``growing pains || open

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MARZELL

As dawn's first rays flickered over the horizon a small black figure crept from the shadows of a rocky outcrop. A soft mist hung over the meadow, tranquil in the morning stillness, if only for a while longer. The raven-coated wolf watched the horizon for a moment, taking in his surroundings, mind blinking away the grasp of his nighttime fantasies. The beast had awoken. With a lingering growl and an inexperienced slink forward, Marzell broke into the sound barrier, shattering silence with his black paws, teeth slicing the air, tearing at invisible foes. The snarls and barks of an pup at play echoed blissfully around the borders, loud enough to startle the nearby sparrows into the air, yet quiet enough to avoid rousing his sleeping parents from their dreams.

The young pup continued to romp and chase his opponents away with dashing blows and strikes only the greatest warrior could deal; his mind was caught in a game that he dared not lose. He was strong and powerful in battle like his father, bold and ambitious like his mother. He was the Alpha of Irrsin, fighting with his tiny teeth bared in a grimacing snarl--temporarily, of course. Losing interest in the flickering, fluttering leaves, Marzell steadied his movements before he recklessly tossed his head into the air, dramatic moves drawn up as he charged the field, feeling the tension and flex of his muscles, the deep breaths expanding inside, the new feeling of anxiety that built in his stomach, knotting and twisting.

Marzell did this every morning for the past week or so--carefully and cautiously he would slip out at daybreak, before his mother would realize his absence, to dash about the lands and explore the grasses of Irrsin alone, without the nagging companionship of his two whinning sisters. Dresa was by far the easier to handle of the two, however she stood stubbornly in his way on one, solitary condition. She had been born first, and therefore was heir to all of Irrsin's riches. Ridiculous. A she-wolf heir to what was rightfully his? Pfft.

The soft cooing of a nearby morning dove jolted Marzell from his thoughts of reign and royalty. For now he would be content with the laughter and good-natured wrestling games of puphood, regardless of how much he acted like his queen mother. With another well balenced leap, Marzell propelled himself forward into the scents and stretches of Irrsin, black fur becoming more distinguished as the morning light grew brighter. It was time to find out what the day had in store for him.

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DRESNA

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Slowly, Dresna stirred.

Cerulean eyes that so closely matched her father's peaked open, narrowed at first as the pup tried to drag herself out of dreamland. She took a quick glance around, confirming that she was still nuzzled against her mother's side. But someone was missing. She sat up groggily, shaking herself as quietly as she could so as not to rouse her parents or Adelina. She had noticed by this time that it was Marzell who had disappeared. Often times in the early hours of the morning, Dresna would awaken to find that her brother was gone. At first this worried her, but he was always found safe and sound, so eventually she began to pay it no mind. On this particular morning, however, Dresna found herself curious about Marzell's whereabouts. Instead of curling back against her sister and her mother, safe and secure with her father lingering close by, Dresna decided that she, too, would venture from the warm den. With that, she gathered herself on her tiny paws and loped out of the cave.

Dresna marched out into the open air, met by a cool breeze ahead and soft grass below. In the distance, although it truly wasn't that far away, she could spot Marzell's dark body. He was making his way...somewhere. She paused and glanced back, debating returning to her beloved mother for perhaps the tenth time. But then she remembered that she was the first born, that she was supposed to be the fearless one, and if Marzell could wander off, so could she. Lifting her head high, filled with the pride that her mother often showed, she bounded forward. At first she tripped and stumbled over her own paws, but soon enough she was leaping forward quickly, each short little stride carrying her closer to Marzell. He was moving away quickly as well, however, and Dresna became slightly frustrated - although she kept it to herself. She was definitely quieter than her siblings.

"Marzell!" she whisper-hissed as she neared his side, little heart working double as she slowed. Above, the sky was steadily growing lighter, making Dresna feel just a bit safer. Now that she was near Marzell, she found herself relaxing even further as her slender tail wagged back and forth happily. "Where are you going?" She asked, her sisterly tone already perfected. Often Dresna would wonder if she was annoyance to her siblings, and sometimes she would withdraw from them, scared that she was difficult to put up with. But on other days, such as this one, she was unbothered by the possibility, for weren't siblings supposed to get on each others nerves?

