The next morning, hearing that his brother had a lovely and a successful date with Allina, Timber rushed to his place in order to ask Titanium many questions. He was eager to know how it all went and whether he was pleased. Judging by the look on Titanium's face, it was clear he was enjoying it.
"While it was not the most special date everyone'd desire, I'd say that it was really pretty watching the lights and the stars in the sky." Titanium simply let his brother know about the date. There was no doubt about it, Titanium was never going to forget that date. Furthermore, Titanium looked in Timber's eyes and just said: "I wish you luck with your and Tenana's date."
Timber nodded. He knew that it was now his turn to ask Tenana out for a date. He simply said: "I somehow feel like there is going to be a date between us. Something good, really good is ahead of me." Titanium patted his brother's back, knowing how optimistic he was at that point, just the way it was supposed to be!
Then he remembered one other thing and it was a really important one so Timber let Titanium know: "I think Amanda told me that she and Nero are going to become mates soon! How exciting is that!?" Titanium knew his sister was going to be mates with Nero, but not that soon. It could have been that she let the others know while he was on a date.
Looking back at his brother, Titanium just warmly responded with: "Very exciting! I will definitely welcome Nero to our family after he changed our sister for good!" That was completely true because with Nero's love and support, Amanda was like the old one in terms of personality. Kind, friendly, helpful and wise.
Within a few days, everyone was eagerly accepting that day for Amanda and Nero to become mates. Unfortunately, that one day, when it seemed just perfect, it did not. When Timber was one day going to see his parents just in case to know how they were doing, the sense of panic arose from Elizabeth's house.
Just before he was able to find out, Timber noticed that Nero was running past him, being followed by curious Rodney and Geed. Noticing their looks, it seemed like something did not feel right. Wanting to know what was happening, Timber sped up his pace and bolted straight to Elizabeth's house.
Once he was there, he noticed that Titanium was already there. He briefly noticed Noir going into the house, whereas Annabeth remained with Titanium. As much as he loved his brother, Timber thought that asking Annabeth what was happening was more reasonable. In fact, once that he made it to the house, Timber asked: "Annabeth? What's happening here?!"
Annabeth was not really upset or terrified on the news, but she seemed to look a bit unnerved. Noticing her other brother coming, Annabeth sighed and let him know: "You know that Nero was going to propose Amanda? Don't worry, he still wants to... but the thing is... where am I going to begin with..."
"Annabeth, take it easy, just take it easy." Titanium said it soothingly, rubbing his paw against her back. In fact, after exhaling and inhaling few times, Annabeth blinked few times, then she spoke: "Mom wanted to give Amanda her heirloom that she can wear it for the romantic night with Nero. The purple collar with some precious crystals that our grandma wore..."
She stopped again, feeling like more she was talking, more unbearable it seemed to be. Yet she couldn't quite just like that. She just mustered some more courage and said: "The thing is, she left that collar back in her birthplace Nenana! This just seems like it made things harder for Nero to propose Amanda!"
Hearing that, both Titanium and Timber were silent. Having in mind that Nero's proposal was questioned, they were wondering whether they should do something. Timber thought for a while and then he came up with something: "If that collar is still in Nenana, Titanium and I can go retrieve it!"
But that idea did not receive any welcome. Instead, Amanda placed both her paws on her brothers' shoulders and just said: "No, you cannot go just there! I know you want Nero to be part of family, but this is not your thing to deal with!" As upset as she was, she was pretty strict here, which made Timber regret that idea.
With Titanium not saying anything much, he did remember that if he was going there, he was going to bail out of the team. That seemed like a bad idea, even worse, he'd miss Allina badly! But what if someone went there and someone was none other else than Nero... would that mean that Nero was going to risk not seeing Amanda for some time, despite doing great in their relationship?!
"Hey, I just thought of something... is there any chance that Nero could go and find that collar?" Titanium asked that without any thinking. Now that he said something weird, he was wondering whether he was going to regret this idea. Instead, his response, coming from Annabeth, was: "I think Nero'd do anything for Amanda."
It meant one thing for sure: If Nero was ready to go to the end of the world to gain Amanda's love, then the chances of him going to the town of Nenana were pretty likely. The question remained: Was he going to go there all by himself? That couldn't be right, there just had to be someone who'd accompany him in case of socialization or security!
By the night, it was revealed that Nero was not going to go alone to that town. Timber, along with Noir and the others, were finding out about this. Titanium was seen with Amanda, trying his best to comfort her. Noir leaned her head closer to Timber's and whispered: "You'll never believe me who's coming with Nero, Timber!"
