[ P ] let there be light

Bonding Moment -- Arran

A

s the world slowly came back to life, Baelfire remained frozen in time staring at the three tiny wolves he called his children nestled in their beds, sleeping soundly. He had honestly forgotten about everything once Sorcha had told him she was pregnant and he'd asked her for her hand in marriage. They'd yet to wed, but planned to have a ceremony sometime soon. Maybe a summer wedding... it'd be warm and the kids would be a little older and able to participate and meet everyone. His heart warmed at the thought and for the moment he continued finding himself lost in bliss. The outside world held no sway in his heart for the moment; he'd even forgotten to report to the barracks for some time now. He was sure his commander would be upset, maybe there would even be repercussions, but... he didn't care. He was home. The thought of getting fired or punished didn't phase him and to be honest it would make his home life a hell of a lot easier anyway... however, none of that was on his mind as little Arran stirred.

"Dad?" the young boy asked sleepily.

He opened his green eyes and Baelfire smiled brightly.

"Hey, son." he said, his chest tightening as he recalled his own father greeting him just the same way. Oh, how he wished his parents were here to see what he and Sorcha had done together. They would be so proud and so happy.

He sighed softly as Arran shifted, moving away from his slumbering siblings to come closer. He slumped against Baelfire's chest and yawned. It was a little early but he hadn't been able to sleep that night. He was just too excited about everything. However, the boys yawn prompted one of his own and he let out a small chuckle. "Now you've got me doing it," he said and Arran smiled, his eyes brightening a little as he batted at his father's shoulder. "Can we go out, dad?" he asked quietly. Baelfire glanced at Gwydion and Orlaith, then to Sorcha's sleeping figure and back to Arran. He nodded then quietly stood and walked out the door with his son following close behind. He sat near the entryway and looked up at the dawn sky. It was flush with color and he smiled. "Oh, wooow..." the small voice beside him whispered. "Wow indeed..." he said.

The sun peeked from the horizion, causing more color to splash across the sky and Arran ran forward, his tail raised in awe as he watched the sun rise slowly.

"Don't look right at it, son. You've got two good eyes and you wouldn't want to ruin them!" he warned.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

It was the soft sound of voices that stirred her from sleep; Baelfire’s familiar, deep baritone, reduced to a whisper so not to disturb the still sleeping wolves in the den, and Arran’s high chirp, muffled at times and louder when he forgets that he should be whispering. A fond smile pulls at her lips as she listens in on their conversation, not quite awake enough to join them but with enough awareness to appreciate their presence.

Still nestled in at her side were Orlaith and Gwydion, sound asleep, the voices of their father and brother not enough to draw them from slumber as they had their mother. She blinked sleepily, shifting slightly to watch their little sleeping forms. The fact they were real had not quite settled in yet. In her mind this was all a dream - a lovely one, but she was sure she would wake up soon enough. With a soft smile, she turned to watch Baelfire and Arran at the mouth of the den so they could watch the sun rise, the first rays of light illuminating their bodies.

A chorus of “wows” met the warming colours that painted the sky as the sun began its ascent, and the two wolves headed out into the open. With a hum, Sorcha drew herself to her paws, mindful of the two sleeping bodies beside her, and carefully picked her way out to join her mate and eldest.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked as she emerged, gazing fondly from Baelfire to Arran. There was a brisk chill in the morning air, so she settled at the mouth of the den, enjoying the heat from within against her back, not quite ready to face the day just yet. “I’m surprised you’re up this early, Arran.” her head canted to the side as she regarded the boy. “Too excited for the day ahead?” She gave him a knowing smile; every day was a new adventure for the pups.

art & code by bean