Mother/Daughter Time (Castalia)

[Tala]

There was hardly a quiet moment now that the pups were around and growing bigger every day. Almost every passing minute as it seemed to the doting mother of five. From Apollo to young Artemis, she had her paws full. While the girls were rather quiet mannered, Castalia most of all, the boys were more energetic. Raum, a troubled boy who seemed to inherit more of his fathers traits than any of his siblings, had a hard time of finding his own way. She worried for him and she wasn't sure her love was really enough for him.

Looking about she saw Castalia, her sweet rusty and cream girl, padding around the cavern. She still remembered the fear in her heart when Talia took so long to spark to life on her own. The fear she wouldn't ever wake up. Taking a deep breath to steady those old fears, Tala stood up. No sense worrying over the past. Casi was fine and alive even while being the most delicate of the brood.

"Darling, would you like to take a walk with me outside? Aunt Kayi can watch over the others." She tried to give individual attention to each of her children instead if treating them as just a group. Of course without the help her sister, Kayi, Tala was sure such attentions would be harder to give to each child.

They wouldn't venture to far in case her smallest daughter tired quickly from the exercise. But some mother/daughter time was imperative.

Waiting for an answer from the quiet girl, Tala stretched her muscles after laying on the cool floor. Her figure had practically returned to its normal slim standard except for the still larger than normal nipples dotting along her stomach since her children still enjoyed the taste of her milk.

Motherhood was a blessing to her. It was trying at times but it was very rewarding and she finally had her dream come true for loving someone. Five children! So enjoyable and unable to picture her life without them. She did worry about Apollo and Raum going to the Agoge but was determined to enjoy the time she had with them before they were trained as warriors.


Castalia

[Castalia]

Castalia’s light blue eyes followed the path of a single droplet of water as it scaled its way down the wall of the cavern. Zigzagged like a bolt of lightning, the moist trail left the wall slightly darker than the surrounding stone. Such a simple, common detail of their cavern home fascinated the young auburn-hued pup. She watched in silence as the trail ended at her feet, joining a puddle that had gathered in the corner of their den. Always in silence, Casi was like a ghost among her siblings. Sweet, craving love, and caring, but silent as a cloud overhead. Her siblings have had to learn to read her through non-verbal signals; every subtle twitch and movement was like speech to the young pup. It was the only way she was able to express herself, though steadily, her sisters have had some luck with getting her to open up to them.

"Darling, would you like to take a walk with me outside? Aunt Kayi can watch over the others." Her mother’s voice drew her attention away from the echoing drips of the cavern and her ears perked to attention. Her mother had never asked her to walk outside the caverns alone before. Sometimes, they would all walk outside together to get a taste of sunlight or to see the other pups, but never had Casi gotten a chance to truly have some one on one time with Tala. Her heart warmed at just the sight of her mother’s ivory pelt. It was a sight that was as familiar to her as the sight of her own paws.

With a slight nod, Castalia gave her mother a smile, tail rising behind her to wag once back and forth. With her siblings close, she felt too shy to speak. She hoped the signals that she had given were enough for her mother. Soft-spoken herself, Tala often looked at her smallest pup as if she knew what was going through Casi’s mind. The thought that her mother understood her even when she did not open her mouth was comforting. With only a few small bounds, the tiny pup was at her mother’s side, tipping her chin up to give her a quick lick of affection beneath her muzzle.

---

Count | 386
Tagged | Tala
Muse | Good
Notes | I hope this is alright! I’m still feeling her out as a character.

[Tala]

She smiled at the sweet touch of her eldest daughter. They shared a love of silence but was not silence of fear that kept Tala quiet around her children. It was the silence of joy, contentment. She knew well Casi liked to listen and learn, speaking only when she had something to say, never to excess. 

Nuzzling her in return and a swift gentle lick along the rusty colored head fur. "Come, darling." She lead the way out into the sunlight, such a difference from the dingy indoors of the cavern she has called home since the birth.

She wanted to be sure her little cream and rose pup was happy  and felt loved. It was something Tala didn't have growing up and vowed her children would never doubt her devotion to them. 

"Do you like it out here?" Making sure everything remained comfortable between them as mother and daughter strengthened their bond. Her expression ever kind and gentle as minty eyes kept their gaze on one of her most precious children.

A daughter of Goliath, Castalia may be held to certain expectations by her father and...in extension, Datura. But Tala only cared for each ones health and happiness. They each had a choice of what they wanted their lives to be. If warrior, hunter, harem or priestess, whatever choice, Tala would be proud of every one of them. 

Tala wondered what Castalia's dreams were. Calm and sweet or full of adventure. She doubted danger filled her daughters head for Castalia seemed to take after her quite a bit. Such a quiet, sweet girl.

The songs of birds filled the air, sweet music to the white ears of a proud mother next to her child. It was a cheerful , sunny day with a pleasant breeze filled with the scents of summer. 