Whatever was the case, Timber was ready to accept it. If he was not coming, he was fine with that. He let Noir speak further: "Nero's white cousin Naia is coming with him, along with her mate Sirius. But you know who's also going? Rodney and Geed! Can you believe that?!" Seen in his eyes, it was obvious that he didn't know that.
Then again, Timber just kept saying: "Rodney is going with Nero?! I'm sure he will help him, Noir. Our stepbrother went through lots of things in his life. But how come Geed is going?! Our little brother is excelling me and Titanium combined!" While they were good with Geed, they weren't spending as much time as they were together. Noir just said: "Guess you two should spend more time with Geed."
She was right, he and Titanium should definitely spend more time with their younger brother. Thinking to himself, Timber had in his mind: "When Geed returns safely from this journey, I'll spend time with him and... or Tenana when Titanium is doing mail delivery." At the same time, he hoped for the best that Nero and his companions would have a safe journey.
In the dawn of the next day, Timber was early awake to witness the departure of his brother and the others. Titanium had to get up anyways as he had a mail delivery to do. Bidding farewell to the travelers, Timber let them know: "Guys... Nero, Geed, Rodney... you too, Sirius, Naia... I hope you will be fine on your way there and back."
Knowing that they weren't going on this journey without anyone bidding them farewell, Rodney headed to his stepbrother, placed a paw on his shoulder and just said: "And while you care for us on the journey, make sure that there could be something good happening to you. Just believe it." By the tone of that line, Timber felt some odd and fantastic sensation.
Feeling the urge to ask, he was about to do it, but he saw that Rodney and Geed, along with the others, were ready to leave. He yelled: "Rodney, Geed! What is that going to happen you are talking about?!" Neither of them said what was it, yet Geed responded: "You just wait, Timber! Once you do, you'll thank us when we return!"
As Amanda was giving one final farewell to Nero, Timber watched at them. He was initially disappointed as he didn't find out what they were talking about. Then again, if it was really a surprise, then it could have been for better. Nothing much to say, Timber yelled: "I wish you luck, once again!"
They had bid him another farewell and that let Timber pleased for a moment. Eventually, he was going to find out what they were talking about. For now, he could go find someone to spend time with. Not Titanium, he had to get ready for the mail delivery... maybe if he was going somewhere for a visit... why not Tenana this time?
Knowing that Tenana was going to do her delivery the next day, he could have some kind of excuse to see her. But there was nothing bad about them hanging out with each other. The age did not matter to him, whether she was older than him or not... and while he was thinking on the fantasies about him and Tenana...
"Timber, hey! Over here!" Someone called him, snapping him out of this fantasy trance. Shaking his head off as if he was desperate enough to find out who called him, he did hear that the call came from the street on the other side of the alley. Could that be Tenana? If so, he was going to bolt straight there, right now!
Running as fast as possible, Timber made it quickly to the other end of the alley and then the surprise occurred. Tenana perked her head towards the alley and in the next moment, both witnessed something they did not see coming. Timber managed to brake just in time, only to boop his nose right with Tenana's!
Seeing what they were doing, Timber shyly backed up, then mustered back some courage. He was courageous enough to ask: "Did you just call me? I was longing to see you!" Tenana realized that he had heard her and she giggled sweetly. She responded with: "Yeah, silly, it was me! Look, I got some great news for you!"
It was either a coincidence, or there was something very good about this! Feeling already excited, Timber just asked her: "What good news are you bringing in then?" He had to know, as soon as possible. Something great was happening, and that something was revolving around him.
"Do you know what has happened now that Rodney won't be here for a week?" She asked him and the answer was leading to the obvious. Even if it had, it was still kinda fuzzy for Timber to think, so Tenana helped him up: "It's simple, our team is missing a dog! We must find a substitute for tomorrow, and I believe you'll be the right choice!"
So that's what Rodney was talking about! Gasping in surprise, Timber, placed his paw on Tenana's and barked: "Where should I go then?! Where should I go to arrange myself into the team!?" He was asking the right dog, because Tenana was beckoning him into the distance, saying: "Follow me and I shall let you know more!"
Not asking twice for this, Timber did what she said, followed Tenana. They made it to the house on the end of the Main Street. Tenana remained in shadows while Timber was curious about this so he was urged to ask: "What are we waiting here for?" The best was about to come, with him least expecting.