She pushed herself forward until she was directly beside her brother, glancing over at him every few steps. While she was making no conscious effort to place herself ahead of him, Dresna couldn't deny that often she felt slightly competitive towards her brother. Perhaps she got it from both of her parents, because she knew that neither of them would ever go down without a fight.
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MARZELL

Rumbling from within the male's mind was the curiosity of a newborn fledgeling, growling and yowling the wanderlust of the hunter. Aimed at a nearby raven, Marzell's eyes flickered back and forth, watching his prey with a new focus, his haunches coiling as he lowered himself to the ground. The male carefully positioned his body closer to the black feathered creature, the young eyes glinting inexperience as Marzell placed his paws forward and with a little too much enthusiasm. Marzell, not realizing his mistake, yelped in surprise as the raven cawed fearfully through the trees. The croaking of the avian screamed in the wolf's ears as the bird ascended upward, startled by the young pup's effort to track his first prey.

"Marzell!"

What? It was the expression of a completely bewildered child, the slow churning of a brain at work. It was with a rush that the questions flew through him, lightening in his clouded mind. What in Iudex's name was she doing out here? This early? Was this the first time she'd seen him? What would she tell mother? Needless to mention that his earlier thoughts of hunting and bringing home his first prey had been shot clean through. Marzell was genuinely stunned, and the bitter emotion left him feeling like he'd somehow been cheated out of a sweet prize.

"Where are you going?"

The words flew off the young female's mouth like nothing had transpired, Marzell left racing to catch up. Dresna's tail wagged amusement and elation at her brother's presence--the only real victory he could take in this particular circumstance. Hmph. Wouldn't she like to know. With a snort and toss of his head, Marzell strode away from his sister's tagging frame. Black fur rippled at the slight hint of a breeze and his thoughts paused, lingering on the moment as long as he dared. He would answer when he was ready and not before.

"Oh, you know..."

Marzell hesitantly groped for words to deceive his sister with.

"Well, okay. It's kinda a secret."

It was the conniving, sly eloquence that Marzell boldly asked to dance alongside, his eyes hastily flashing a certain something that would be too deep for his sister to blatantly read. With a quick glance behind them at the den, Kasimira's son strode farther into the meadow reeds, strutting with his chest puffed out like an exotic bird. How humble. Still, Mother and Father would find no fault with him today... Just you wait.

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DRESNA

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When Marzell angled his body away from her, Dresna puffed up like a blowfish, her little eyes narrowing and her chest pressing outwards as she inhaled a large breath. Before she could open her mouth to demand his attention, her anger seemed to disappear as quickly as it had showed up, and instead of yipping and making a show of things, she exhaled and seemed to grow visibly smaller. If he would have her play the waiting game, it was a game intended for two, and Dresna was experienced. She found herself to be the most patient of both of her siblings, and although she did sometimes find herself unwilling to wait for what she wanted, in this case she would be able to. With the most serene expression a pup could manage, she tagged along after him, ears perked forward to catch his words when he finally did speak.

"Oh, you know..."

She frowned, for she didn't know, and Marzell had to know that. Perhaps he was baiting her, and alas, his next words proved that he was.

"Well, okay. It's kinda a secret."

"A secret?" She asked, putting extra emphasis on the last word. Her little legs struggled to keep up with Marzell, but she wasn't giving up any time soon. There was a certain competitiveness between Marzell and Dresna. Naturally this was to be expected of siblings, but it was almost as if the two took this to a new level. While Dresna didn't fully understand all the complications of why they were both so competitve, she knew that with time she would, and that she would continue to oppose him - once more, as siblings often did.

"I don't like secrets," she began, attempting to force her voice to carry. With a little burst of speed, she leaped forward and whirled around so that she was standing in front of Marzell, slitted eyes trained on him as she blocked his path. If he slid past her she would certainly allow it, for Dresna wasn't the type to start physical conflicts with her brother, but that didn't mean she would disappear and allow him to get on with his...secrets. What sort of secrets could Marzell have, anyways? Her imagination couldn't come up with anything grand enough. Nothing that could be hidden, anyways, and nothing that was logical.

"What if mom and dad wake up and we're not there?"

