The River leader placed a paw on top of Fen's and the pup tilted his head as Indru reiterated, "Of course, you need to make it clear who's boss." A display of teeth and the rumbling of a large growl made Fenru roll backwards, more from surprise rather than fear. "It's all about your attitude," Indru stated. Fen nodded quietly when he had regained his composure and stood up, but the snapping of his jowls sent the youth back onto his rump.

Indru encouraged him with a small prod to his chest, eager to see his son's dominant side, or at least a genuine growl that said "Hey! I'm the boss 'round 'ere." One side of Fen's muzzle wrinkled hesitantly but he took a deep breath and gave it a shot. Just for Dad, he would try.

A high-pitch snarl erupted from his chest as his the bridge of his snout wrinkled, his lip curling up just as Indru's had; he replaced his tawny paw to his father's ribcage, setting his other forepaw beside it. His large ears turned forwards. The attempted display might've been slightly convincing if it hadn't been for his waving tail and still-relaxed hackles.

Each tumble of his son brought a grin to Indru's face and he had to wrestle it from his muzzle before he could look more respectable and less goofy again. Though Fenru seemed reluctant at first, unsure even, it did not take long for the youth to give it a try and Indru watched with a pleased grin as first Fen's muzzle wrinkled and soon after a rumble of a snarl broke from his chest. Perfect, he breathed, not failing to notice the more assertive placement of his son's paws either. It was a alien concept to Indru in a few ways, dominance had become naturally to him as it had Ruiko, their equal desire to be the leader was often taken out on one another as pups, the only other wolf they had competition with their own age. Their sister Niija had been above it all and Jiael and Marra, the two littermates they had not seen in years, had been too caught up in their own explorations to care. Ruiko and Indru had formed a tight bond, as had the Jiael and Marra, except theirs had kept them here opposed to their wandering siblings.

You'll be pushing me around in no time, Fen, the leader teased, though he couldn't help but wonder what would happen when his first litter were older, in the ranks of adults. Would any of them disperse elsewhere and leave? Or would they remain in their natal pack like Indru most likely would have, at least for a longer while, if the fire had not taken it. He was well aware of his own mortality, but he could not confirm one of his sons inheriting his rank if they could not hold it themselves. You'll give Hael and Kisla a shock next time they try to boss you around, eh? As the pups aged the signs of dominance between them started to grow, their fights had begun to have an edge of seriousness to them and it had not skipped Indru's attention than Fenru was normally on the losing side. He wasn't worried though, Kinis had played a role much similar to Fen with his siblings and it was plain to see he had turned out fine. Though Indru couldn't help but wonder if Fenru would adopt his uncle's wanderlust too, he couldn't imagine what it would be like to see his pup leave, however old they were. Does your mother know you're out here? The pups were old enough to not need constant watching now, but even so he knew his mate would worry if any of the young Tainn's were missing for too long.

The youth's growl quieted as Fenru soaked up his father's praise. His ears perked back up and he gave Indru a smile and a nod. Whether or not he would actually shock his siblings the next time they had a little squabble, he had yet to see. Rihael was often confident and that fact alone was enough to both intimidate and encourage Fen.

His tail gave another ecstatic wave as he replied excitedly, "Yeah-yeah!" He spun around and glanced back down to the leader, eagerly anticipating more motivation and instruction, but in lieu of a another tip came a question about if Mum knew he was out here. Fen shook his head. "No," he mumbled, sitting back down. "Bu-but Hael and Kis'a are out too."

The young boy's enthusiasm was catching, and while Indru had never intervened in the pups scraps for dominance, and never would unless it got too out of hard, this time he would be watching them carefully. Hael seemed more similar to Indru as a pup, he and Ruiko both had Rihael's easy confidence in their own strength and power but just because Fenru lacked the confidence didn't mean he lacked the skill, but it was down to the young boy to discover this within himself. I have confidence in you Fen, there was no false encouragement in Indru's voice, he truly believed that Fen would be able if he wished it, but he first had to find the courage to test himself.

As the boy mumbled a reply about their mother's knowledge of his whereabouts Indru couldn't help but chuckle, leaning forward to nip playfully at the boys muzzle once he had jumped up to his full height. You pups, he began, shaking his head in mock despair though a smile was on his face, whatever will we do with you? The mischievous wanderings of his other children was no surprise either, as soon as a pup was freed from the confines of a den he knew the desire they felt to explore beyond it. Perhaps I won't tell mum, a sly smirk came on Indru's face and quickly he shot forward a few paces, glancing at Fen over his shoulder, if you can beat me home! Then, without another warning Indru burst forward, cleaving a direct path through the forest towards the den.