Tenana didn't answer him right away. When she noticed a familiar human heading towards that house, she whispered: "Here comes Rodney's owner." Indeed, after noticing a short and brown haired man in mid 30's, Timber was starting to realize what was happening and then asked again: "Is he going to tell your musher that Rodney is missing?"
"Even better." Tenana said with lots of confidence and courage, noticing how the human was reaching the doorstep. "When my musher reveals that Rodney isn't at our place either, they'll realize that they cannot afford too much to search for him. My musher will have to search for Rodney's replacement. And guess what? Thanks to your agility and speed, you're likely to replace Rodney for short time!"
This was getting better and better with every second passing! If this was going to work, then Timber was going to become a sled dog, at least for a short while. Then, Rodney's owner turned around, as if he was going to head home. Tenana beckoned Timber by saying: "Get home, now! If my musher sees you're at your place, he's going to likely get you for the test course!"
It sounded reasonable enough for Rodney to get moving. Before he started heading home, he looked at Tenana and just softly whispered: "Tenana, you have no idea how much I..." But before he was able to finish this, Tenana just impatiently beckoned him: "Go! Make sure you're home before my musher!"
No time to waste, he thought. If only she hadn't interrupted him because he was going to say something very beautiful to her. As it was the case, Timber just rushed through the alleys and in no time, jumped through the window of his house. Once he was inside, he was fortunate enough to notice that none of his owners were in the living room.
While his owners were making breakfast five minutes later, Timber laid down on the carpet in front of the doors and anticipated dearly for the doorbell to sound. When was Tenana's musher going to show up?! More importantly, how likely it was for him that he was going to be the chosen one?
Waiting for another five minutes, Timber was dreading the fact if he was not going to be the chosen one. Please, let me be the sled dog until Rodney returns... that's what Timber had in his mind. And when he was still thinking on that, out of blue, the doorbell rang! Timber started barking at the doors loudly, gaining his owners' attention.
"I'll get it! Timber, calm down, boy!" Timber's owner shushed is dog as he was progressing to the front door. If that was the musher, Timber hoped that he was going to get his chance, right now! And in fact, he heard on the doors someone speaking: "Excuse me... I'm searching for a dog that could serve as a sled dog. One of mine is missing now!"
It was the musher! What a joy it was for Timber to have a musher calling for him! Therefore, the owner nodded and just looked at Timber, saying: "Timber! Over here, my boy!" Timber wasted no time, making his path to the dog doors and seeing if that was the musher. Much to his joy, he was. Therefore, Timber started barking again out of joy.
Once the musher saw Timber, he smiled brightly, as if he knew that dog was going to be a great replacement for Rodney. He asked his owner: "You don't mind if he's a sled dog for... a few occasions? I hope that my missing dog gets found." Much to Timber's fortune, his owner just replied with: "No problem! I am sure he'll have a hobby with mail delivery."
These news were more than joyful for this young and ambitious Alusky. The musher whistled to Timber and said: "Come Timber, I think you might be a good replacement!" There was no need to call him twice. He immediately rushed to the musher and both were heading to the Main Street. Was there going to be a practice course now?
Once they made it to the Main Street, Timber found out that there were no other dogs for the practice course? What was with all that?! Could it be... that he was the only one? The answer didn't wait for too long because Tenana arrived and happily let him know: "Timber! Now all you have is to run as fast as you can and get the place in!"
Seeming too good to be true, Timber was curious enough to ask his friend: "But where are the other dogs? I can't be the only one!" And the answer that came from Tenana was more than surprising, and it was: "Don't worry: Rodney let Taiga know that she bribes other dogs into pretending they're hurt, ill or too lazy. If that succeeds, she's going to award them with the bag full of meat!"
Seeing what she had done for him in order to get the place in the team, Timber lost the control. Out of sudden, he embraced Tenana and out of joy, he said: "Oh, Tenana! I love you SO MUCH FOR THIS!" He realized that he said "love" and now he couldn't back that up. Besides, he couldn't care less at the moment, as she had done him a huge favor.
Tenana was surprised that he said he loved her, but she tried not to let that stand in her way. Instead, she just placed a paw on his shoulder and said: "I knew it you'd say that. Now get ready for the practice course! Good luck!" She was right, he had to be ready for this, yet the joy in his body was not fading.
