[ P ] Incredible Journey

C

lover giggled and nuzzled their newly named daughter as she squeaked up at them. "Yes, that's right, little one! Journey is your name." She nestled her head just next to the tiny pup, looking up at Cian expectantly as he began to ponder on a middle name. As soon as he spoke the name, she could feel in her bones, vibrating in her being that it was meant to be. "Journey Fae..." It even felt familiar on her tongue and she said it again, this time in more of a sing-song, lullaby tone just for the infant. "Joouurneey Faaae...~" In response baby Journey wriggled herself closer into her mother's cheek, pawing at her muzzle.

A warm smile settled over Clover's maw as she returned her gaze to her father. "That's it, see? She loves it!" Their attention turned onto their wayward wandering son who seemed to have gotten turned around. Cian guided him back to the comfort of his mother and Clover recieved him, leaning over to nestle him closer to her.

Her nose brushed against Cian and she blinked up at him to meet his incredible deep red orbs. A blush creeped into her cheeks and she turned away with a coy smile, resting her head now next to her brilliant boy. Her tail moved into a gentle wag to hear the name chosen by her mate for their son. It had the most pleasant ring to it and the meaning behind it stirred emotions in her that nearly brought tear to her eyes.

"Summit...it's so lovely. And, oh, oh! How about...Summit Hiram. Just like your grandfather!" Clover's heart swelled and she glanced at Cian for his approval. "Then they'll both have a piece of where we came from...while they represent where we're going." The new mother spoke thoughtfully before grooming the pup tenderly. "A dream come true..
both of you..." Clover whispered quietly, sleepily as her eyelids dropped and she fell asleep curled up cozy with her newborns while her beloved mate began his role of guardian over them.

[Exit Clover]

@Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

T

o watch Clover as she interacted with Journey brought the new father unspeakable joy, a happiness that could never be expressed in words, only in the feelings of warmth and instantaneous love. He still lay beside Clover, watching mother and daughter bond, even before Journey could see. And, somehow, Cian was certain that the pup did love her new name, even if she couldn’t quite hear yet, either. ”It suits her perfectly. Joouurney Faaae,” he repeated with a laugh, attempting a similar sing-song voice as Clover.

Not to be forgotten, of course, was their firstborn, who nestled against his mother comfortably when he was returned to her side. It was clear even then that the boy would be very attached to Clover. Clover loved his name suggestion, and Cian felt gratitude. The new parents always seemed to agree more often than not, which Cian had never seen with his own parents. The she-wolf’s suggestion caused Cian to hold his breath unintentionally – Summit Hiram. The urge to cry, the happy kind, threatened the new dad once more. ”Yes, I – it’s perfect, too. Summit Hiram.”

"A dream come true.. both of you…”

There was only one name left to choose, a final moniker that would tell the rest of the world which clan they hailed from. Cian’s own brand, Eamonn, was a surname loaded with history – one of violence and bloodshed, of fealty to the crown, no matter which head wore it. They had been eager to please those who were in charge, to swear loyalty to the winners of brutal conflicts. But this was a new generation, and Summit and Journey’s lives would be radically different from their father’s paternal lineage. Instead, Cian had a better idea: ”I – if it’s alright with you, Clove, I think they should both carry your family name.” They would be spared the heaviness that Cian’s family name implied, the heritage of fighters, killers, and fools.

He couldn’t seem to drag his vision away from the pups, as if they were a figment of mere imagination and might vanish. Sighing softly, he added, ”Journey and Summit Eithne. I – I feel it’s right for–” But his words halted midsentence as he realized his mate had already fallen asleep, her weary body ready to begin healing. His muzzle dropped to offer a gentle kiss to Clover’s cheek as she slept heavily, and he whispered. ”You’re the best, Clove.”

His eyes turned toward the mouth of the den. Beyond their shelter, the sky was sapphire blue, a sunny day had begun following the darkness of night. The newborns had grown quieter as their mother slept, and when Cian looked once more, both appeared to be asleep. Cian would remain where he was, awake and happily so, his body embracing Clover’s, and hers protecting the pups.

Now, they were a family. They were complete now, when Cian hadn't even know what was missing. He smiled as he watched the sleeping infants. ”Good morning, Journey and Summit. I’m so happy that you’re here.”



[exit Cian}




@Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck