The sun was just barely up and there was movement within Aleu and Steele's temporary room. Steele rose quietly, stretched his limbs then gently nudged Aleu.
"Time to wake up. We need to get going soon," Steele said gently. Aleu flicked her ears slightly then lifted her head and yawned softly before she stood up and stretched. She nuzzled Steele softly then gently nudged her pups one by one. The four pups were soon awake and stretched as well.
"Why do we have to leave so early, mom?" Teagan groaned lightly. Aleu giggled softly and gently flicked a tuft of fur that was sticking up on his head.
"Because we still have to walk all the way home," Aleu replied. Coal walked over and grinned at his younger brother.
"Don't worry Teagan, if you get tired I can carry you home," Coal said as he puffed out his chest. Teagan rolled his eyes then nipped softly on his brother's ear.
"No way! I can make the whole walk home just fine!" Teagan retorted with a playful growl. Coal chuckled and pushed his brother with paw.
"Yeah, sure," Coal said. Aleu smiled softly.
"Settle down boys. You'll need your energy for the trip home," Aleu said softly. Steele walked to her side and nodded in agreement.
"Your mother is right, boys," Steele agreed. Coal and Teagan nodded once. Freya and Heather walked over to the rest of their family members and sat down.
"Can we say goodbye to grandma and grandpa?" Freya asked. Aleu nodded with a warm smile.
"If course. Let's all head over," Aleu said before she headed to her father's room. Balto had just woken up and when he spotted his daughter and her family he smiled brightly.
"Heading off?" Balto asked. Aleu and Steele nodded simultaneously. Balto nodded once in acknowledgement.
"Alright. Let me call Jenna," Balto said before he walked outside of his room and stood at the edge of the ship then howled. Jenna soon arrived at the ship and the family said their goodbyes. Steele glanced at the sky then back at everyone else.
"Ok, time to head out," Steele said. Aleu and the pups nodded and the family was soon on their way home.
By the time the family got home, it was afternoon. The pups got drinks of water then ran into the cave and were soon asleep. Steele chuckled softly as he watched his children for a while then he sat down beside Aleu at the side of the lake.
"They're good pups, Aleu," Steele reflected with a smile. Aleu nuzzled Steele affectionately in agreement then licked his cheek softly.
"Yes they are. They'll grow up to be fine adults one day," Aleu said. Steele nodded in agreement.
"Hey Aleu?" Steele prompted casually. Aleu raised a brow curiously.
"Yes?" Aleu inquired with a flick of her ears. Steele grinned widely.
"I love you," Steele said softly before he licked Aleu's muzzle gently. Aleu giggled happily and licked Steele's cheek in return.
"I love you too," Aleu echoed back. The two sat together and watched the sunset together before they headed back into the cave with their pups to settle down for the night.