"Alright, boy, let's see how you are going to make this run!" The musher patted Timber by his head and then fired the gun. As fast as the speed of light, Timber made a mad dash across the street. He was running really fast and it was all thanks to his father, who was once a famed sled dog of this down.
Timber crossed the improvised finish line the fastest time he could ever run. With the musher and Tenana coming close, both were surprised by the astonishing speed of this young dog. The musher stuttered few times before saying: "You... your time is outstanding! Why aren't you in the team by now?! In fact, tomorrow I'll expect you to show up for the mail delivery!"
He made it! It was amazing! He managed to beat the practice course and now he was a sled dog, despite being a mere replacement for now. Tenana laughed out of joy as she rushed to Timber and embraced him, saying: "I knew it you'd make it! I knew it from that day when I comforted you in the alley! Now you may consider this as a favor coming from me."
Indeed, he could have considered this as a favor from Tenana. Knowing that the favors could pay back easily, Timber was going to ask her a favor. But not today. He was going to ask her the day after or two, depending how successful this mail delivery was going to go. For now, he could enjoy his temporal place in the team!
The next day...
"Alright, guys, I want you to say welcome to our newest team member!" Tenana happily announced who that one was going to be. Taiga winked to her as she knew who was going to be, while Ryan, Dolph and Sylva had no clue. Being tempted, Ryan asked his sister: "So they found Rodney's replacement?"
Tenana nodded in an approval to her brother, then she turned her head in the distance. Not long after, she let them know: "Here he comes!" Looking at the spot where Tenana was looking at, Ryan noticed that it was none other else than Timber! He was wearing a new black sled collar around his neck! Not to mention that he wasn't alone. Titanium was by his side.
"It's very nice of you, Titanium. You're the last one who won't stop having my back on this." Timber joked on Titanium's account. It was clear that when it was revealed he was going to replace Rodney, the euphoria was heard all around them. It was well needed, as Amanda was still upset after Nero set off on that journey. Geed knew it that Timber was going to be a sled dog, but he was miles away from his family and his girlfriend.
Titanium, who placed his paw on Timber's back before he was placed in harness, just let him know: "Timber, I wish you all the best for your delivery. We have been both dreaming about being sled dogs!" Then he embraced him as the brothers shared the delightful laughs. The others were watching this in an amusement.
"I get it. Thanks for the support, brother." Timber parted from his brother as it was now the time to deliver the mail! The musher came with the bag of mail to place it in the sled. Looking at Timber, the musher spoke: "I hope you do pretty well here, boy. This is your first time, ain't it?"
Timber responded with barking and it could have been said that the musher understood what he was saying. Smiling delightfully, the musher patted his head and headed back to the sled. From there he yelled: "Hike!" And before they even started running, Timber noticed that Tenana was winking at him.
This day could have been the greatest day of his life, seeing how fast and how good he was to deliver the mail. The other dogs in the team were amazed by his skills, especially Tenana. For young Timber, who was doing his first mail delivery, this was something he was dearly dreaming for days and days to come.
As the day went on, the team managed to arrive to White Mountain just on time, at around the sunset. The dogs were dearly anticipating whether they were going to sleep over in this town or they were heading back home this instant. It didn't matter to Timber at all, as long as he was having this job, he could forget on all of his worries.
"We're heading back home now." Taiga spoke, noticing how the musher was coming back with the new bag of mail. While they only had few minutes of rest, it was still counting as they had to make it back home by the dawn. Timber, like anyone else here, was willing to run back home if needed.
"Alright everyone, hike!" The musher yelled once again and the sled dogs were running as fast as the wind. As much as everyone was appreciating Rodney, noticing how skilled Timber was too, they came to conclusion: Timber was pretty much equal to his stepbrother in the terms of sled dog.
Hiking through the night, even if it was the first time he was in the service, Timber was successfully concealing his exhaustion. Sure, he did leave the trace in his eyes that he would rest, yet at the same time, knowing that his teammates were mushing, he couldn't stop. Not now, but by the dawn in the town of Nome.
As the dawn was rolling by, Timber noticed the lights in the distance. Mustering the strength, he yelled out loud so the others could hear him: "Is this it?! Are we home by now!?" And much to his delight, Ryan replied with: "Don't you worry, Timber! That is our hometown! We're almost there!"
Now that he knew the good news, Timber laughed in delight as he continued to mush. In the matter of minutes, the sled team made it to the post office, just as the sun was rising on the east. While they were lapping the water out of their bowls, resting in the snow and panting, it was shown how pleased Timber was for this.
