Spring's In The Air (Open)

[Mugen]

It was a beautiful day in Higa's opinion. Winter has ended and spring has taken it's rightful place now. The flowers were blooming, the water was running peacefully, the birds were picking, some of the smaller animals were having babies, and it was perfect herb picking season. Higa walked by the blooming pants and bright green tress, searching for any strong healthy herbs. As she did so she hummed and placed the herbs in her little bag for such things. "Ah, I love spring. Zanagi will be pleased with the herbs I've collected. There's so many and springs barely begun!" Wagging her tail in excitement she continued her picking.

Higa always looked forward to spring but she did enjoy every other season. Winter was the most uncomfortable as her fur was too short for cold temperatures but it was one of the most beautiful of seasons. Finished picking some of the herbs Higa closed the flap to her bag and decided it was time to go pack these in her home then return for the ones that preferred water for their growing home. She started walking towards the heart of her packs home and towards her own dwelling. "I wonder if Zanagi is doing ok. Maybe he'd like something for his aching bones." He was getting on in years and it'd be a nice thing to do for him. With that thought she started speed up her pace and was becoming oblivious to her surroundings.

Her home was in a den like cave which someone else had dug out long ago. It served as both home and hospital for her. She improved it by making it even bigger and even more by digging smaller holes to place and organize her collected herbs. It was perfect in her opinion but it did leave her a bit far from where the main fights occurred. This of course meant that any injured dogs would be a bit aways from her if they needed medical assistance. But at least she wouldn't be right in the middle of all the fighting.

Arriving at her home she walked inside and went straight to the small holes in the far wall which she kept her special herbs. Shaking her bag off she started grabbing some of them and putting them in either the empty ones or the ones running out of that particular herb. As she did it she checked the wooden buckets she stole from the humans a year ago were filled with water. They were both empty. She'd have to get more in case of an emergency.

The sudden noise of paw steps made her stop to look at her homes entrance. "Someone there?"

[Sharp]

The shadow of a massive figure cast itself upon the floor, back lit and silhouetted by the early noon sun. Like an ominous shadow, it stood there at the mouth of the peaceful cave, almost obstructive, like it didn't belong there. A dark, haunting giant.

But a single step forward into the dull shadow of the cool rock cave revealed all of that to be a gross over-dramatization. Sagging slightly in his old age, a smiling Zanagi approached the much smaller fae calmly on proportionately stout legs. Behind him, his tail waved softly in greeting, his slightly upturned emerald gaze strengthening his warm but very sluggish welcome.

"Oh it's just you, Higa. Good morning."

Laughing whole heartedly, the old mastiff paused about a length away from the smaller canine, where he was quick to sit down again with a bit of a lazy sigh. He paused, getting situated in his new position before looking up again pleasantly.

"I'd thought that scent was familiar."

((Worst post ever, but I am soooo bored. -_-))

[Mugen]

Higa felt as if it was nighttime already. Whoever stood at the entrance to her home was certainly very large. She couldn't tell who it was but the scent was very familiar. It made her tail wag as her mind put a face to that scent before he even stepped further inside. How could she not recognize her packs leader? Everytime I see him it's almost as if he gets bigger and bigger. Looking up at him she gave him her usual big smile and vigorous wagging tail. She waited patiently for him to sit down comfortably before speaking. "Good morning Zanagi" she said, bowing her head respectfully. "Of course it's me silly! Who else lives here? I was just out collecting more herbs. It's that wonderful time of year you know!" Her excitement for spring was something she knew everyone in the pack knew.

"How're you doing today Zanagi? Need anything?" She looked at the painkilling herbs that'll ease his old age aches. "I've just managed to restock more of them if you wish to have some." Grabbing some of them in her jaws she went and dropped them at his feet for easier access. "Now I know they're not to your, or anyone else's for that matter, tastes but painkillers normally don't." Smiling up at him she hoped he would. She hated to see him in pain but that is a great part of getting to his age. But she couldn't make him take the herbs, only advise. If she could she'd get rid of it for good but all she could do was help ease it and hopefully, make his life a little easier.

Going over to one of her buckets she grabbed it by the handle. "I was just about to go get some water from the river. Would you like to join me? It's very beautiful, the walk there." He of course had to know that but it she couldn't help say it. Or show her excitement.

((aww it's alright Sharp! =D!))

[Sharp]

The old mastiff gave one of his gentle, echoing laughs as the joyful Higa bustled around just in front of him, the sheer sight of her moving about so swiftly enough to brighten his day like the sun. All young members of his pack did, that youthful enthusiasm he'd lost in his life so long ago was almost like music to his ears. Especially since his sons were so busy now-a-days, all grown up and taking care of things like true males should, he was missing that almost child-like happiness in his daily routine.

"I am fine, Higa, my dear. Just a little slow in the morning."

Unintentionally strengthening his point, Zanagi slowly, as mentioned, rose to his feet, taking his time getting back into the right position. Once standing he shook himself briefly before smiling again, warmly, without a single complaint about his loudly complaining joints.

"I may be old but I am still your leader, yes? How on earth can I be expected to protect you and all our friends here at the shrine if I can't even stand a little arthritis?"

Joking as always, the mastiff laughed lightly again, turning slowly toward the cave's exit.

"A walk to the river sounds lovely."

[Mugen]

"Oh if you say so, leader Zanagi" she teased lightly. Higa knew he wouldn't take them but she still felt he should. "You tell me that quite often but you know how I worry about all your so called little aches and pains." Every time he moved it sounded awful to her but he insisted on coping with it. Smiling at him she followed along side him to the exit of her cave home. "Oh good! A nice walk in this fine weather will do you much good Zanagi. You can tell me how all your sons are doing." It seemed to be such bliss to have pups even if they were all grown up and living their own lives, doing what they had to do as heirs. "And if there's anything you'd like for me to do here." Helping others was of great importance of her of which she takes pride in.

Outside the bright sun shined off her tri-colored pelt and warmed not only her body, but her spirit and soul it seemed as well. She took a deep breath of the spring air and let it out slowly. "Such a beautiful day Zanagi. It makes me tingle all over!" she said excitedly. She felt like running around in the field of flowers, rolling in it, and splashing in the river that they were going to. But she much rather walk and talk to Zanagi. The male was looked highly upon to her eyes. He was a great leader and an even greater friend.

Higa took the easiest path to the river that she's taken since her first time there. It was not only quick but it always passed her favorite smelling flowers. Sometimes she'd collect a few to make her home smell nice. It always cheered up her patients when they were around. "Tell me, how are your pups doing? I haven't seen them in awhile. Busy as always I suppose." She gave a small chuckle, careful to keep a hold of her bucket. "It must be so wonderful to have such wonderful pups to help you." It was wonderful to have pups at all she thought in her head, wistful sigh leaving her. Her mind refocused on the river ahead and Zanagi again before it was too late.

The river sparkled from the suns rays that reflected in her bi colored eyes. It looked so peaceful and felt so warm when she dipped a paw in it. "It feels so nice Zanagi. Would you care for a quick dip with me?" This part of the river wasn't so deep, a good reason for her since she wasn't so big. Dipping her bucket in the water she collected as much as she could carry without straining her neck or slender jaw. It still felt a bit heavy but in case of an emergency she needed this water.

"There. I'm all set. Now it's my turn!" With a puppish cry she plunged herself into the shallow water with as great a splash as this petite sized dog could muster. It came up to her shoulders and it felt great on a day like this. So great she couldn't help but try to encourage her leader for a quick dip. "C'mon Zanagi, join me."

[Sharp]

Laughing in his typical jolly fashion, the mastiff male followed his companion from the cave, amused by her optimistic words and her generally concerned way of being. Such a marvelous young fae she was.

"Well, you do not need to worry about me. My sons and I will do all the worrying."

Following the path with little difficulty, the warm sun seemed to ease the elder mastiff's stiff and brittle joints with a little help from time and careful distraction, allowing him to eventually move without noise or obstruction. Every so often, a bunch of tree roots or rocks would obscure the path in the wood, and he would have to slow his pace to navigate them carefully, but Higa was very good about staying by his side despite the differences in their energy levels and never strayed very far ahead.

