging from old kills. He couldn't wait until his shoulder healed.

"Simon.."

Chaim brushed against his uninjured shoulder, and Simon turned toward the male's nuzzle. Velvet ears perked with comfort and his tail whisked again. He dipped his slender muzzle to return the nuzzle and felt the soft down of Chaim's ears brush his whiskers.

"Hmm?"
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Ew! It's so short :( ... My bad >.<
 


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Lightly closing his eyes, Chaim breathed a soft sigh when Simon returned the light nuzzle. Remaining in a position and stance that displayed submission to the other male, Chaim opened his eyes then to place a few quick kisses against Simon's white maw. Raising his hips into the air while stretching out his back, Chaim raised his tail some to give it a slow wag. Slowly dropping down to rest on on his stomach, the young male placed himself upon the ground so that he was now looking up at his friend.
 
 
"Could I stay with you?" Chaim questioned in a soft voice. Directing his amber gaze towards Simon, the male looked hopeful. Furrowing his brows some, Chaim looked rather hopeful. Perhaps even a bit fearful.
 
 
"With you .. in your den I mean.." Hesitating just a bit, Chaim curled one creamy paw close to his chest before lowering his eyes. He hoped he wasn't being too forward in requesting what he was. As it was, Chaim considered Simon to be his 'bestfriend'... One that he thoroughly enjoyed sleeping along side. (Did that make him strange?) Shifting a bit, one leg kicked out to stretch back behind his nervous form. The wolf wondered if Simon was growing tired of his company?
 
 
Thinking about Taye a second time, Chaim sighed then. He wanted to question Simon about the missing female. Did he still worry for her? Desire her? Blushing beneath his fur, the wolf slowly lowered his head so that his chin rested upon the ground. Still peering up at Simon, the tawny coated male continued to slowly wag his tail.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Chaim's light kisses on Simon's muzzle sent butterflies tickling his belly, and the quiver that ran down his limbs was becoming more frequent. The other male brought a small smile to Simon's lips more often. Brown gaze softened as Simon disregarded his sore shoulder and grew distracted by the den inspection and the slow, lithe stretch of Chaim. This was staring to look like a good den choice.

"Could I stay with you? With you .. in your den I mean.."

The soft voice drew Simon's attention from the mouth of the den to glance at the creamy wolf flopped on the ground beside him. His ears perked curiously but not too intensely; Chaim and Simon had been journeying together for a while, sleeping side by side to conserve warmth in the winter's approaching cold. It wasn't a peculiar request. Besides, Simon didn't mind sharing his space with Chaim. Oddly enough, the two males were nearly inseparable and Simon liked it that way. In fact, seeing the other wolves take notice of Chaim at the meeting and vice versa almost made Simon feel possessive.

A smile grew on the young male's maw at the sight of Chaim resting his head but still watching him curiously. His voice had been a little thin and nervous but by the looks of the warm-colored male and his sprawled limbs, he appeared relaxed. Silvery-plumed tail wagged in response to Chaim's own tail and he glanced back to the den mouth.

"Of course. I don't know how cold this winter will be but I'm sure our den will be much warmer. Two heads are better than one, anyway."

Pinkish-black nails dug a little at the already enlarged den mouth. Good thing Simon and Chaim weren't massive or else bigger animals could squeeze into the den. Their smaller size enabled them to fit snugly into the tunnel while the opening wouldn't allow passage to a bigger wolf like, say, the new white alpha.

Or Macabre.

Thinking of this new safety from his mother, he glanced back at Chaim for his opinion before he crawled into the den and inspected it. He wanted to make sure Chaim approved since they'd be sharing the den's chamber.

"Does this one look good? It's hidden by this fern and it's too small for bigger wolves to fit into so we'd be safe."
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*squishes Simon like whoaness* !mate
 


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Chaim instantly perked up at Simon's response. Pushing himself up off of the ground, his tail flew into a frenzy of excited wags. Swaying back and forth his hips took on the near dance he was doing of excitement. "Yeah?" He double checked, while prancing in place.
 
 
Oh, he was so excited! So relieved. Chaim hadn't been too sure if Simon would be agreeable to his desire to den with him or not. But given the kind response he'd just recieved, Chaim was now totally confident. Comfortable too.
 