OoC: Not my best..I feel like it was a load of rambling. xD
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MARZELL

"A secret?"

The bait worked well, at least from what he could tell. Giddy under his facade, Marzell pranced along, not speaking and only listening to the rustle of his sister following through the brush. She was keeping up with his pace well, even though his legs were easily longer than hers.

"I don't like secrets."

At this bold statement, Marzell's sister stood bold faced before him, paws spread even and a squareness set about her shoulders that had never been there before. Interesting. Marzell's navy eyes observed her quietly for a moment, his jaw clenching as he pondered how to proceed. Fight it. It was instinctive, the sibling rivalry that burned through him as he splayed his paws wider. His stance was dead locked on hers, the eyes connecting and narrowing, daring her to take him on. White teeth blared their silent challenge, interrupted only by Dresna's open musings.

"What if mom and dad wake up and we're not there?"

Good question. Marzell furrowed his brow as he spit back a swift reply.

"Still need mommy and daddy to protect you?"

It was the taunting, biting remark of a teasing younger brother. Fueled by jealousy and desire. Marzell softly growled his displeasure, with a slightly playful demeanor just for good measure, before leaping forward at Dresna's small figure. He yelped and barked in amusement, attempting to knock his sister to the ground in a flurry of cautious paws and gentle nips. Something deep within the young male itched to inflict deeper, more meaningful wounds but the wrath his mother was known for held his actions in check. For now. Boastfully, Marzell felt he was winning this matchup, pinning Dresna's white body to the ground even though her blows and spitting force was much stronger than he'd expected. In reality the two were evenly matched--only in Marzell's mind was he truly above his older sister.

"Come on Dresna, is that all you've got?"

Beneath the spreading branches of a large oak tree wrestled the two wolves. On the distant horizon a howl lifted into the air, nameless and bold. Marzell froze immediately, forgetting the game he had been playing only moments before, his fur spiked with apprehension at the intruder's call. What should he do? Run and tell his parents? That would seem cowardly. Still, the idea of confronting the stranger, wasn't very appealing either. With a glance at Dresna, Marzell flipped his ears hastily, signaling a quiet retreat. Maybe the confines of the den wasn't so boring after all.

Becoming the fearless prince of Irrsin could wait for another day.

ooc-yeah, i felt like I was rambling too. Wanna bring the rest of the pack in?

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DRESNA

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"Still need mommy and daddy to protect you?"

Dresna's eyes were venomous slits as she struggled to keep her mouth firmly closed. It was difficult for one of her siblings to get on her nerves, but Marzell was doing a fair job of it. While siblings commonly had uncanny abilities when it came to agitating their littermates, Dresna had always thought herself too...well, mature to stoop to her sibling's level. Dresna knew that by assuming that she was mature for her age, she was being quite arrogant. Perhaps her maturity level matched every other pups, but she was just too quiet to show it. But contrary to these thoughts, Dresna liked to believe herself to be as special as her parents told her she was. Nevermind that they told the other pups the same thing. She was the first born, after all.

She was drug out of her thoughts by Marzell's form leaping towards her. She gave a soft yelp of surprise as her body thumped to the ground, his own covering her frame as Marzell began to bat and nip at her. Angrily she responded to him, forgetting that she was supposed to be behaving "maturely" as she snapped and pushed at his body with her own. She figured that she was holding her own well enough, but his next words only infuriated her further by making her feel inadequate.

"Come on Dresna, is that all you've got?"

She began to imagine all sorts of twisting tricks to best him when suddenly a howl sounded, seeming to surround the pups despite the fact that it was in the distance. Marzell ceased his attack and Dresna rolled to her feet, her body quivering slightly as she crouched, ears plastered against her skull. She glanced worriedly at Marzell, suddenly not feeling very mature at all as she inwardly pleaded for him to take control. When he signaled retreat, she was more than happy to oblidge. She straightened and immediately turned, quietly stumbling back towards the dens, all the while glancing over her shoulder to make sure that her brother was following.

Now, in the face of what appeared to be danger, Marzell's secret and the two's scuffle was immediately forgotten. Dresna was overcome with the desire to nuzzle close to her mother again, and to hear her father's deep, comforting voice as he murmured soothing words. She knew that she was no match for some of the things she would have to face in the future, and the howl seemed to ring in her mind over and over, chilling her to the very bone as the frightened pup hurried back to the safety of her parents.

