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 Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2026 9:10 am
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Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2026 9:46 am
 Latcho nudges a last log onto the pile with a tentacle as he prepares the bonfire. He had missed last year's bonfire, too consumed with running from his love to stop and give thanks. At that time, he'd been anything but grateful, convinced he was cursed and the best thing he could do is ensure he didn't hurt the lovely mare he so desperately wanted to nuzzle.
But it was the time of harvests, of solstice and the acknowledgements of the plenty the land had given. His family, no matter where they were, together or separate, always made a bonfire where they could purify the bad and honor the good of the past year. And Latcho, more than any, knew how deeply he needed to honor the good.
His family had found him, even in the depths of his despair and loathing. And even more miraculous, so had Autumn Pheonix. Despite how ardently he ran, trying to spare her the truth of what it meant to be born of the Blood Moon, she tracked him down. She chose him. And nothing but good had come into his life from that point on.
His family had a larger bonfire not far from here, one with much celebrating and laughter. He would likely join it later. But for now, he needed to light his own, to acknowledge to the spirits and himself how deeply he had been blessed.
It took a few moments to spark light into the tender, the small flame quickly pushed into the larger kindling a log set up that he had made for his fire. It had taken him most of the day, clearing the space, setting the ring of stones, ensuring there was water nearby. Latcho knew he wouldn't have long before Pheonix came looking for him. She knew he wanted some time to reflect before joining the family bonfire. He hadn't told her he was building his own. He knew she fit so well with the herd that she might not understand his need for this solitary thanksgiving.
But the stallion knew that with the fullness that had come into his life, he needed to make a demonstration of his gladness and joy that had been the last few seasons. He also knew his lovely mare wouldn't accept him mopping on his own. He'd left Baxtalo with her, hoping his mouse friend could keep her distracted until he returned. But he knew his mate . . .
His mate, it never failed to make his heart rush, the knowledge that she had chosen him. Stubborn and fiery and strong and beautiful . . . and his. And he was forever hers. With that thought he stares at the quickly growing flames, taking the moment to send his thoughts of gratitude to the spirits. Once he had done that, he tossed some dried flower petals and herbs onto the flame, the sacrifice making the air smell sweet while also proving the truth of his heart. This year he'd give a double helping of honor to the spirits for his blessings. Not just because his stubbornness had stopped him from doing so last year, but because he had so very much to be thankful for.
As he was just thinking about joining his family at the larger bonfire, he realized he was no longer alone. His smile as his eyes caught the sight of Pheonix was insuppressible. Latcho doesn't say anything, just extends a wing, knowing how she likes to snuggle next to his side as he wraps her up with warmth. Maybe he'd stay her a little longer, so long as she was here as well."WC: 609
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Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2026 10:50 am
 Phoenix hummed as she put together two baskets of food. One smaller for her to share lunch with Latcho, and one larger for them to take to their family's bonfire. Carefully, she worked with Bax to tuck dried fruit and nuts between the grain muffins. Whole carrots were in a bushel along the edge, shiny apples sat in the bottom while a spicy-sweet granola mix was wrapped in dried corn husks sharing the space with savory bread and wooden bowls of hummus.
The smaller basket was less elaborate, but would still be filling for them both. She paused in her task when it started to feel later than she anticipated for Latcho to be gone. Her golden gaze tracked her little brown mouse friend before narrowing her gaze suspiciously. In a sing-song voice she called to the mouse. "Baxtalo?" She dragged the o a little longer than necessary, fluttering her lashes and smiling when she had his attention. "Where is my mate?"
Much earlier, before she was even awake; Latcho had nuzzled her into near consciousness, whispering that he needed to do something before they could leave. She had nodded and mumbled sleepily that she loved him before she fell back to sleep. Recalling a warm "I love you too" and a low chuckle following her back to her dreams.
When she finally joined the waking world, the sun had finished its ascent into the sky and she had found Baxtalo waiting for her. The mouse had immediately helped set her mane to rights before they had started on their current task. She now realized it was past noon and still, Latcho was not back. Bax, to his credit at least, had the decency to look a bit sheepish as he told her where to find her mate.
Without a second thought she was picking up the smaller basket and quickly trotting the way Bax had indicated. After traveling a little ways, she didn't have to guess if she was headed in the correct direction for too long, smoke and the heady, sweet smell of burning herbs lead her to where her heart was. Phoenix slowed to a walk when she was close, then stopped to sit the basket down. When Latcho smiled at her, there was no stopping the beaming grin that lit up her face. Quickly, she tucked herself into his side, sighing contentedly when she felt his wing blanket her back. Seeming to have a mind of its own, her tail immediately sought out to twine with his. Pressing her nose into his neck where his mane and tentacles could surround her she inhaled his scent mingling with that of the fire, humming contentedly. "You were gone too long, so I brought us lunch."457 WC
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Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2026 9:27 am
Latcho chuckles softly as Poenix's tail twines with his, a tentacle lightly brushing her forelock from her eyes as he nuzzles her cheek. "Baxtalo didn't do a very good job of keeping quiet, did he?"
Not that the stallion minds. He felt at peace, knowing he had given thanks to the spirits. He didn't need more time to himself. And he always welcomed his mate. "Lunch, hmm?" Latcho pulls her a little closer with his wing for a moment before relaxing and moving slightly away.
"You are ever my miracle, I could never do enough to deserve you. But I'm grateful you've chosen me anyway. What, pray tell, shall we be enjoying for lunch?" His eyes twinkle a little, knowing she'll probably huff a bit when he says he doesn't deserve her. That she doesn't believe it doesn't make it less true in his mind.WC: 145 + 609 = 754
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2026 6:57 am
Phoenix pressed herself against the inviting warmth of his body until she couldn't possibly get any closer. She would crawl inside him to cuddle his heart if it were possible. She sighed when his wing draped over her and smiled when she felt his tentacles brushing away her hair, leaning into his nuzzle. "Oh, he tried his best." A devious giggle escapes her, eyes sparkling with mirth. "I just happen to be very persuasive." Playfully she tugs his tail with hers, belatedly adding; "...and stubborn."
Phoenix tilts her head and survey's the fire her mate built. Its small - but still impressive and strong. Humming in confirmation of lunch, she takes his movement as invitation for her to step towards the bonfire herself. She never likes to be the first to move from their embraces; she will always stay as long as he needs or wants her to.
The heat from the controlled blaze washes over her fur and she closes her eyes against the sting of the smoke while simultaneously reveling in the warmth. She took a moment to think about all she was thankful for, memories both fond and less so flowed through. The new family she found, her tenacity, and of course, Latcho. Their first meeting and their trying time in the woods. The scars on her ankle tingled with awareness as she recalled the wolf and its teeth biting through flesh. A shiver passed through her and she moved to better memories. His voice in her ear, his closeness and warmth. Latcho was the reason for everything, of course. He made her brave, brought her to a family that she adored and he held her heart so securely she didn't know how she made it so far in life before him.
When she was finished giving thanks, she turned back to him with a brilliant smile. Tears were at the edges of her eyes and she wasn't quite sure if it was due to the overwhelming feelings or the stinging smoke. She turned her head to brush her eyes with one of her wings before moving toward the basket she brought. "Of course I chose you. There was never any question to who held my heart and soul." She smiled over her shoulder at him with a wink. "As for lunch...why don't you see for yourself?" Grabbing the basket by the woven handle she presented it to him; overflowing with the many delicious items she had stocked it with a short while ago.
417 WC
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