 
Working to be careful and mindful of Simon's injured shoulder, Chaim hurriedly bounded into the mouth of the den. Scampering and crawling a bit, Chaim's tail continued to wag as he circled about and looked around. It was small - but it was cozy as well. Simon was good at den hunting. It was too small for other wolves of larger sizes to fit in, just as he'd said. That meant Macabre couldn't bust in on them in the middle of the night.
 
 
Macabre...
 
 
Just the thought of her was enough to send shivers down Chaim's spine. Feeling the need to offer Simon another lick to his muzzle, the wolf pinned his ears back some as he grew serious. "Simon? Do you think Macabre will track us? .. Find us?" The male sounded concerned, but he believed that he was hiding his fear well.
 
 
Sadly though, Chaim's body betrayed him as his brows drew back to display pure worry. Frowning deeply, the creamy colored wolf's tail stopped wagging. This were serious. Macabre had damaged Simon. The next time -- (if their were a next time) .. she would surely kill him.
 
 
"I don't want you to die.." Chaim scooted forward then. Using his large front paws to pull himself closer to Simon, the young male set about nuzzling the other for his own comfort. "I want you safe." Chaim explained in a near whisper.
 
 
If something were to happen to Simon - Chaim would be lost.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Simon glanced back to Chaim, who now wiggled and wagged his tail happily. In response to the younger male’s thrilled inquiry, Simon grinned and nodded then delicately retreated a pace to provide Chaim ample space. The other male crawled in to inspect the den and Simon followed after. He kneeled and ducked his head into the opening, then crawled down the tunnel into the nice den chamber where Chaim circled.

Receiving another kind lick to his muzzle, Simon wagged his tail in the confined space and settled down on his stomach. His journey to this den area aggravated his shoulder which now burned beneath thick, silvery fur. Healing took energy and strength, sapped his endurance from him quicker than usual. A sleepy sigh left his lungs as Simon glanced to Chaim, ears perking at the male's question.

"Simon? Do you think Macabre will track us? .. Find us?"

The thought initially worried Simon as much as it did Chaim. He reflected Chaim’s pinned ears but offered a quiet smile instead and shook his head. No, Macabre wouldn’t dare trek alone into Kiskana and try to kill him, let alone the two of them. His mother wasn't stupid enough to face down the entire Kiskana pack alone, no matter how arrogant or powerful she was alone. She also wouldn't be able to slip into their territory unnoticed, thanks to her massive form and heavy footfalls.

"I don't think so. She wouldn't stand a chance against all of Kiskana, and we protect each other here. Even if she came to invade with her pack, they'd all have to cross the river and that would be pretty conspicuous."

Chaim nuzzled Simon, murmuring his fear for the latter's life, and Simon responded by lowered his slender chin to snuggle into the creamy fur of Chaim's neck. Using him as a chin rest, the injured male relaxed and spoke in a smooth, light tone to reassure his friend.

"I won't die. We'll be safe here, and if my mother ever attacks me again, you can bet I'll take her down with me."

He spoke truth. Macabre had trained Simon in the art of hunting, stealth, survival... and self-defense. Therefore, he knew all of her best knowledge and built upon it the wisdom of each new experience. If she ever tried to finish the job, she'd find herself up against an enemy of her own creation. He fought tooth and nail to defend the very last thread in his life's fabric.
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This post is going to be the lamest cheesiest thing you will EVER see me write! I'm talking major velveeta here. So get yourself some chips, and dip it up .. Cause it's gonna get cheesy...
 
 
I got the cheese!
 
 

<img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/Carrico_Cadbury/ChaimIC.png"> 


 
 
Listening intently, Chaim blinked a few times as he considered the possibilities of Simon's thoughts. Hopefully he was right. Hopefully - Macabre wouldn't bother with them or Kiskana at all. Considering the fact that she had attacked and wounded Simon as she had, wouldn't it make more sense to believe him dead? ... Let him be?
 
