Mica liked the outside! It was bright and colorful, and full of noise and smells and other wolves – more than just Ma and Da! His days were well spent, enjoying the warmth of the sun, playing in the shallows below the falls and sniffing through the grass.

In fact, that was exactly what he was doing when movement up ahead caught his attention, eyes widening curiously as his tail wagged excitedly. The grass here was tall enough to hide his stubby frame – a jungle in itself – and thus entirely obscuring the surroundings to him as well.

Taking up his best stalking position, Mica slowly crept closer to the rustling, mind running wild with what the source might be. He was only a short leap away, when the grass suddenly stilled, an almost eerie quiet enveloping him. But the pup left little time for doubt, gathering his paws beneath him and pouncing with a gleeful squeal.

”Speech" Thoughts

He didn’t know what he’d expected – in truth he hadn’t even thought as far as to what he was actually attacking. So, hearing the shriek of another wolf as he felt his stubby limbs tangling with a similar set, took the boy completely aback. His own squeal of joy turning into a shriek as he attempted to free himself and shuffle backwards to get a better look at the other pup.

But the girl had other ideas. Micaden barked in shock and confusion as surprisingly strong legs suddenly kicked at his flank while he was still doing his best to back away. With Addison as his only sibling, the boy had had little to no experience with the kind of play fighting this girl was attempting. He had tussled a little with his father, but never to this degree, and when stubby baby-teeth squeezed his leg, he let out a loud whimper – more out of surprise than real pain, but as common with pups, the reaction was the same, tears starting to well up in his eyes.

”Speech" Thoughts

Pain, minor as this was, was almost entirely new to the boy – any unpleasant feeling was, really – having so far been sheltered, perhaps even coddled, by his parents. As soon as the other pup loosed her grip, he instinctively scrambled backwards, leg protectively raised off the ground and pressed tight against his chest.

Beyond that though, Micaden didn’t know how to react. He was still in shock at the whole thing; meeting another pup, only to have her bite him. And yet, seeing her confusion, how she moved so strangely, fascination won over anxiety, the tears drying on his face. It took him a while to understand the question, silver-tipped ears waving uncertainly. Finally, he nodded, slowly, repeating: “Ho-ort.” He glanced down at the paw still hugged to his chest, giving it a small lick before looking back at the girl; “Ow-ie.”

”Speech" Thoughts

Her very presence, so energetic it radiated in an aura all around her, rendered the boy dumbstruck. He couldn’t even think far enough to consider pulling away when her head was suddenly back, scarily close to his poor paw. At least this time it was only her tongue and not her teeth that touched him, a kiss not unlike those his mother had given him whenever he tripped and fell, or something spooked him, a gesture of comfort.

Even the strange girl’s question was like something his mom would have said, only spoken in a tone so different – with a trill in her voice, not unlike his sister’s – Mica couldn’t help but giggle. It was just so funny, any remaining hint of pain was forgotten, as the boy’s lips parted in a soft grin, a hoarse laughter bubbling from his chest. He couldn’t be scared of this new pup – wherever she may have come from – she clearly hadn’t meant to hurt him.

When his laughter finally subsided enough to answer her, Micaden nodded vigorously, still smiling at his new friend; “Mhhmm!”

”Speech" Thoughts

His body began to copy hers instinctively, tail wagging, bum in the air and legs outstretched. He returned her barks, though his were barely more than squeaks, but that didn’t curb his enthusiasm. Now that he knew the game, Mica was just as eager to play, quickly learning to duck away from her feigns and make his own, oversized paws bounding from place to place, racing small clouds of dust wherever they made contact with the ground.

He struggled to match her energy, but had fun all the same. When she suddenly shouted, it took him a moment to process what she meant, and then another to catch his breath before he could gasp: “Mmm-Mic.” That was as much as his young tongue could manage, especially in between quick breaths, but it was good enough, he thought, letting out a playful growl as he gleefully continued the game.

”Speech" Thoughts