Roost

A Moment of Joy

The day had been bright and warm, the sun casting a golden glow over the pack as they basked in its rays. The forest around them was alive with the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves. It was one of those rare days when everything seemed perfect—calm, serene, and free from the weight of the world.

Roost and Ashen had wandered a little farther from the camp than usual, enjoying the peaceful quiet away from the others. Roost had suggested they explore a nearby meadow he'd found, a hidden spot only a few wolves knew about. It was their little secret, a place where they could escape the responsibilities of the pack and simply be together.

The meadow was bathed in sunlight, the tall grass swaying gently in the breeze. Wildflowers of every color dotted the landscape, their sweet scent drifting through the air. Ashen felt a sense of peace settle over her as she stepped into the open space, her fur ruffling in the wind. For the first time in what felt like ages, she could simply breathe.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Roost asked, his voice low and full of contentment as he turned to face her. His white eyes sparkled, mirroring the joy in his heart.

Ashen nodded, her gaze sweeping across the meadow. "It's perfect. I didn't know this place even existed."

"I found it when I was exploring," Roost replied with a small grin. "I knew you'd love it. It's quiet, just the way we need sometimes."

Ashen smiled warmly, her heart swelling with gratitude. She had always appreciated Roost's thoughtfulness, his ability to find small moments of happiness even when the world around them could feel overwhelming. She moved closer to him, her tail swaying contently behind her.

They spent the afternoon in easy companionship, roaming the meadow, chasing each other through the grass, and simply enjoying the rare joy of being together without a care in the world. Roost's laughter echoed through the air as he darted playfully just out of Ashen's reach, teasing her with a mock challenge. Ashen's bark of laughter followed, her usual seriousness replaced by pure, unfiltered joy.

At one point, Ashen found a patch of wildflowers that caught her eye, their delicate petals a vibrant mix of colors. She bent down to sniff them, the soft fragrance filling her senses. Roost joined her, brushing his side against hers.

"You look beautiful," Roost murmured, his voice filled with admiration as he watched her.

Ashen raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Careful, Roost. You're going to make me blush."

Roost chuckled, his white eyes sparkling with affection. "I'm serious. You always look beautiful to me."

Ashen smiled warmly, feeling the bond between them grow even stronger. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed moments like these, when there was no pain, no sorrow, just the joy of being with the one she loved. She turned to him, nuzzling him gently. "I love you," she said softly, her voice full of sincerity.

"I love you too," Roost responded, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you'll ever know."

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, they settled down on the soft grass, side by side. The world seemed to slow down around them, the noises of the pack fading into the background. For a moment, there was only Roost and Ashen, the quiet hum of their connection filling the space between them.

Roost laid his head gently on her shoulder, his body relaxed against hers. Ashen leaned into him, savoring the closeness, the simple joy of being in this moment with him. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers, and in that moment, everything else seemed to fade away.

"This is perfect," Ashen whispered, her voice a contented sigh.

Roost didn't respond at first, just closing his eyes and breathing deeply, his chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm. Finally, he spoke, his voice soft and steady. "Yeah. It is."

They stayed there together as the sky turned dark, the stars beginning to twinkle overhead. The pack's calls in the distance were a gentle reminder that the world around them continued to turn, but in that moment, Ashen and Roost were perfectly content to remain in their own little world.

There would always be struggles, challenges, and pain—but right now, they had each other. And that was enough.