It had been raining on and off for the last many days, tapping a gentle melody against the leaves roofing the Woodlands, and turning the forest floor into mush. Flair had decided she didn’t care much for this spring, all wet and smelly. At least snow was somewhat fun, she’d rolled in the mud too a few times, but always came home to reprimands and disappointed glares. Like she was still a pup who needed to be cleaned up. So now she kept all but her paws clean, just to satisfy her mother; She has enough to worry about already..! It sucked all fun out of it though, having to worry about the dirt like that made even hunting a tedious duty. But she had to keep doing it though, now more than ever she was aware of her duty to the pack. She had younger siblings now, little brothers who needed food and protection and care. There was a lot of that she couldn’t do, but this was one thing she could provide; Fresh meat…

She was not too far from the borders, hunting down a rabbit who stupidly had chosen to traverse the wolf territory. The tracks were set deep in the mucky underbrush, clearly trailing its route between thorns and shrubbery. The young shewolf almost snorted at the idiocy of the creature, but held it in, demonstrating her higher brain capacity. Instead she stalked low, nostrils flaring as she sniffed out the critter, a sly smile on her dark lips. She was going to bring this feast straight back to her mother at the den, and for once the look she got would not be disappointed.

But it was something else that came across her path first, something that wouldn’t even make enough of a meal for her alone. This tiny thing was barely a snack, certainly not a worthy prize to take home; Whatever it is… Nose quivering, she moved closer, poking her muzzle at the tiny, half naked thing. It jerked in response, turning an oversized head, covered in grey down and peeping quietly; A bird..? But its wings were all shriveled and featherless, even its eyes seemed permanently closed. She’d never seen a chick before, usually hidden away in their nests high in the treetops. But there were enough of clues for her to figure it out, after all her mother had explained a lot about babies earlier in the year, preparing them all for their new siblings; But how did it end up down here? And where are the parents? Shouldn’t they be all over it, coddling? As far as she knew that was what parents did; It won’t survive on its own…

Ears flattened back at the sudden shout, amber eyes growing wide as she immediately recognized the voice. She had no time to spin and face the boy though, before he was next to her, and then in front, poking his muzzle at the baby bird. “You!” The older sister squealed, reaching out a paw to pull her brother away from the defenseless creature; “What are you doing out here?” If her parents or litter mates had been there to witness the moment, they would surely have bowled over laughing. How many times had she not heard the same thing at Bero’s age? But now she was supposed to be the grown up, and look after these little rascals, which meant making sure they didn’t wander off!

The little bird make a low, peeping noise, drawing her eyes back to it, one leg firmly placed between it and the pup. She wasn’t sure why she was so keen on protecting it, perhaps for the same reason she felt so anxious seeing Bero out here on his own; Great, I’m turning into my mother! The thought sent a shudder through her, and she shook her shoulders, glancing back and forth between the chick and her curious brother. Hadn’t she been just the same? Hadn’t she just wanted to explore and adventure, and hated everyone else for trying to stop her?

Sighing to herself, Flair slowly raised her leg to let Bero see the little thing, murmuring a firm: “Careful!” As the boy once more got access to the chick. “’t’s a bird,” she explained, casting a quick glance up amongst the trees; “Just a baby. Think it fell out of its nest.” Her eyes returned to watch that he didn’t mistreat the creature, as stupid as it was; It’s gonna die anyway… There was no way she could get it back up into the treetops.