© 2002-2024 Ally
Part 3

She was about to ask Tobin if he wanted to go, but the resonant roll of thunder nearby cut her query off. Startled, the older cub sat up quickly, Tobin soon following. The clouds were much closer then when Tobin had last looked and a warm wind had sprung up blowing in the same direction as the clouds were coming. Gray clouds swirled with streaks of midnight blue and violet raced towards the Hurst while flashes of lightning ripped through them to light up the sky. Vanguard clouds began to blot out the very stars that had been watching over the little cubs in the field.

Over her initial surprise, Quill squealed with pleasure every time a flash lit the sky, Tobin's hand still gripped firmly in hers. The little healer winced slightly whenever Quill got particularly excited because his palm bore the brunt of it. Starwatching quickly turned to stormwatching as the rain began to pour in torrents. The lightning illuminated the planes of Quills face as she ooo-ed and ahh-ed at the slashes of light in the sky that reminded her of Shadowmist's tanning knife cutting through a bear hide. The rain was warm, reminding both youngsters that summer wasn't far off, and this was probably the last rain they'd get for a long while. It seemed the animals of the forest felt it coming.

Standing, the two of them began to race around, jumping in newly formed puddles, screeching and dancing and spinning about until they fell down in a heap of hair, mud and wet leathers. Blinking rain out of their eyes and licking water off their chins, the two came to the unspoken conclusion that to get under cover would be a good idea. After reaching the tree line, the two friends began the slow walk back to the Hurst, arm in arm, both wishing they could have bonds so they wouldn't have to walk the whole way. Soon, Quill mused aloud. "Yah know what?" Not surprisingly, she didn't wait for Tobin to answer. "I'm not glad that Mother and Da died, and I lost them." Quill looked at her feet as they scuffed their boots through wet leaves and mulch. "But I am glad I found you." The female looked quickly at Tobin out of the corner of her eye to gauge his reaction. The little healer only looked back at her, a slight smile playing about on his lips.

"I know," was his only reply.