While the sled dogs were released from their harnesses, it was shown that they could go back to their homes. In fact, Ryan, who was up to have a comfortable sleep at his parents' place, got slowly on all of his fours. Looking up to his sister, he asked her: "You coming too, Tenana? I'm just being curious."
She heard him, but now she was focused on none other else than Timber, who was eager to have another run in a few days. She looked at her younger brother and let him know: "You go, Ry. I'll catch up later with you." Enough said, Ryan was guessing what was going to happen here next. Though, he didn't go home alone. Taiga followed him just for sure, whereas Ralph's pups headed back together home.
"You holding in there, Timber?" Tenana asked him as she and Timber were now alone in the street. Timber looked at her with a such delight and affection and he replied with: "Definitely! I'd have never done this if it weren't for you!" Tenana giggled delightfully as she was looking at her younger friend, being overjoyed.
Now that they were alone, Timber had one thing in his mind - ask her a favor. But first, he reminded her: "Tenana, you said that I could consider this a favor from you, isn't that right?" He waited for her response and she just calmly nodded. It was then when he remembered "The Favor Can Always Pay Back"
Mustering all the courage he had at that moment, Timber inhaled and exhaled and finally asked: "Is it fine to you if I ask you a favor now?" He didn't have to ask twice because Tenana nodded once again in an approval. The moment of truth or dare care and alas, Timber spoke: "Tenana, will you go out on a date with me?"
All the courage he had mustered by that point was delivered in that short and simple line. It should have been worth it. Noticing that Tenana was indeed surprised by that question, Timber was lowering his ears, as if he was going to say, slightly disappointed: "It's fine, you don't have to... what have I been thinking..."
"Timber, someone is gonna think I'm nuts... but yes, I will go out on a date with you!" Tenana gained his attention and before he had any time to react, she was embracing him affectionately. It was obvious that he was younger than her, but did it matter to them both? Timber was now smiling joyfully again! It had really paid off to ask her out!
Then Tenana, after parting with him, just said: "I know this is your job to find out where we could go, but if you want to go beyond limits, we can go to the forest. Don't worry about Tundra and the wolves, I'll arrange this with her." The date in the den of the wolves, what were the odds of that?!
"Okay, I got it. Say what, let us meet here by the sunset!" Timber was already planning this ahead. While it could have seemed like he was rushing with this, Tenana was catching up with him as she placed her paw on his shoulder and said: "Then it's a deal. I'll see you later." The odds were now in Timber's favor! They were in Tenana's favor as well.
Later on, both Tenana and Timber parted ways and focusing on Timber, he rushed this instantly to Titanium's house and revealed him the good news. After that, Titanium laughed joyfully, patted him by his back and just said: "I knew it we'd end up with Tenana and Allina! These are the best days of our time!"
Tenana revealed the news to her parents and siblings and Ryan was the first one to find out. The surprise in his eyes was telling: "It's gotta be a joke! No way Timber'd have asked you out!" In the end, Ryan accepted that fact as Tenana was keeping things smooth about how she was going on a date with Titanium.
"Wow, first you, now Tenana. I'm proud at you two, you know that, Allina." Koda told his beloved sister as he watched Tenana heading to Kodi and Dusty to tell the news. He was thinking whether this was a pure coincidence or not. Therefore, Allina let him know: "As nice as Titanium is, Timber will do equally good with Tenana!"
The pride of the family was not even bothered to be concealed. Kodi and Dusty were proud at their older daughter that even she was able to get a date, but Dusty couldn't have been happier than she usually was! Her favorite daughter going on a date, just after Allina! Only Ryan was left to have a date. Besides, their parents had a bet to finish off.
Timber let his other members of family know about this. Steele was pretty much joyful that his favorite son made a step ahead. Despite the fact that he was the last one to find a date, he was happy enough that Timber could have made it. It appeared to be that Noir and Annabeth were the only ones left so far.
To Elizabeth and Amanda these news were quite relieving as they desired some relief. They were quite anxious as Nero and some others, including their younger brother and youngest son, Geed, were on that perilous journey. Annabeth and Noir took these news with more joy than Elizabeth and Amanda had. If only Geed knew this...
So, as it was a deal, by the sunset, at the post office, Timber was waiting for his friend Tenana to come, or soon enough... girlfriend. He was quite groomed, but not as much as Titanium was. Since Elizabeth and Amanda were in concern, Annabeth and Noir took the matters in their own paws for this. If only Tenana was here...
