[werepickle]

Username: werepickle
Name: TBD
Gender: male
Name Meaning: (optional)

Parent 1: Elio
Parent 2: Benji
Prompt:

Elio was sprawled on the floor, soaking up the warmth the fireplace spewed into the living room watching as the flames licked and crackled the wood inside. Laughter could be heard as his owner sat on the computer talking with her friend. ‘Elio come here’ his owner called. Groaning not wanting to move, he stretched out before padding over to her. Receiving a scratch behind the ears, his owner soon spoke again ‘Martha this is Elio’ and he soon was greeted with a screen in his face and a cheerful looking human was staring at him. But he wasn’t focused on them but the head that bobbing into view. For a moment the head was still and he saw a fluffy dog black and white with piercing orange eyes. Giggling his human interrupted his day dream ‘That’s Benji and he’s coming to Bluebell Farms’. Soon bored he padded back to his spot and laid down trying to resume his nap but those eyes plagued his dreams making his nap near impossible.

~ 1 week later ~
It was a warm autumn afternoon, birds were singing from amongst the trees and butterflies flittering to and fro from the various flowers that dotted the house. Elio was making his rounds, padding along the grassy path he’s traveled many times ensuring things are in working order. Without warning, he soon was barrelled over and before he could comprehend what had happened, whatever hit him was gone just as quickly as it appeared. Elio slowly rose and shook the loose dirt and leaves from his fur and quickly glanced around confused as to what had happened. Walking back towards the house, the events replayed over in his head as he tried to think of what it could’ve been. Noticing a nice shady patch he padded over and throwing himself down, he placed his head between his paws. No sooner had he closed his eyes, he felt a heavy thump on his side and raising his head he was greeted with those piercing orange eyes. All thoughts left Elio’s head as he continued to stare at the collie before him. ‘Hello ??’ questioned Benji, slowing snapping out of his daze Elio responded ‘Oh howdy’. A small chuckle escaped the collies mouth before speaking ‘I just wanted to apologise after running into you today’. He sheepishly looked at the ground, shuffling his paws in the dirt. Feeling some compassion Elio nuzzled into Benjis neck and whispered ‘That’s ok’. Dumbfounded Benji sat frozen, he always had his guard up, never wanting to get close to anyone afraid of hurting them. As if sensing his discomfort Elio pulled away softly asked ‘Benji are you ok ??’ Quickly Benji realised he missed the comfort that was brought from Elio and nervously responded ‘I’ve never been close to anyone before it’s always been a scary experience for me’. Benji looked at Elio and he felt like his eyes were filled with understanding and was confirmed when Elio replied ‘That’s ok I’m sorry if I upset you’. Elio soon placed his head back onto his paws, but soon felt Benji nuzzle into his side and his tail softly wagged stirring up the dirt behind him. Benji didn’t drift of straight away as his mind raced with questions and uncertainty but feeling the rise and fall of Elio’s chest he felt his problems wash away bringing him the comfort that he didn’t know he was looking for.

Each day Benji and Elio spent more time together talking about stories of adventures or walking around the farm enjoying the tranquility it seemed to bring. As their bond deepened with each passing day, Elio realised that sometimes during the quietest moments in life, you receive good things amongst a whirlwind of chaos and for Benji putting your trust in someone and taking that ‘leap of faith’ was all that was needed to overcome any fear or obstacle that was put in his path.

[rainbowspongefactory]

Username: rainbowspongefactory
Name: tbd
Gender: Male
Name Meaning: tbd

Parent 1: Jax
Parent 2: Fracture
Prompt: wip

[Baobabel]

Username: Baobabel
Name: tbd (something like Gratitude for Growth..)
Gender: Female
Name Meaning: n/a

Parent 1: Chiliad
Parent 2: Symbiotic
Prompt: For Chiliad and Symbiotic, it wasn't love at first sight or enemies to lovers although closer to the latter than the first. Chiliad and Sym are a good example of kindred spirits. Chilia had been on the farm for awhile when Sym has ifrst been brought home. There are so many animals around the honestly didn't pay attention to each other too much. It wasn't until there started showing up in the same places that they really noticed each other.
Turns out, they both have similar interests. They are both fun loving collies that also enjoy quiet time alone. Adventurous introvert. So they both would seek out the quiet hidden parts of the farm where no one else gathered.

Initially this caused some frustration and jealously. Chiliad would seek out her favorite oak tree only to find the newcomer sitting in its shade. Sym, trying to find some solitude, would head to the attic only to see Chiliad already filling the space. Both avoid confrontations so neither directly spoke to the other about it. They both seemed to want the same toys, treats, books, beds, etc as the other. They started leaving passive aggressive clues which eventually turned into minor pranks to try to get the other collie to avoid the area. There was the stink bug bomb, the wet paint porch incident, along with many others.

One day, Sym heard from another collie that they learned Chiliad's mom had passed. She headed to her favorite tree only to see Chiliad already there and crying. She gave her her space. Sym ended up going to Chiliad's favorite spot (a huge pile of blankets in he attic) and left a little gift for the grieving collie. This starting a new chain of behaviors for both of them. Instead of pranks they would each leave something behind for the other. They learned they had similar tastes in many things including books. Then one day, when Chiliad approached the oak tree and say Sym already there, instead of walking away, she joined her. Almost immediately they jumping into hours long conversations. They shared so many interests and ideals it was effortless to keep the conversation going.
They still enjoy their solo time and they still leave gifts for each other. Both looking forward to what the next little treasure will be. But both have found someone they can enjoy quiet time with together.