Castalia

[Castalia]

Together, they padded through the trees. Castalia gazed up with wide, icy blue eyes that contrasted with the summery feel around them, in aw of the forest. Her previous excursions were a bit scary and uncomfortable, but next to her mother, Talia felt at ease. Her heart swelled as she breathed in the moist scent of the forest. Lush and green, sunlight pierced through the thin canopy above and dazzled the young cream-colored pup. For the first time, she was truly able to appreciate the wonder and beauties of the forest. Her mother bent gracefully above her, giving her a delicate lick on the top of her head. It only confirmed what Talia know: her mother was there for her. And she did not have to be afraid.

”Do you like it out here?" Her mother’s voice was soft, soothing. Her quiet ways prompted Talia to answer, and she opened her mouth to answer almost without even thinking first, something that was rare for the silent pup.

”It’s beautiful, Mama,“ she whispered to the blue sky that was visible from where she stood. Her home really was beautiful. She had not noticed it before because she was always keeping her head down, eyes trailed on the ground in front of her paws. Looking up was a slice of bravery for the timid pup. By her mother's side, she felt bold enough to enjoy her surroundings.

"Why am I different from everyone else?" The inquiry came suddenly, unprompted from Talia's lips. She looked shyly up at her dear mother, the only one besides her sisters whom she felt truly understood her without the need for words. Talia was a bright pup, curious but cautious. She wasn't blind to the way the other pups in Kairos acted, the way they easily chattered to each other. Their barks, their loud voices―it came easily to the other pups, while to Talia is was a constant battle with herself to be like the others.

Is there something wrong with me?

---

Count | 342
Tagged | Tala
Muse | Decent
Notes | I'M SO SORRY FOR THE WAIT

[Tala]

Walking beside her littlest daughter, Tala felt a sensation of calm settle over her. Even though she had fears that the way Castalia came into the world would effect her health as she grew, they seemed unfounded now. She was a healthy girl just quiet. The mothers mind drew her back to the heart stilling fear of Casi's still silent body during birth was the most terrifying moment of her life. 

But she abandoned that for now as she looked down at the bright blue gaze looking here and there, observing the life around her. It was lovely to hear the little voice, it was a rare sweet sound, like delicate music to the proud mother. But then a moment of worry made her brow creased a fraction of an inch. Her Casi felt different. 

Halting her steps and lowering her face to her daughter gently, Tala's minty gaze watched the little rust and cream face with a gossamer light element. "Being quiet is nothing to worry about, darling." She was about to speak more than she was normally comfortable with but the emotions of her daughter were extremely important. She needed to know she was perfect as she was. "Think of what it does for you. Silence let's one learn more, observe without drawing attention. It's really a strength, my lovely one. I know where we live now, physical strength and loud behavior is the norm but there is more to life than battles and cunning. You're special, yes different from the others, but it's a gift."

Silence reigned over Tala once more, her comfort zone really. Did she address her daughters concerns well enough? She wasn't sure. "Do you doubt your worth, Casi?" Concern laced her gentle voice. Giants roaming the land may try to belittle those who aren't up to their physical standards, Casi would have to learn to be her own source of strength. Tala had to learn the hard way that she had worth within her, she wouldn't let her children struggle as she did. She would teach them to see themselves in a positive light.

Castalia

[Castalia]

Soft green eyes peered down on the tiny pup with softness as Tala stopped and spoke to her daughter. Her mother’s words entered Castalia’s ears like a gentle breeze, comforting her in an invisible embrace. She spoke of Talia’s quietness in a way she had never thought of before. She called it a strength, like the physical strength of the other adult wolves. Though she had met few adults in her time here in Kairos, the rust-colored pup knew size was much talked about among the adults. Here, in the land of giants, bigger was always better. It was the mantra of her pack. Puzzled, Talia squinted her brilliantly blue eyes up at her mother, the action wrinkling her tiny brow.

”How can I be strong when all I want to do is run when other wolves talk to me?” Ashamed, Casi averted her eyes, her gaze falling to rest on her cream-colored paws. ”Sometimes I think that the pack will not want me because I will never be strong like Raum or Athena.” Casi had to keep herself from pressing against her mother’s side as she spoke. Always looking for a safety blanket, the physical contact would have calmed the pup’s fluttering heart. But she wasn’t a baby anymore. Instead she pressed her paws into the ground and stood still, looking back up to see how her mother would respond to her words. Mentioning her brother had sent a small chill rolling down her spine. Almost already as large as their mother, Raum had interpreted more than their father’s physic. His dark personality was obvious to everyone. He was simply… terrifying. Exactly the kind of wolf that was held in high regards in Kairos.

Compared to someone like that, Castalia felt virtually useless.

---

Count | 303
Tagged | Tala
Muse | Low
Notes | Sorry that this sucks. :/

[Tala]

Noting the sadness in her daughters voice, Tala's heart began to ache as the little voice went on to define her sentiments. She understood exactly what Casi meant and what it was like to be thought of as unimportant by the majority. Shyness only hindering her sweet personality that Tala knew would sparkle like the stars if she could drum up her bravery. 

A glimmer of pride sparked the white female's minty green eyes. She knew Casi loved to be snuggled but she hadn't moved to do so. "You say you aren't strong, but you are proving my point right now." A warm tongue between her daughters ears in silent commendation. "Strength comes in all degrees." She had to stop and think a little as to how to properly address her daughters concerns. Tala knew she was held with little regard in the pack especially by Datura. 