Tail wagging, the old alpha smiled at the mention of his airs, his gaze closing pleasantly in that wise and knowing manner.

"Ah yes it is. My boys are such joys to have around. Jiro is always on top of things in my absence, never misses a beat. And Juro... well, he's doing his part too."

Blinking slowly, Zanagi's cheerful disposition faltered a bit as he seemed to think of something, his gaze wandering for a brief, almost distracted moment.

"They're all such wonders... except for Reiketsu. His behavior grows more troubling by the day..."

Letting his attention wander its way back to the sighthound at his side, the old brute once again raised his jowls in a smile and a laugh, following the young dog's form to the river bed.

"Me? Swim? I haven't swam in years... Probably since I was your age, Higa."

There was a pause spent staring down at the mixed breed in the water.

"But, if you insist..."

Giving in with a bit of a jovial sigh, Zanagi took a step forward, half walking-half sliding down the sandy bank until he finally set foot in the gently flowing stream. With little caution, he waded out into the water a ways, choosing an area where it at least reached his knees, where he stopped to observe some fish racing around his massive paws beneath the absolutely crystal clear waters.

"Pardon my intrusion little ones. Just trying to enjoy the weather."

[Mugen]

"Then it'll feel even better when you finally get in!" Higa said with a wag of her tail. She wouldn't let Zanagi say no to this. "Good." She moved out of the way and dunked her head in the water. Getting her ears wet was one of her favorite things. She liked pulling her head out and shaking her head. As she did so she giggled and turned her attention to Zanagi when she felt him stepping in. She couldn't help but laugh at the difference the water had between the two. The waters up to her shoulders but barely up to his knees. The difference in size never ceased to amaze her or make her smile.

Higa wondered who he was talking to when he looked at the water. Looking down and seeing the fish swim by she smiled and watched them. "A little exercise in going around won't hurt them. But it's so nice to apologize Zanagi." Walking over to him she smiled and playfully snapped at the fish, purposely missing as she let their small tails whack her nose softly. "Isn't this fun Zanagji?" Shaking her head and floppy ears she smiled up at him. "I'm glad to hear that your boys are doing well. But as for Reiketsu, I'm sure he's just going through some puppy phase" she said with a laugh. He was the smallest of his litter when born and is probably teased by the older ones. That would make any pup act the way he does. "I have four older brothers and they all went through a similar phase." Of course, they were never as cruel or bad as Reiketsu...

"Even if he's acting a bit odd it's still bliss to have him. Now, besides you're wonderful children, what else is going on in the life of a pack leader?" Hearing about his day or what's going on with the pack is of most importance to her. For she's not always around when someone tries to break into the ever sacred cave for the treasure inside. Someone could be hurt and being stubborn about it to not tell her. "It seems we're in a very quiet time of peace for now. I haven't heard anyone trying to take the pack or shrine guards for awhile now." It was a great thing but a little unnerving.

"Hungry? I can get you something if you want. Ooh! This weather seems perfect for a picnic! There are some berries I know must be ripe by now, they're very sweet Zanagi you must simply have some!" As she spoke she seemed to bounce a little, almost like a terrier excited about seeing a ball in ones hand.

[Sharp]

The mastiff gave another of his bellowing chuckles, laughing lightly at the young dog's exuberance. Such a bright young life she was, shining like her sun-kissed pelt. It never ceased to amaze him, the seemingly endless energy of those in their prime years. If only he'd spent his more wisely, perhaps he would've ended up happier now that he was old.... The old dog shook his head slowly, mentally disagreeing with himself while outwardly shaking the water from his short coat of fur.

What was he thinking? He was happy now. Guardian of the shrine, the one place he'd thought he'd never be. Though things would be better, probably, if his mate were still around, but all was well despite that.

Smiling warmly, cool gaze wandered absently toward the sky, thoughtful in a pleasant manner.

