Timber

Martha had noted a definite change in the collie's behavior, for the better. He was no quite the brooding, stoic-mannered thing that he had become after Shimmer's disappearance. It was no longer a rare thing for the sullen collie to give his tail more than just a dull little wave in greeting; now it was a full-fledged wagging, along with a happily lolling tongue and, sometimes, prancing front feet.

It wasn't until she noted the growing belly on Artemis that Martha got a hint as to what may have altered the dog's attitude. Seeing the way he doted after her, there was little to guess that he was to be a proud father pretty soon. In the past few days, she had even noted that the wolf had suddenly slimmed down - but she had yet to see the new pups, and didn't wish to hassle the new mother by poking around for the den.

Basking in the glow of the morning sun, Timber was stretched out to the fullest across the porch. As cozy and relaxed as he looked, the collie's ears would perk at the slightest sounds, and every now and then, his head would bolt up to have a quick look around. But for the time being, all seemed well. It was just another lazy, summer day.

Artemis & Pups

Artemis had stayed out of sight for some time, preparing for the pups and then doing her best to care for the little ones once they arrived. By now she was restless, and wanted nothing more than to run around her ranch home. Luckly, she'd kept her den very close, just within the first few rows of bushes which surrounded the back of the home. As cozy as the small den was, she was glad the pups were finally old enough to get out and explore. Before emerging, Artemis eyed the world outside of the den, inhaling the scents before deaming it complely safe. The ranch had been relitivly calm latly, but you never knew when a new group of killers would appear.

Gently she nudged the pups into the sunshine, starting first with Shora, followed by Nak, Faulin and Sage. She then gently grabbed Dianus by the scruff before lifting her out. Once in the sunshine the goddess stretched her limbs, letting little Dianus go free. Then with a slow pace she padded towards Timbers scent. She took her time, checking back constantly to be sure all the pups followed. At times there was a bit of rough housing going on behind her, but it was quickly sorted out with a look of displeasure. Finally when Timber came into her sights she let out a bark, plume swaying. Then in hopes of finally introducing her whole ranch family to her and Timbers pups, her dial tilted back, a sweet howl sent to the sky. Sure they were not all wolves but her voice would be sure to catch the attention of most.

Timber

Scrambling up as quickly as if someone had fired a pistol next to his head, the dog's black claws clattered noisily against the wood as he heaved himself up and bounced gracefully from the deck and onto the ground below. With his banner swishing through the air like an excited puppy's, the proud father greeted his mate with a nuzzle and cheek lick, before stepping amongst the offspring to offer them just as hearty of a greet.

Sage had been all for starting up some rough-housing again, after being stopped a few times by that stern look from her mother. But when she saw her father, the youngster yipped happily and bounced up on her chubby little limbs and licked at his muzzle. Nak wasn't quite as boisterous as this particular sister, but he was an affectionate little thing, and joined in with the greeting ceremony with exuberant yips and nuzzles.

It was not Martha this morning, but John who was home for once, and responding to Artemis' howl. He was just leading Nass out for a ride through the mountains when he spotted the parade heading across the yard, and grinned in surprise. "Would you look at that?" Momentarily leaving the chestnut stallion, the older teen crossed from the Barn to the main part of the yard, where he stooped down near the little family to get a look at the pups.

Nass, not one to be left out, cantered over to the group and nickered softly, "Congratulations, you two. It's about time, you know."

Artemis

Artemis let a wolfish grin appear as John came over to greet them, obviously excited for the pups, almost as much as her and Timber. Her plume swayed, happy to provide another source of happyness to the human she had first fallen for back when she was just a pup.

When Faulin and Shora saw their father they were on him as fast as possible. Shora put her paws on her fathers leg, leaping up to lick his face and speak at the same time. "Papa! Papa! Whats that strange thing over there!" More exclamation then question Shora toppled over backwards she she lied on her back with light chocolate eyes on her father. She was reffering to John, but she hadn't done a great job saying that directly.