OoC: Sure, sounds good to me!
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[Kyren]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,250,true][bg=black] X.x "Quote" thought "speech" text x.X I used up all of my tricks Being a beta was far better than being a sklavin, and yet being an alpha was even more appealing, and more befitting of the small copper colored wolf. Not just alpha, someday he would be a great alpha, one respected even by the other pack alpha's. However, for today the small ethiopian wolf was a beta, and thus taking an early morning trot around their land, looking for anything unusual, and working on memorizing every detail of the land. The more he remembered it, the easier it was to compensate for his one blind eye. Mentally timing how long it took to get from one landmark to another at a chosen gait, every hole, new and old and where water took the longest to be soaked up into the land after a rainfall. Kyren’s ears pricked up straight as he heard an unrecognized howl off in the distance, front paw raised in the air as he considered his situation. His head turned back in the direction of the den, and as he was about to head off in the direction of the howl he heard, and then smelled two wolves he did recognize. The pups came first, learning about the intruder came second, and in fact this worked out quite well. Trotting a few steps to meet up with the future leaders of this pack, he stepped in front of their path. I hope that you like this, but you probably won't [color=white]“You two are up early this morning, especially considering that by the looks of you two, its not as if you just started running from a few feet away.” A short pause to let them understand that he knew of their wandering off, and let it sink in that he had a partial say now in determining of the alpha’s found out about their little pups adventures. Glancing in the direction of the howl, letting the two pups see he was aware of their concern, and then his head turned to face them. His eyes grew more focused on the two, his tone offering no question as to the seriousness of his next words, “You heard that howl, so now you are aware of a stranger’s presence. Consider well if the wolf did not howl and had thoughts of damaging this pack, starting with its future generations. Consider well what would happen if you were far off with no one able to reach you in time to protect you. You two are pups, and more than that, the offspring of excellent alpha’s. You are young, and for now you need protecting, but there will come a time you will be responsible for a pack of your own, a strong one if there is any justice in this world.” Yah, that was enough of being too forceful to two young, scared pups. “Now, everythings fine. The wolf has announced himself, and he is not all that close. You two run back to your parents. Do me a favor and let them know I’ll be heading in that direction, make sure the boundary is secure. If I need anyone to back me up, I’ll howl.” you think you're cooler than me A step off and a glance back at the two pups, “I bet carrying out what I’ve asked, and playing a part in the safety of the pack might help tone down a bit of your parents concern of your running off without permission.” The term asked was carefully used. Kyren had certainly ordered the pups to do their task, but with young future rulers it was often better to let them feel there had been a choice. “Marzel? Dresna? You will be alright?” Future alphas, Kyren reminded himself, were also scared pups. Words;; 608 Muse;; good Puppets;; Kyren for Marzel, Dresna, whomever Notes;; Wooo finally got in!

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MARZELL

The rush of Dresna's fur reminded Marzell of his current position. In Irrsin's meadows, away from the den, away from protection. The young male's heart thumped as they began to hastily slink back to the den, all previous scuffles forgotten in the speed of the moment. Hesitantly, he cast a glance at Dresna; he let a soft growl rumble in his throat at what he saw. Who dared frighten heirs such as themselves? Still, all the pride and boldness that wrestled with his mind was nothing. He was not invincible. Not yet.

“You two are up early this morning, especially considering that by the looks of you two, its not as if you just started running from a few feet away.”

Marzell jumped slightly at Kyren's sudden and unexpected appearance, his heart reacting with increased sensitivity. Where in Iudex's name had he come from? It was obvious from his expression he knew something. Marzell was left in complete silence, pondering only one thing. He knows. Caught off guard and cornered like a piece of fresh meat didn't sit well with Marzell. With a disdainful flick of his ears, the black pup strode forward, his attitude and ego completely prideful.

"You're one to boss us around, fluffy. I'll have you know--"

Marzell still wasn't sure about pack hierarchy. Kyren's status had not been solidified in his mind--all he knew was the god-like projections of his parents. He'd created them to be all-powerful beings, loving and protective of their only son. In his flawed thought process, line had been crossed.