In fact...
"Timber, look at you, you look so groomed up!" The female voice called for him and it didn't take him too much to realize that voice belonged to Tenana! Looking around to see where she was coming from, he spotted her on his left and noticed that she was looking so gorgeous when so groomed up! That slender gray fur and the purple sled collar was icing on the cake of this gorgeousness.
Immediately, Timber mustered all the courage he had and said: "And you look amazing too! It seems like someone lent you a paw on grooming!" That was pretty much true, as long as Allina was around, she was willing to help her sister no matter the situation. Basically, Tenana said: "You can say that to Allina too if you want to."
That was something he was going to say the other time. In fact, they were going on a date, which was set to be in Tundra's territory. Timber cleared his throat with coughing and just politely beckoned with his paw, asking: "Shall we?" And of course, Tenana accepted his offer and both of them were on their way.
In order to go to the forest, all they had to do was to let either Aleu or Kenai to lead them there because it was dangerous to go in the forest alone. Once they reached Aleu, as Kenai was already asleep, she had agreed to take them there. While not saying much, she let her niece know: "I see that your parents must be happy for you all that you're finding dates, Tenana!"
While reaching the edges of the forest, Tenana smiled brightly and let her know: "I know, it's funny, isn't it, aunt Aleu? Only Ryan is left dateless, for now." While that was true, Timber winked to her as if he was going to say: "Don't worry, he'll find someone relatively soon." In the matter of the minutes, they reached the main clearing, letting Aleu say: "I'll get Tundra for you, yes?"
Timber and Tenana nodded as Aleu was heading to meet up with her older daughter. Being in the den of the wolves, the place that could have been showing some potential danger, was starting to feel safer and safer. If there was any wolf passing by, they were going to know that they didn't get lost, but merely guided in here.
And then, they noticed that Aleu was coming, accompanied with Tundra. Timber heard the stories of Tundra's territory, heard the tales of these wolves being honorable and caring, heard the facts about the great leader like her... but for the first time in his entire life, he saw her... Tundra.
She was the spit image of her mother, but she wore no bandanna. She also had a different eye color, being as green as Kenai's. Standing there, Tundra warmly greeted her cousin and her friend, saying: "Tenana, what a pleasant surprise! I believe that you're Timber, a friend of my cousin, right?"
Standing in front of the wolf pack leader, knowing that he was not meant to look at her as some kind of inferior canine. He firmly stood his ground and respectfully replied: "Yes. " Therefore, Aleu said: "Tundra will lead you back home once you're done with your date.". That was a reasonable offer and even Tundra spoke: "Follow me you two!"
With Aleu returning back to the old boat, Tundra led Tenana and Timber to the private clearing. While being amazed by the environment, Tundra spoke to her cousin: "Tenana, I keep hearing that you and Allina have dates now! I'm so proud at you two! If only Ryan gets his one." It was clear she was hiding no euphoria at the moment.
Tenana laughed joyfully, replying to her: "Don't worry, Tundra. My little bro Ry-Ry is going to find someone special!" Okay, Timber thought, this was just pretty hilarious. If Ryan heard her sister calling him like that, he'd be pretty much mad, or maybe not? While thinking that, Tundra announced: "Alright, you two lovedogs, this is now yours!"
Noticing it was a nice clearing with the trees surrounding it, it had a pretty view on the sky above them. Making sure no one was going to interrupt them, Tundra just let them know: "Alright, I shall make sure you two are all by yourselves and that no one is going to come nearby here." That seemed reasonable enough.
Tenana approved that and she let her cousin know: "See you some other time, Tundra!" Tundra nodded back happily to her and returned to the main clearing. With the snowy ground on that clearing, Timber once again offered his paw, saying: "Shall we?" Without the doubt, she accepted his romantic offer.
As they walked to the center of the clearing, the light breeze was present. That was noticed because of the branches slightly twitching and lightly snapping. That didn't bother them now as when they were in the center, Tenana suggested: "Would you like if we both lay down on our backs in the snow?"
Why not? Timber was clearly in charge of this date so he just said: "After you." Taking that as yes, Tenana laid down on her back in the snow and Timber, who took a few seconds to observe how beautiful she was laying down in the snow, decided to lay down himself as the matter of deal.
Once they were laying down, both Tenana and Timber looked at each other, laughing delightfully to keep each other's company. Then, Timber looked up in the sky and noticed that it wasn't really the clearest that night. There were some stars up there, but the clouds started to cover the brightest ones. Still, what was the worry at the moment?