 
The wolf sighed fitfully. Such a notion would be far too easy. Which of course, Chaim had come to learn that life was never easy. Macabre was the type to hold grudges. Even if she weren't moving along in search of her son, she certainly held ill will towards him. Macabre was the type to curse and spit promises of wrath and rage until she was able to make her words that of a reality.
 
 
As Chaim lay there listening to Simon, the male smiled to himself as he felt his silver companion lay his chin down upon him. Curling his right front paw close to his chest, Chaim stretched out a bit so that when he lowered his head - he took Simon down with him.
 
 
"Simon, what about your Father?" Came the next question. Chaim wasn't sure if Simon's Father were dead or alive. For all he knew, Macabre could have had her way with the male and then killed him off. She fit the profile of a black widow, didn't she? The ashen female had this uncanny ability to lure others in. When in Macabre's presence, one could not deny the endowment of her leader ship skills. The female was strong minded, practical, dominating and insightful.
 
 
She had many good qualities that set her above all others in the run for an Alpha position. However, Chaim had to wonder -- was it better for a leader to be loved or feared? If he hadn't left with Simon when he had, what future might he have held?
 
 
Certainly Chaim had managed to keep himself in the good graces of Macabre. But such wouldn't have lasted forever. It was most certainly only a matter of time before Chaim tripped up in front of the female.
 
 
He was desperate to know though. What would have happened? Would Macabre have attacked him? Banished him? Would she have killed him?
 
 
Swallowing an uneasy breath, Chaim's ears arched some as he awaited the response from Simon. He knew the other male needed to rest. His shoulder was still in the process of healing. Though achey, stiff and sore -- rest was most definitely the best thing for him.
 
 
"I ask because, you have the intelligence of your Mother -- but the compassion of another. That gift must come from some where.." He breathed quietly. Licking his maw a moment, Chaim's amber gaze stared out past the opening of the den. Studying the look of the large fern that acted as a door, the wolf once more smiled.
 
 
Though the subject the pair was currently discussing seemed to be rather serious, Chaim was content in their location. He enjoyed the feel of the den. What made the moment so much better was Simon resting against him as he was. That practically caused Chaim to purr in delight.
 
 
 
 
 
 

There's a calm surrender to the rush of day
When the heat of the rolling world can be turned away
An enchanted moment, and it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior just to be with you
 
 
And can you feel the love tonight
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
 
 
There's a time for everyone if they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn
There's a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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OOC:

CHAIM AND CHEESE!

IC:

"Simon, what about your Father? I ask because, you have the intelligence of your Mother -- but the compassion of another. That gift must come from some where..."

Simon felt Chaim relax beneath him and relaxed in turn. It felt good to know that Chaim wasn't always stressed out, even moreso that Simon himself could reassure him. Drowsy eyes blinked at the question, and his thoughts flickered alive momentarily to think back about his father.

Sententio...

The memory of his father brought a quiet tug of sadness to Simon's chest and he let out a low breath. Had he survived the forest fire? Obviously Macabre had but would she have left had he still remained alive? Well, probably... since the survival of her offspring were her first priority. But surely she would've brought Sententio along because he could still fertilize her and remained a good father. So perhaps he hadn't survived, or maybe they were separated as had been her children.

Yes, hopefully that was it.

"My father's name was Sentenio. He was more moderate and kinder than my mother. Makea, Marion, Trocchia and I are all his children but my older sister Akirya came from Macabre's first mate, Goldeneye. Sententio taught me how to move through the woods without anyone knowing but still being aware of everything around me. He also taught me about the dangers of man and showed me places where they laid traps to kill us."

The air in the den grew a little cooler and denser with the passing minutes, and Simon too lifted his murky brown eyes toward the mouth of the den. Past the silhouette of the foliage, the patches of visible sky were turning a darker shade, almost slate gray. He pressed his ears upward and caught the distant sounds of rumbling. Thunder to come. Rain too. With this in mind, Simon drew his face deeper into Chaim's fur and shifted about, casually sprawling a foreleg across that of the other male. Somehow, he didn't think Chaim would mind.

"Our home caught on fire when I was a year old and us children were separated from our parents and Akirya. I don't know if Akirya or Sententio made it out alive. I guess I should've asked her."