Kyren's next words were completely unforeseen in every form. Grudgingly the second born stepped back, his muzzle withdraw from the previously posh posture. Marzell half-listened to the Beta's words, instead taking the liberty to consider the wolf carefully, his eyes mimicking his father in every aspect. Maybe it was the way Kyren spoke, or possibly just his general air of intelligence that made it impossible for Marzell to argue with. Maybe the young pup was simply tired from his morning excursion. Maybe something in him wished for an older wolf to nestle into, hide his fears and goals with. Maybe the timing was simply right.

Regardless, the hot-headed young wolf nodded solemnly, saying nothing in response to the Beta's commanding explanations. The blue still burned from within, but it wasn't a blazing fire, only the smoldering remains of burnt out ashes. It seemed, at least for the moment, a resolution had been reached. Somehow, in some twisted way, Kyren was pacifying the normally haughty male.

“I bet carrying out what I’ve asked, and playing a part in the safety of the pack might help tone down a bit of your parents concern of your running off without permission.”

Marzell's thought paused at what the Beta said. Trading integrity for security. For now, he would have to accept. Still, something in the male held back, unable to commit.

“Marzel? Dresna? You will be alright?”

That was all he needed. With a nudge at his sister's flank, a small action of encouragement, Marzell nodded before answering.

"I'll fight anyone who dares hurt Dresna."

Growling stubbornly, Marzell gazed up at Kyren. I want to be strong like him. He was ready to defend his pack, ready to take on the world. In his eyes, he could fight alongside the bravest warriors against the largest beasts and still win.

He still wasn't invincible. Only his heart was.

ooc- sorry this took so long just to end so crappily...ehh. How cheesy.

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DRESNA

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“You two are up early this morning, especially considering that by the looks of you two, its not as if you just started running from a few feet away."

Dresna had been glancing behind her when Kyren's voice sounded in front of the two pups, and she loosed a very cowardly squeak, whirling to face Kyren and sliding to a halt beside Marzell. When she realized that she was looking at an ally instead of a threat, the young pup immediately relaxed, trying to calm her pounding heart. She still fretted over the howl that they were fleeing from, but now that Kyren was before them, his familiar voice sternly informing them that they needed protection, she felt very well protected indeed. Unfortunately, Marzell didn't seem to feel as relieved as Dresna did.

"You're one to boss us around, fluffy. I'll have you know--"

He faltered, and Dresna was grateful, as she had always been a bit fond of Kyren. While some might have grown tired of the male and how he tended to speak a great deal, Dresna loved it. She was a quiet pup, and did not like to speak as much as others. Because of this, she loved to listen. And Kyren certainly made it easy to listen to him.

When he spoke of them returning to their parents and informing them that Kyren was going to meet the intruder, Dresna blanched. This would certainly be telling on themselves, admitting to their parents that they had snuck away from the den. Would her mother and father be angry with her? Or would they be proud that their offspring were being to bravely wandered away, only to return and be coddled at a later time? The thoughts confused Dresna, and she found herself whispered. "I hope they won't be terribly upset with us." She realized a heartbeat later how childish this sounded, and had one been able to peek under her ivory pelt, they would have seen how her skin blushed red.

The biggest shock of all came to Dresna when Kyren questioned if they would be alright. Marzell's comment made her turn her head quickly to the side, small eyes widening as she observed her brother. He was protective of her, when only moments ago they had been brawling? Well, sure, Dresna knew that it hadn't been a serious fight. But for some reason, hearing her brother stick up for her made the young wolf wag her tail with pleasure as she turned back towards Kyren.

"See? I'm safe with Marzell. We'll be fine."