Now that these two young dogs were close to each other, Tenana giggled sweetly to her date and just asked him: "Isn't it funny that you and your brother date me and my sister? It's gotta be some funny coincidence!" As funny as that sounded, Timber laughed with her. But he knew this was not a coincidence, but planned along for some time.
Not wanting to spoil anything at the moment, Timber just added some more sugar: "And it's even funnier that I'm younger than Titanium, yet you're older than Allina. What are the chances for so?" Tenana laughed even more on that. She obviously didn't realize that him and Titanium dating her and Allina was planned ahead.
As they were now closer to each other, Tenana just whispered: "Then again, we're sled dogs, all four of us. If only you weren't a replacement." That was right, but replacing Rodney in order to be permanent sled dog for career was not a good idea. While it was known that Timber liked Taiga out of all step-siblings, he still respected Rodney.
Therefore, Tenana just continued: "Rodney is that kind of sled dog who once begins the career, keeps it up to the end. He'll always keep that place until he retires." That was more like it, supporting a stepbrother and a teammates. Therefore, Timber dared himself to ask her: "If I end up being a permanent sled dog in any team, do you think I'll be a good one?"
That question was a good one, but it wasn't really hard one either. Seeing his talent that day, Tenana came closer and licked his cheek, which made him blush slightly. She whispered: "Of course. I do believe that you'll be a successful sled dog one day. Trust me." Timber was lost in his love thoughts at the moment.
While they were looking each other in an affection, they felt on their skins that the breeze was getting stronger and stronger. The sky was now completely covered in cloud. It wasn't until Tenana asked: "Is it me or do you feel the cold...? Hey, I felt something falling on me!" She was right, the snowflakes that were descending from the sky were getting bigger and tougher.
"We better get back to Tundra before we get snowed down!" Tenana yelled in the wind, sensing the dangers of the blizzard. But the idea of heading to Tundra was not a good idea at the moment as she was now too far to get there. Timber looked frantically around, wondering where the best cover could have been found.
Suddenly, some flashing was seen in the distance. At first, Timber dismissed that flash as something that was in his head. When it flashed for the second time, this time stronger, Timber yelled in the wind: "Tenana! Let's follow that flash! It could save us from this deadly blizzard!" There was no point of arguing as Tenana did what he told her.
While it took them minutes to reach the flash, they made it safely towards there. The flash was now stronger, not to mention that it was revealing some entrance. Whatever that entrance was, they could not wait any longer so Timber yelled: "Ladies first! Or should I go check what's inside!?" The former happened, leaving Timber to enter second.
Once they were inside, it was some kind of dark cave, the flash in the distance being the only source of the light. Fortunately for them both, the blizzard was not piercing inside. Timber exhaled in relief as he muttered: "I'm glad we made it to this cave. Couldn't stand there for another blasted second outside." Tenana was also very glad about how they made it.
Yet, Tenana was now focusing on the flashing in the cave. Being curious about it, she just asked her: "Any idea what it could be there?" While there were many propositions, timber just asked: "Maybe it could be the crystals emitting the light from the depths of this cave?" The way he said it... it actually made Tenana feel some kind of affection towards him.
Tenana suggested: "Since our date outside didn't go well, maybe watching these lights will!" That was a pretty solid idea and as long as they were in distance, Tenana sat near the wall and Timber made her a company. Sitting right next to each other as they observed these pretty lights, Timber wrapped his paw around Tenana's shoulder.
Going to make the next step, Timber asked her romantically: "Isn't this gorgeous, you and I, watching the lights in the cave?" It was really gorgeous for Tenana. She found this place even prettier, but more she was watching these lights, sleepier she felt. Timber could hear her yawning, but he wasn't sleepy yet. He was amazed by the sight.
"Timber, hold me in my sleep, will you?" Tenana yawned loudly as the sight of the lights was making her eyelids fall. She was laying down as Timber wasn't letting her go. Eventually, she laid down on her side, with Timber wrapping his paws around her neck. Tenana, before finally falling asleep, just said: "I hope we get home by the dawn..."
This made Timber softly whisper in her ear: "I hope we shall..." She didn't respond, as she was the first one to suggest the journey home by the dawn. In fact, he heard the rhythmical breathing coming from Tenana. Whispering again, Timber wanted to know: "Tenana? Tenana, are you awake?" She didn't respond, because she was obviously asleep.
