Forever Luna

Intricate

adjective ~ very complicated or detailed

NOVA

Fresh air always did a worried soul good.

That's what I thought as I trudged through the crunching soil of the forest. My footsteps were purposeful and careful. Despite my agitation, I didn't want to fall over. It was the middle of December, with mere days until Christmas time. I know, I know, it wasn't something we truly celebrated as werewolves, but it was a cultural experience I admired.

The time of year for forgiving, forgetting and providing. I wanted to spoil my family and spend all of my time with them, and the entire pack was part of that. It brought people together, out of the cold, blustery evenings and into the warmth.

It was a time of year that warmed my heart as much as the fireplace warmed my skin. It always passed too quickly, and come the new year I was already so excited for the next one.

It was one thing I really loved that humans celebrated. Their other traditions seemed meaningless, but this time of year was something else. And I think everyone could benefit from a new year celebration.

As days pass slowly, years always go too fast. You never know when one year may be your last, and that was daunting.

It didn't help that my home wasn't feeling as cosier than it should.

He promised he'd be home for Christmas time, but there was nothing but... radio silence from my brother. The day I received that text, it felt like a part of him was disconnected, like he was shutting us out on purpose. I had been on edge all day long too, and a part of me wondered if I knew he was having troubles.

I wish he would open up to us. To me.

I wish he could tell me what was troubling him so I could help him work through it. If not me, then somebody else he could confide in. I know he and Charlie had a weird brother bond, but with both of them gone...

It was awfully silent over here.

It was getting colder and colder, and my worry for his health never frayed. I knew Charlie would be okay; he had werewolf blood in his veins to keep him warm. He was smart, and an excellent tracker who could defend himself. I just hoped he was eating well enough to get through the cold winter that was approaching.

Snow was settling, and it would only be a matter of time before we were snowed in. As days passed, the ground grew colder and harder. Hard ground meant less moisture, and the snow that fell from the nightly clouds would soon have a settlement.

"Oh, Pollux." I muttered, staring down at the slow-moving stream.

A cold breeze nipped my cheeks, a sharp warning that bad weather was coming.

I listened and turned back around, ignoring the following footsteps of James. I may have told him to follow me in case something happened to me, aka if I fell like a tortoise and remained stuck there, but I needed a walk. He kept his distance, never speaking to me. Thankfully, he understood that this is what I wanted.

He was a good guard.

It was a shame I even needed one in my own territory.

But a walk would do me good.

So would some solitude.

I just hope my brother had the same inclination.

As the snow began to fall, I hurried my pace slightly. I slipped twice, but I caught myself before I could tumble. James threatened to hold my hand like a child, his footsteps filling in the gaps mine left.