A smile followed her words as she attempted to reassure Kyren. She felt as if she were surrounded by people who cared about her, and Dresna decided that she always wanted to feel that way. It was flattering, yes, but it also made her tiny heart leap with joy. Truly, Dresna found that she enjoyed affection and wanted to be cared for, even if she would not openly show it.
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[Kyren]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,250,true][bg=black] X.x "Quote" thought "speech" text x.X I used up all of my tricks Kyren was inwardly relieved Marzell wasn’t going to argue or claim Ky had no right to tell him what to do. How did Kas and Tort feel about a betta’s position over the pups in pack standing? Obviously she would love them, but who got to have final say seemed a bit of a hazy line to him at the moment. The smartest thing to be done right now did not require a genius, gain the pups respect while they are still young. The hardest part of this day might end up being controlling his urge to laugh at being called ‘fluffy’ by a fuzzy pup. I hope that you like this, but you probably won't "I hope they won't be terribly upset with us." "I'll fight anyone who dares hurt Dresna." Probably for the best only one of the two felt they could take on the world and any stray comet that came their way. Had both been arrogant and quick to act it would have likely meant for some rather unfriendly confrontation. Likely? No, Kyren’s own past proved it was bad to have too many pups with eyes for being power hungry. It would be interesting to see these two get older and learn if friendship or animosity would strengthen. you think you're cooler than me "Sounds like the two of you will be fine." Kyren offered the two a quick smile before he turned and trotted off. After a few feet he would turn his gaze one last time at the pups to make sure they were doing as told and then continue on his way. Not likely there would be any problems. Whomever had howled was likely just near the boundary line and not across it. Still, the howl had actually done the entire pack a favor by letting those pups think about the danger of running off on their own. Hey, it even helped Kyren make a good appearance to the two fuzzballs. In the end, his mornings activities hadn’t changed all that much, just a slight shift in the direction he was travelling. Words;; 324 Muse;; Puppets;; Kyren for Marzel and Dresna Notes;; blah, sorry its so short...he's leaving..no drama or fanfare

[`| κιrs♥]

-- adelina

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It was right in front of her, blissfully unaware of her presence. Its round, browned muscles illuminated in the dim sunlight, drawing her closer. She could almost feel the pulse of blood beneath it's thin hide. The buck was almost doubled her mass, but that didn't hinder her. Adelina knew she could take it. No fear lingered in her crouched body.

The grass brushed her delicate paws, sprinkling them with the morning dew. The buck flicked an ear, but didn't stir much more. Adelina rounded the bushes, keeping a watching eye on her target, each paw placed with precision. She could hear everything, feel everything, sense everything around her. The sweet smell on the tender breeze, the damp grass beneath her paws, the rustle of the early birds in the trees behind, the slight warmth of the rising sun on her pelt ... everything, anything. She was focused.

As the buck shifted to where it's back was facing her, she readied herself. She lowered her torso til it brushed the ground, pinning her ears against her skull, She took note of the wind, her position, and the buck's. Her mind calculated it quickly. Shifting her body to the right, she slunk through the bushes. Her haunches bunched. Taking a deep breath, she exploded from the foliage, swiftness and grace in her stride. Her sapphire eyes locked on the neck of the animal. She gathered energy, dug her paws into the ground, and leaped off the grass, the kill on its way. Just inches. Claws out, teeth bared, flying ...

Adelina woke with a start. She blinked her drowsy eyes, taking a second to analyze her surroundings and realized no buck was under her paws. What a dream! Who ruined that? Slowly, noise reached her pinned ears.

"Still need mommy and daddy to protect you?"

"Come on Dresna, is that all you've got?"

Adelina grumbled.Marzell, typical. She was not anything of an early bird, and her siblings bickering irritated her. It was common, among all three of them. She blinked her eyes shut, and was about to snuggle back against her mother with another noise came. A howl. No howl they knew, but a stranger. In the corner of her eye, she could see Kyren walked out of the den and say a few mumbled words to the young pups. In moments, he was off. Surely to find to invader. Who was it?

Thinking it finally safe to venture out, Adelina stretched and trotted out of the den, curiosity on her face. She was greeted by the mixed emotions on her sibling's faces. She was sure to keep her audacious voice low, to not wake her slumbering parents.

"Could you two rugrats keep it down out here? I was having a good dream!"

Adelina gingerly stepped down from the entrance of the den, coming down to linger with her siblings. Her black fur glistened with the faded sunlight. anxiety showing in her lithe movements. She plopped down beside Dresna, her being the sibling she could bear the most. Both being bold, Marzell and Adelina butted heads on many occasions. Not that her and Dresna didn't either, however.

"Where did Kyren go?"
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