"If only it were just a phase.... I fear he is making the same poor life choices I did at his age. Such a path will not end well for him."

Nodding slowly knowingly, he turned to look down at the suddenly bouncing Higa, once again amused by her youthful energy. Though he'd never really been one for eating berries, they always looked so much more beautiful in their homes on the bushes, the mastiff seemed agreeable.

"And try them I shall.... But you'll have to catch me first."

In a sudden twist of events, Zanagi raised one of his forepaws and surprisingly swiftly slapped the water with it, its large size and mass creating quite a splash between himself and the smaller sight hound. Taking advantage of the water's height, which was far more obstructive for the smaller Higa, he rather ungracefully took off at a lope in the other direction, not youthful enough for a sprint. Hopefully the water would make up for the age difference at least a little bit.

The game would be no fun otherwise...

[Mugen]

"He'll be fine Zanagi!" Higa said with an assured smile for his son. "He'll learn and get out of this phase don't you worry!" Ears flapped almost like wings as she continued her bouncing, awaiting Zanagi's reply to the berries. When he agreed to try them she gave yet another heart throbbing grin before blinking in confusion. "Catch you? What-" Before she could finish her sentence a tidal wave (or so it felt like to her) suddenly roared over her. Bi colored eyes got wide before she was engulfed by the wave. Pushed under the water and spun around a bit, the slow current picking up a bit. Closing her mouth so as to not swallow any water she quickly poked her head out of the surface. She gasped for air instinctively and shook her head. Blinking she realize that she was pushed a few feet from her original spot...and Zanagi was getting a very good head start!

Laughing she climbed out of the river, shook herself off, grabbed onto her buckets handle, then started trotting after him. Even if he was old and not as fast as in his youth he still had his size. For every one of his steps it would at least three of hers. Not to mention she didn't want to spill anything. "I'll catch you Zanagi!" She did her best to catch up to him but also to still keep him in the lead for the fun of it. Higa let the chase go on for a bit since she liked playing around despite her age. But she was starting to get hungry so she ended the game. First she had to put her bucket down then quickened her pace and nabbed his tail. She was careful not to tug or use her fangs, all she wanted was to get him to stop. "Gotcha!" she said through a mouthful of mastiff tail. "Now, on to the berries! I'm starting to get hungry playing with you Zanagi. I knew you had it in you!" Chuckling she went back to retrieve her bucket then started a happy trot in the direction of the berries. Head and tail up high, humming another happy song, she led the way. "This way Zanagi."

Higa continued her happy walk until they arrived at the bush which held soem of her favorite red berries. They still shined from the morning dew and seemed to sparkle with the suns rays. "They still look so scrumptious don't they?" she said as she put her bucket down. "Makes me love spring even more." They not only looked but also tasted delicious, mouth watering really. Higa also liked how when eating them they colored ones mouth with red gooey juices. It was already marking her lips with red juices, though she was unaware in her hunger.

[Sharp]

(( Mad late with this post. ^^; Sorry about that.))

Loping his way out of the water, Zanagi made an attempt to hoof it on up the bank, moving along the river shore at a sluggish but steady pace. Sure, he wasn't a greyhound of any sort and yeah, he would probably be caught with ease, but your can't play every game and expect to win. Laughing a little when he heard Higa's paw steps behind him, he slowed down, beginning to tire, before coming to a complete stop when the sighthound gave his tail a gentle tug.

He turned with a playful "Hey!" and a laugh, surprising even himself with his attempt at a youthful game... but not surprising himself in how quickly he tired. Game or not, he's an old dog.

Following the sighthound back down the trail, Zanagi pondered quietly to himself whether or not he would offer to carry Higa's bucket full of water. Surely it was a heavy thing and, thought old and sluggish, he was more than enough dog to carry that weighted obstruction. But they arrived at the bushes before he could offer his assistance and, curious about the berries, he let the subject fall out of favor. Wandering up next to Higa, emerald gaze studied the plants with a mix happiness and awe. They looked so beautiful in the sunlight, sparkling like stars on earth. It was a shame they had to be eaten...

"They do look... fantastic, I must admit."