The lights were still shining brightly, which made Timber feel squeamish on that view. Stroking Tenana's fur softly by her head, Timber whispered again: "Do you have any ideas how much I love you, Tenana? If only you were awake to hear me this, you'd love me for so..." He continued to stroke her fur before he laid down himself.
Unlike her, Timber had troubles sleeping. For tens of minutes his eyes were widely open and despite having a comfortable place to sleep, he just couldn't force himself to fall asleep at once. What was happening or more importantly, why was this happening? Was there something around them that called either to come to that specific place.
Looking at the lights, Timber wondered from where these came anyways. If he could not sleep at once, he could at least go after the lights in the cave and hopefully discover their secret. If so, maybe he'd be able to keep it. From there on, he'd reveal to others slowly and maybe that'd increase his reputation? Without any other questions in his head, Timber slowly parted from sleeping Tenana and decided to find the source.
It could have looked like it was not going to easy to part from Tenana, but once he did, she didn't even stir in her sleep. More important, she was sleeping like a puppy on that cave. Now that the blizzard was raging outside and Timber sought the source of the lights, he decided to go into the heart of this cave, whatever it was.
Moving closer to the lights, it was leading to the chamber just behind the rock. Moving closer, he noticed that the cave was descending slowly to the depths of the Earth. It wasn't too deep though, yet he was making sure he'd be careful here. When the cave stopped descending for a while, the source of light became brighter.
But then, there was something on the wall, something brown and something that stood out of these gray walls. Sniffing that brown thing on the wall, he realized that it smelled on carpenter's work. Just on the opposite side of the wall was the other brown thing, wood plank. Looking in the distance, there were the rows of the planks.
Timber realized that his cave was no ordinary cave. It was a mine! But what exactly this mine was? Coal, gold, iron? It didn't matter to him. He could have noticed in the dimly lit chambers some of the rail tracks and empty wagons. Furthermore, there were some pickaxes left behind. What stood out here was the fact that there were lots of dust in here. This was an abandoned mine.
The question was, where was that light coming from? All these lighters were turned out, but the light was coming from somewhere. Then, while Timber was least expecting, he noticed something stirring on the ceiling. Getting his head closer to that something stirring, it suddenly screeched!
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Timber screamed as he was startled by the screeching creature! Once he heard the flapping wings of that creature, he came to realize it was a bat! The bat started flying away, towards the ominous direction and possibly in the darker chamber. Some kind of moaning was heard in the distance and indeed, Tenana spoke, although half-asleep: "Timber, what's happening?"
Knowing that she was awaken thanks to his yelling, Timber just yelled back, albeit softly: "N... nothing, Tenana! Just go to sleep, okay?" She moaned once again, as if she was trying to say "Yes" before dosing off. Timber exhaled in relief as she was asleep now. Though he asked himself, was there a point of searching for the source of the light in this cave?
"I guess I could go back to Tenana and sleep..." Timber whispered to himself as he hung his head and turned around. As quick as flash, Timber noticed something shiny on the ground. That shiny thing shone once again, which lead to Timber asking himself: "What is that?" Getting closer to that shiny object, he realized that it wasn't dug in too deeply.
Using his paw as some kind of tool, Timber could relatively easy dig out that shiny thing out of the ground. Once he had, underneath his paw was the solid rock sized shiny crystal. Moving his paw away, he noticed that the crystal was a diamond! So they were in a diamond mine! It looked so stunningly marvelous on the sight!
Looking at that pretty diamond, Timber was wondering what to do with it?! Since it was a very pretty item to look at, he came to realize that with this thing, he could come closer to Tenana's heart! He couldn't resist it, he was going to give it to her sooner or later! She was asleep now, so what he could do was to hide it somewhere.
Then again, he was not going to leave it in this mine. Oh no. Instead, he was going to place it underneath his collar, by his shoulder! Piece of cake it looked like as he carefully placed the diamond below the collar! This was the right thing to impress Tenana, because that was something he was thinking at the moment. Now that he didn't wander too far from where he started, he could return to her at once.
Timber followed the trial back to the surface and it didn't take him too much to reach the entrance of this cave/mine. Noticing that Tenana was sleeping tightly while the blizzard was still raging outside, Timber smiled warmly as he approached her. Wrapping himself very closely to Tenana, he now felt like he could fall asleep very soon. At that moment, he softly whispered: "Sleep well. There's something that will melt your heart, Tenana." With that being said, Timber finally dosed off.