Faulin, whose left eye was surrounded by black fur, rolled his eyes at his sister. Only she would fall over in such a pathetic manor. He liked his siblings, but he naturally felt superior to them. However the approach of the horse made him stop his play and just stare. This creature looked much more like his mother and father, yet the size was surprising for him and he was not quite sure how to react. Finally he whispered to whoever would answer, "What is that?"

Dianus found herself not asking her father about John, but trying to investigate on her own. Her black form slowly approached him, her dial cocking to the side before she looked back to her mother. Artemis nodded, a sign that John was deffinetly safe and Dianus continued to pad slightly closer, putting her small nose to work to try and sniff the human who looked nothing like her mother or father.

Timber & Others

Timber tolerated the mobbing with a father's pride, his heart simply swelling with the joy of finally having a litter of his own. He was the last of his family, and finally, finally, he'd rebuilt what had slowly been taken away from him by the wild wolves - of course, all with the help of Artemis. Right now he couldn't be happier as he chuckled lightly at Shora's boisterous antics, and watched their offspring show an innocent curiosity in the world around him.

Before the collie could begin to reply to his daughter's question, or figure out just what she was asking about, Sage piped up, "That's a 'John'." The youngster neglected to mention how she'd gotten that information, but now that her attention was on the teen, she was bouncing away from her father and creeping up with Dianus to investigate the human.

"His name is John. He's a human." Timber corrected softly, and moved right along to answer his son's hushed question, "And that's our friend Nass; a horse."

A half-grin was spread across the kid's face, drawing up the corner of his mouth and producing a small dimple at the end. Crouched as he was on the ground, John held a hand forward, letting Dianus and Sage investigate him at their own pace. Normally, he'd have liked to interacted with the pups much sooner, but for as much as he trusted Artemis, he hadn't wanted to interfere with her and her brood until she was ready to bring them out.

Artemis & Pups

Artemis let her dial lean against Timbers neck, dial closed in joy. She spoke softly, not willing to catch the attention of her gorgious children.
"It's been a long time... since there have been pups here."
She knew of Timbers past and had been here during one of the most brutal battles the ranch had seen. She'd seem Timber in terrible shape, and never again did she wish to. He had become her life, and though she was younger than him, she felt as though she'd grown up with the male. She loved him.

Shora flailed her little limbs, flipping herself over and running blindly towards the boy. She didn't take the time to sniff him up. Rather she plowed right into his hand, little paws placed on his hand as she again attempted to jump up. She yipped excitedly, little tail waving in innocent excitement.

Dianus continued her slow approach, sniffing intensly when Johns hand lowered to her level. Her ears were low, still apprehensive, but her two sisters excitement did some to ease her worry.Once she'd had a good sniff, Dinus's stunning silver eyes loooked up at John, staring at him.

Faulin listened to his father speak, nodding. "Will I be that tall when I grow up?" His eyes were now on Nass although the question was directed to his father. It was innocent, although silly.

Timber & Others

The collie continued to watch their offspring romp around and take in the big new world of theirs, all the while basking in what once would have been a rare moment of peace and contentment. Timber leaned slightly in his mate's direction, embracing Artemis and speaking just as quietly in a murmur, "Far too long. But now... thing are alright, again."

A hearty laugh from John had Sage freezing and turning wide eyes up at the human, startled by the noise he was making. John didn't hesitate to reach down and scrub at the back of Shora's head, and then to playfully bowl her over, "Aren't you the lively one, pup?"

"He makes such strange noises..." Sage hissed in wonder to Dianus, not sure what to make of this odd looking two-legger. Meanwhile, Nass had taken the initiative to answer Faulin, "I'm afraid not. You'll be more the size of your ma and pa there."

Artemis & Pups

Artemis let a smile bless her lips. This moment was perfect, and it was long overdue. She knew well that the peace here would not last long. She sensed more battles were to come, and that meant more death. She only hoped she and Timber would be able to train the pups to react when that time came. Whether it was to hide, or if danger gave them time, then a chance to train them all to fight. She wished this was not needed, but she'd chosen a home where even her family had attacked. She knew it would be nessicary.

