Core Memory Attained

Sometimes it was hard to keep the girls occupied, and Isabelle struggled most days to feed the strange little trio she’d accidentally taken underwing. But today, it was far too hot and Isabelle didn’t plan to hunt for something for a good while so… why not let them go for a little swim in the creek?

Just beyond the thicket lay the river that ran through the forest. There were less trees spread along the trails and undergrowth, and it often made it difficult to hunt in for her large size. Isabelle was many things but she wasn’t very good at hunting out here, not unless she was out in the open but… well, if they weren’t coming out for a hunt… they could come out for a little recreational swim, yeah?

So, there she was, padding along behind Finnea, Flora, and Felicity as the three girls bounded and sprang along the deer path towards the river. Isabelle had told them of a pretty spot with shiny, smooth stones and shallow sweet water so they could enjoy the cool river safely. While the girls had all three complained that they’d be perfectly safe swimming, Isabelle didn’t mind that they were a bit blegh about her being a fussy mom; she knew they’d appreciate it later in life. Most kids eventually did. And for now, she thought it was endearing how badly they wanted to be independent. Perhaps this would be a good test of their characters, to see if they could handle a little less supervision?

It’d be nice, she thought, if she didn’t have to watch them so closely. It would give her more time to go out and hunt for them.

The girls heard the babble of the creek before she did, and they dove into the ferns and bushels, squealing and chirping happily. She saw Felicity skid to an anxious halt despite getting there before her sisters, and Flora and Finnea both flung themselves into the water, already splashing one another. Isabelle took the opportunity to hook Felicity under her stomach and toss her into the shallow water, watching her squawk in slight surprise. 

Isabelle quietly settled on the banks to watch the girls splash and flounce around in the water, cool and refreshing.

Finnea, of course, was adventurous as always. Ever the most daring of the sisters, she was bold and excitable and was already chasing minnows through the shallows, her tail snapping along with her and enjoying the dappled sunlight through the trees. Isabelle could already see her when she grew older, muscles strong and firm, ready to tackle any prey that she and her sisters had their sights set on.

Flora, on the other hand, quietly followed the minnows to observe them, her eyes keen and curious, her own tail curling over her back to watch with her. Isabelle had watched as over time she went from quiet and soft-spoken to intellectual, with a wit sharper than a fox. Where Finnea was brawn and bravado, Flora was brains and craft. She could outsmart any predator, any prey, any tactic. She could overcome any disadvantage thrown her way. And when she was older? My my, Isabelle was looking forward to sorely losing to her in a game of wits.

But of course, Felicity could not be ignored; where her sisters were stronger and smarter, Felicity’s heart was far larger, far bigger, golden and shining. She was always smiling, and always thinking of others before herself. If someone were injured, she’d sacrifice anything to find the right herb to help soothe the pain or to wrap it properly. Perhaps she didn’t have the power and teeth that Finnea had, nor did she have the capacity to problem solve, but she was very sweet, and Isabelle knew that kindness was needed in all walks of life.

Her girls were growing… far too fast, she thought quietly to herself. But watching them splash around in the cool river during the heat of the afternoon, she figured that… perhaps it’d be okay for them to grow up. As long as they enjoy the journey there, and as long as Isabelle prepares them properly. And when they finally decided to spread their wingsand fly from the nest? Well, Isabelle would probably go back to roaming on her lonesome, while her girls took the island by storm. But she had a silly feeling, seeing the way they excitedly asked her to watch them goof around in the water, that they'd be visiting her for a long long time after. 

The dire wolf settled on the stones, eyes closing as she lightly dozed, letting her babies romp around and have some fun finding the prettiest stones and scooping up minnows. A little snooze would be nice… they wanted to be more independent anyways, yeah? If they needed help, she’d always be there to answer their call.