[DarkestWerewolf]

Username: DarkestWerewolf
Name: Weeping Battlecry // War
Gender: Female
Name Meaning: In the balance of life and death, there is always Peace and War.

Parent 1: Ballad of Life // Vida
Parent 2: Primera Espada // Muerte
Prompt:

It was said that life & death shouldn’t be together. They were great opposites. However, their paths would always cross.

Vida gives life to the creatures of the forest. She nurtures the little fawns and fledglings. She watches them grow, watch them take their first step, take their first flight, their first everything. Vida would quietly watch them from a distance and cheer for them. It is always bittersweet to watch them go and she never took it well. Vida never liked the feeling of letting them go and being lonely.

On the other hand, Muerte takes away life. However, he isn’t violent about it. He just knows when to seek out the old and sick. By then, they have already been left behind by their family/herd. They have already accepted their fate and was waiting for him. Muerte would spend some quiet time, comforting them before giving them a gently tap on their head. They breathed their last breath and closed their eyes.

Vida and Muerte have met in fleeting before. However, they had important jobs to do and they never had time aside from a passing smile. However, their first meeting would also be their most memorable.

It was a beautiful spring day when Vida wandered through the forest. Spring meant that she was very busy with all the new lives that are happening. As she walked deeper into the forest, she noticed a familiar figure.

“Muerte.” She greeted.
“Vida. You’re just as beautiful today.” Muerte mused, always having a way with words.
“I’ve got a busy day. It’s spring after all. Been bored, lately?” She teased.
“Don’t come and complain to me about boredom when winter comes. I’m actually on the way to do a job right now.”

That’s when they both realised. They’ve never held a conversation further than a greeting and they were walking in the same direction. Vida’s heart sank. Both of them knew in that moment that they were heading to the same place. She remained quiet the entire time.

The pair reached a clearing in the forest. There, amongst the flowering greenery and grass, was a doe with difficulty giving birth. Vida raced to her aside, slowly coaxing and comforting the doe. Muerte stayed in the shadows as he witnessed the scene. After much difficulty, she pushed little fawn out. However, as the fawn started to breathe and move, the doe didn’t get up. She had lost to much blood.

“Mi Vida….” Muerte finally said.

No. This can’t be happening….

“Please, Muerte…” Vida sighed as tears started to fall.

“You can’t bargain with death.” He said, giving a half-hearted chuckle.

Vida knew he was right but for the sake of the fawn, she wanted to try. However, she knew that there’s no avoiding the circle of life. She eventually relented and walked away.

“Don’t leave, Vida. Stay for a bit.” Muerte said as he sat by the doe.

She sat next to Muerte, watching the doe breathe heavily as she continues to bleed. Muerte’s eyes glowed as he placed a paw on her.

“I’m sorry to take your life just when you gave life to another. It is truly an unfair thing. However, I hope to grant you a sense of peace that you no longer have to suffer.” Muerte said.

The doe’s breathing slowed and came to an eventual stop. He breathed a sigh and turned to Vida who was shedding tears.

“Oh Vida…”

“I’m not used to letting go and the loneliness of it all…”

He understood where she was coming from. It was a lonesome job and Muerte hated it at the start as well. However, after watching Vida adore her job so much, he started to learn how to smile and like his job.

“If you’d like, I can help guide you on learning to let go and coping with loneliness.” He offered.

Vida stopped and smiled, meeting his look. “I’d appreciate that.”

“Look, Vida. All isn’t lost as well. Nursing does will adopt orphaned fawns from time to time.” Muerte said, turning his attention to the trees at the opposite end of the clearing.

Vida could just make out the shadow of another doe who was cautiously looking in their direction. Her ears were turned towards the faint cries of the newborn fawn. They turned towards each other and smiled. It may not have been their first meeting but both knew that in that moment, it was when life and death fell in love.

[Griffin Torrens]

I hope everyone enjoyed entering this, I really loved going through them all! We have a few winners because I knew I wouldn't be able to pick just one! And those who didn't win, I hope you're still proud of your writing/art about your collies! Winners are listed below in no particular order. The first one will have this puppy, the others will be posted as a new adopt when finished so keep your eyes peeled!

miraphoenix
Oh man, your entry had me grinning because it was so adorable! I was invested from start to finish, and listening to the songs at the end really solidified it!

NoodleDOOT
I know you've barley done any art before, so your piece shows a lot of effort and came out really well! You answered the prompt clearly and as someone who's read warrior cats, I love how you hinted at their relationship in the books but also made it completely new and your own for the collies!

shortstop
I'm a sucker for cute domestic moments and the more mental side of relationships! It was written really well and I felt answered the prompt perfectly with show don't tell, then confirmation at the end!

DarkestWerewolf
What you wrote was really beautiful, and I can tell you've really delved into these collies, their personalites, and how this builds their relationship!

[miraphoenix]

...Oh my gosh, there are so many fantastic entries here!!
Thank you, Griffin, for taking the time to put this together; this was a profoundly fun competition, and congratulations to all winners!

[shortstop]

ah, thank you so much!!
there were so many lovely entries to read through, and the accompanying art pieces of some of the couples were so cute c:
congrats to the other winners!