"Raum and many other pups possess the strength your father adores, the kind that's formidable, but I don't want you to worry about that. Your shy nature keeps you safe. It takes patience to hone the skills a quiet disposition offers. You can always learn healing from Aunt Kayi, I can show you how hunt, there are so many things you can do. You will always be wanted by me, I love you so much darling girl."

She wasn't sure if she was helping her daughter or not. Being quiet herself didn't allow the luxury of a great familiarity with words. She was no poet or motivational speaker. Hopefully the love she had would reach out to Castalia and say what she couldn't.

Castalia

[Castalia]

Castalia had never heard her mother speak so much at once. As the snowy white femme told her daughter about her father and strength—as well as the alternatives: healing and hunting and love—her heart swelled. Hearing her mother’s voice so much gave her a newfound courage, especially when she spoke of Aunt Kayi. Castalia had yet to spend quality time with the albino she-wolf, but she already liked her. Casi had a way of sensing other wolves, and Kayi had only given off vibes of kindness. It was not surprising that she had such a nurturing demeanor, as she was the Kairos priestess. Not a typical position in Kairos, Casi knew little about what Kayi did. All she knew was that the albino fea cared for sick wolves, and was a friend to her mother when she had her litter.

Caring for sick wolves was something Casi felt she could be good at. Her tail began to wag slowly at the thought, and she turned her chin up to meet her mother’s mint green gaze.

”I love you too, Mama,” she chirped, giving in to her desires and rubbing her snout along the underside of her mother’s. She had a soft spot for cuddling, the closeness making her feel safe and secure. Her mother’s chest was like goose down to the pup as she snuggled closer, her head resting perfectly under her mother’s chin. Feeling wanted was something Casi hadn’t been able to find outside of her immediate family. She knew that her mother would always want her, and that her sisters would never betray her, but what of the rest of the pack? Could Aunt Kayi have the answers to Casi’s future?

"I want to help the pack," she said, surprising herself at her boldness.

---

Count | 306
Tagged | Tala
Muse | Decent
Notes | Sorry that this is so short!

[Tala]

The proud mother could only smile as her heart swelled for her daughters rare moment of outspokenness. She didn't have that spunk when she was young, Tala was far to timid. Then again she didn't have a mother who cared enough to listen and encourage. 

Right now, nuzzling the sweet little girl and  basking in the warmth of affection between them, Tala hoped her daughters dreams would be realized. Helping the pack like she wished, finding purpose as she dreamt about. Tala only wished happiness for her and prayed she wouldn't eventually be turned into simple breeding stock like Datura so carelessly eluded to. Her daughters, all of them, would live life as they saw fit instead of their destinies chosen for them. 

"You will, darling. If that is your dream, you will." She cooed softly into the incredibly soft fur. "Do you feel better now? Not so timid of coming outside?" She asked as her ears flickered at the call of a nearby bird. Things had to be taken in baby steps for Castalia, the world was a big place for such a tiny wolf. Of course the wintry colored female would help her, but she didn't wish to stifle Casi's growth by being over protective. Even as worry gripped her soul every day and the instinct to shield them from so much was strong.

Sitting down with her fluffy tail placed over her feet, the masked female looked up at the sky to watch birds and insect fly through the air, completely free. A ghost of a smile hovered over her lips. Freedom was what life offered one only had to accept the gift.


Castalia
OOC: sorry this is rather crappy.

[Castalia]

Her mother’s smile made the rust-colored pup immediately relax. It had taken a physical effort on her part to say that last sentence to her mother, but already her muscles were unwinding and her paws were sinking in the soft earth beneath her. The closeness of her mother’s pelt meant she was practically incased in the comforting smells of home, the scent of milk and sweetness and familiarity. She couldn’t imagine feeling more loved and safe than in this moment, and she was relaxed enough to blink slowly and turn her sky blue eyes upwards to peer above them.

The sun was shining brighter than it had all week. The storms that had cast the island in a shroud of clouds and dankness had left, leaving the gold of the sun to fall unfiltered on the two wolves below. It had never occurred to the young wolf before just how beautiful her home was. A bird called out nearby, causing a racket with it's voice. It reminded Casi fondly of Artemis and (especially) of Apollo. The two were always together, and Apollo always seemed to be stirring up some sort of harmless trouble. ”Do you feel better now? Not so timid of coming outside?" Her mother’s question—which would normally be completely warranted due to Casi’s usual demeanor—seemed almost silly now. This was Castalia’s home. How could she possibly be frightened when her mother was right by her side to protect her?

Her mother was the one who fed them and sheltered them from the outside world. It had taken baby steps for Casi to feel comfortable out here, but today felt like a leap. Like she had really conquered something. 

”No, Mama,” she said honestly, and she let the corners of her muzzle turn upwards in a delicate smile. ”I’m right at home.”

---

Count | 314
Tagged | Tala
Muse | Decent
Notes | I really loved this thread, but I decided to go ahead and wrap it up in this post. Feel free to go one more time if you wish! I’m really glad Castalia has a chance to be close to her mother.