Dianus's eyes grew big at the chuckle, the little fae taking many frightened steps backwards. She only nodded at her sisters comment, staring at the human and her sister.

Shora cocked her head to the side when John laughed, but a moment later she was right back into her playful antics. As John rubbed her head she lead her head back, trying to lick at the hand. However she did not succeed before being bowled over by the boy. Standing back up, the fae let out a yip, and again went back to John.

Faulin stared at the creature again, not sure whether Nass had spoken to him or another of his siblings. After a moment her took a few steps around the horse, examining the strange animal. "Why do your paws look wierd?"

Timber & Others

The threat of violence was never far from the back of Timber's conscious, even with the length reprieve the Ranch seemed to have gotten in the past several months. As much as he hated to think about his offspring having to fight, getting hurt... he couldn't imagine them dying... The father didn't let these thoughts come to him just yet, but they were there, reminding him that the tranquility couldn't last forever. Just as Artemis knew, the pups had to be trained to respond.

Sage took a step back, moving so abruptly that she fell back on her haunches. The reservation she and Dianus felt apparently wasn't shared by their other sister however, and much to John's delight, Shora came back for round two. He scrubbed at her head again, fingers musing roughly through the pup's soft fur in a manner that would be both like a pleasant scratching, and a playful gesture all at once. "John...?" Not realizing yet that there was a species barrier between her kind and his, Sage made the attempt to communicate with the boy.

"They're called hooves." Nass informed, lifting one heavy leg and scraping it lightly over the ground, "Us horses have those, instead of claws and pads like you." The stallion shuffled a little closer, ignoring a command by John to back off - the teen was worried he'd step on one of the pups, but Nass was a considerate fellow. Well, so long as he wasn't being spoked by attacking predators, that is.

Artemis & Pups

Artemis nuzzled in silence, taking a moment before speaking and stating what they were both thinking. "The calm will end soon... we should take this time to teach them... so they can stay safe."

Dianus stared at the human, seeing he had no reaction to Sages words. "I don't... he can't understand." Her words were extremly quiet and uncertain, which matched her actions pefectly.

Shora continued her antics, licking his hand as she enjoyed the scratchs. Noticing her sisters memering about something behind her, she turned around to call them over to join the fun."He's fun! Come play!

Faulin listened to the tall horse speak and then continued around his tall form, looking over all the parks which seemed strange to him. When he came to the tail his eyes were transfixed by the moving hair and he couldn't help but crouch dowd. His little butt shook, his small tail swaying before he jumped for the tail.

Artemis

The silver huntress froze, her harks twitching to the sound of Aurora's bark. She really had hoped this would have come later, but appeared as though it would not. Without a second thought she let out a low growl as she faced the sheep pasture, looking to John for a moment before again facing the pasture. She hoped he would understand this sign as she didn't feel like there was much time left. Taking only she moment she turned to the pups who were all at least slightly alerted by her sudden change in mood. "All of you, go under the porch and hide. NOW"
She hadn't meant to sound harsh but her worry would likely portay it that way. Hoping Timber would be quick to follow she dashed off towards the sheep pasture, hoping nothing too serious had happened.

Timber & Others

"Go, go! Under the porch!" Timber's harsh woofs backed up his mate's harsh tones, and were accompanied by such intense body language that neither Sage nor Nak thought twice about obeying their parents. Instantly dropping their branching curiosity, they scrambled for the relative safety of the porch, huddling together in a mix of slight alarm and confusion.

Timber took off once he was sure all their offspring were under the decking. John knew enough about his pets' actions to figure out something bad was going on. One would have to be blind not to see that something was up, with how Artemis and Timber alike bolted so abruptly and sent their pups scrambling away. Unfortunately for John, he couldn't compare to the speed of his canine companions, so his arrival at the Sheep Pasture would follow a little late... but on the up side, he'd have a weapon with him.