Artist: DarkIceWolf/DIW-AfterDark
Date: November 6th, 2014

Going through my latest messages I saw that DarkIceWolf was hosting a auction for this stunning piece. Instantly I feel in love with the background and just knew that this would be a great addition to my Northern Wind series as it represents the environment these characters live within. I won the auction and am still in awe at how well it came out!

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"Tranquility"

The clouds lingered high above the mountains, obscuring there peaks from view. A swift breeze rushed down the jagged cliffs into the valley below, making the tall grass to wave and the mighty pines shake. Also slightly disturbing the surface of the clear, shallow stream. A sense of beauty and tranquility lingered throughout the valley.

Atop a nearby ridge stood a towering, barren oak tree. Its branches spread skyward and its thick roots dug deep into the ground, anchoring it to the earth. Desolate of life it showed the battles and ferocity of nature it had endure. Patches of exposed bark adorned the oaks surface, small amounts of moss growing elsewhere.

The only sign of life being two wolves who took refuge around the tree, a young male named Storm who dozed off in the thick upper branches. Arm draped over his stomach, it rose slightly as he breathed in the crisp mountain air.

Below him reclined against the trunk was a female named Aurora, his mate. A gust of wind rustled through her fur while she intently focused on the wildflower within her paws. Twirling the stem between her fingers she watched as the blue petals danced.

Together Storm and Aurora have been traveling around the land for a few days now, taking a rest on the ridge overlooking the river valley.

Occasionally the clouds parted allowing beams of sunlight to pierce the valley. One such beam covered the ridge in radiant sunlight, making Storm stir from his nap. Feeling the warmth on his chest he yawned, closing his jaw with a "clack." Aurora look up briefly as she heard Storm's subtle movements, then focusing her attention on the wildflower once more.

Storm blinked a few times to regain his vision, slowly turning his head towards the valley. "Truly breathtaking, isn't it Aurora?" he asked in a calm tone, continuing to stare across the valley.

Placing the flower into her lap she looked up towards her mate to say. "It truly is! The valley holds beauty and majesty, as if it was sculpted by the spirits of old."

"Agreed, we are truly blessed to live here. I'm honored to be amongst the rivers and trees, as to have you as my mate Aurora."

Blushing she reached up to grab hold of his dangling leg, squeezing it tenderly. Together they continued to stare across the valley behind them, at content with the life they had.

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Storm and Aurora is ©StormWolff
Art is ©DarkIceWolf/DIW-After Dark