Flair too was resting in the sun, following her daughter's example. She’d found that, surprisingly, watching the pups tended to be the calmest part of her day – both of her children had inexplicably been blessed with calm tempers, and tended to enjoy their naps. Addison being especially peaceful, perhaps taking after the grandmother who’d inspired her name; Or she’s all her own… Either way, the mother had stopped worrying about her docility, accepting that Addy was simply a very different pup than she had been herself.

Of course, none of that meant she’d stop hovering – the world still held a thousand dangers that could come for her children, even if they weren’t seeking them out. Every few minutes, her eyes would open to glance at the pup and all around her, making sure she was still safe. It didn’t make for the best rest, but at least it kept off the nightmares.

She saw the birds gathering, no doubt drawn by the bone fragments and other remnants of past meals, spread around the pool and cave openings. They were common enough scavengers, but usually nothing to worry about – too weak to break into caches and too scared to make a move on a fresh kill – though, as more and more arrived, the fiery woman’s hackles began to prickle. As soon as one got too close to her daughter, Flair would be on her feet, a growl rumbling deep in her chest; Magpies might be no threat to adult wolves or their caches, but that beak could do serious damage to a pup.

As expected, the bird took off instantly, flapping into the trees with a few affronted caws. Flair snorted, shrugging her shoulders to settle back her hackles. All around, the remaining magpies had turned their attention to her, ready to take off at any sign of her aggression turning on them – but as she settled back down, they all appeared to relax, some even letting out a few cackles, as if laughing at their startled friend.

Shaking her head at the birds’ shenanigans, the mother couldn’t help but crack a smile as she looked back at her daughter. Her puppyish growl was adorable, especially pared with the clear lack of understanding, leaving her face rather goofy. Flair had to fight back a laugh, not wanting to discourage the girl, biting her lip for a moment before she trusted herself to speak.

Meanwhile, Addison had turned her attention back to the magpies, clearly curious above all else. “Yes,” She replied softly; “They’re magpies.” Walking closer to the pup, she lowered her muzzle to nudge a scrap of bone on the ground before looking back up, explaining: “They like t’ pick through our scraps.”