Simon suddenly remembered a fragment of his fight with Macabre. She'd mentioned that he was the last surviving member of her family. But that meant that Sententio, Akirya, Trocchia... Makea. All dead? No, that couldn't be. Trocchia and Makea drifted their own ways over a year ago but that didn't mean they were dead. He'd have to find out sometime, maybe meet a Mordechai messenger.
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Simon and Strawberries with Fluffly Whip!
 

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Perking his ears some, Chaim noted the light sigh that Simon breathed. Good or bad, the cream colored male had still detected it. Knitting his furry brows some - Chaim shifted his form a bit more so that he was totally utterly and completely comfortable.
 
 
Being mindful of Simon's resting position against him, the young wolf relaxed his shoulders a bit more. Listening intently as his friend began to offer insight on his past and family, Chaim stored some factors so that he could ponder them later on. Simon's Father was Sententio. That was a unique name. It sounded proud - soft too. But not in a weak or offensive way. It was hard to believe that Macabre had been a loyal mate. Speaking of her in slight mention gave Chaim that impression.
 
 
Hearing about Simon's Father made Chaim wonder about his own. The male was positive his Father was alive. He'd been fine before he'd left with others to go on a planned hunt. Khalon was of an odd personality, however he had always been good to Chaim. The young wolf couldn't complain. His Father had been good to him. So had his Mother.
 
 
Chaim wanted to whimper but he didn't. Instead he too sighed. A strong gust of wind picked up, sweeping inside of the den and right back out. Feeling the breeze flicker through his fur, Chaim blinked his eyes once and then twice before allowing them to close completely.
 
 
Thunder sounded off in the distance, but the faint rumble didn't frighten Chaim. There was no reason to be scared. Not when Simon was close by - and more or less snuggling against him. (Which felt so damn good.) Tilting his head to the right, Chaim allowed a soft smile to play out over his features.
 
 
Simon was still talking - still explaining, but Chaim wasn't really listening. He tried, however the comforts of the den and the warmth of his companion was serving to lull him into a peaceful sleep.
 
 
Curling his tail about, the wolf gave a final sigh - one that was more of a content exhale. As Simon's explanation drew to an end, it would be discovered that Chaim had fallen asleep. The male was already lost in a cozy slumber of bliss.
 
 
He was happy - truly.
 
 
No more thoughts or concerns of Macabre. No bad dreams about Simon's injured shoulder. Just good old much needed and greatly appreciated sleep.
 
 
 
 

 
 
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<blockquote>
OOC:

Cheese and strawberries with whip doesn't sound too good, but if it's Simon and Chaim then it's okay. XD

IC:

As Simon spoke about his family - mother, father, sisters, brother - he noticed Chaim grow more softer and more relaxed beneath his head. Soft ears perked at the sound of a sigh, one in the same fashion of Simon's pervious sigh. For the first time in a while, Simon realized how mature Chaim was becoming. No more than six months ago, the cream-colored wolf would have whimpered in loud, unbroken bubbles but now he could harness his discomfort. He wasn't as skittish or anxious as before, either.

Silvery-white fur quivered a tiny bit as the blustery breeze dipped into the tunnel and licked the chamber fleetingly. The den was on a slope so any rain would run down into the valley below and not into the den. Wind could reach into the chamber on occasion, but Chaim and Simon had a good amount of comfort and protection here. The fern door only added the icing onto the cake, and from where he curled up to Chaim, Simon could see the vegetation swaying the the breeze of the storm to come.

"Looks like it's going to rain..."

No reply. Curious, Simon glanced down at Chaim but the younger male was out like a light. His soft white cheekbones and whiskered muzzle quivered a little with each breath, but he looked so tranquil and at peace. Good, poor Chaim worried too much about Simon and Macabre. Kiskana and its company would really lighten their situation.

Chaim.

His eyes drew down to the younger male, and Simon felt a quiet surge of contentment at sharing a den with his companion. He ran his pink tongue out to lick Chaim's cheek before snuffling around his ears a little, grooming the wolf to make sure his dreams remained pleasant. Then, gently burying his forehead into the downy ruff, Simon tucked the bridge of his nose against Chaim's neck and joined the other male in sleep.
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