Round Stone Crest sky above, voice within

The youngster was well and focused on her goal, ears tipped forward as studied Raela's paw. Her spring was the best she could muster, though easy enough for the adult to avoid if she wished to. As she nibbled furiously, a deep bark sounded from behind and the child glanced up with bright eyes, her nubby tail wriggling furiously as she understood what was about to happen. Her guardian was going to help! The woman was a bit big for the princess to take on all by herself, but two wolves could surely do the job better than one! Where she attacked, Gent defended her from any retaliation. It was hard to see what was going on above her, but the puppy couldn't pay too much mind. With everyone moving about, she had to make sure she wasn't going to get knocked over! Instead, the woman flopped onto her belly, and a moment later she was met through a toothy smile. For but one second, Marianna took a step back, eyes wide as she studied the ivory daggers. How weird! But when had a mouth ever meant anything other than gentle cuddles or playful nibbles? Raela inspired no true fear in the toddler, and a moment later she was answering with an excited bark, bouncing back forward to meet the woman with her tiny needle teeth. It wasn't meant to hurt, only for fun, but Ari had no idea how hard (or how gently) one was meant to play. Truth be told, this was the most she'd ever roughhoused with adults, and the excitement was quickly starting to wear the girl out and slow her down.

Maybe one more round each?

 

A wild dissertation appears!

good by me

Perhaps he was spoiling the little girl. After all, all of this roughhousing wasn't just to keep the tyke entertained. Every bout of 'play' was actually training for her tiny body, building her motor skills and sharpening her mind, awakening her instincts so that as she grew, she would be more and more capable of not only protecting herself, but of pursuing the royalty in her blood. Yet Gent was certain that her being invincible in one or a few of these light-hearted tussles wouldn't hurt. Therefor, he was exceptionally diligent in his movements, not allowing Raela to get a single swipe or nudge past him.

His eyes were focused on the woman before him, while he paws remained mindful of Ari's position. In response to his own tactics, his friend seemed to suddenly decide to change up the game. She quickly lowered herself to the ground, baring her teeth and attempting to uphold the charade through her own bubbling mirth. Gent couldn't help but chuckle himself, seeing both of the girls happy and enjoying themselves so much.

Altering his own routine, the man alternated between allowing Ari to make her moves forward and striking himself. He spread his legs and hooked his claws into the earth, his own body lowering until his chest was inches from the beryl grass. The little girl would attack with her tiny teeth, each lunge noticeably more and more lethargic than the previous. When she stumbled back or otherwise ceased her pincushion bites, Gent would stretch his neck forward and over the princess to take up the sparring with Raela.

When finally it was clear that the little girl was thoroughly worn out, Gent pulled back, rising once more to his full height. Clear blue pools looked down on her fondly as he nudge her with his leathery nose, hopefully pulling her sleepy attention away from Raela.

"You finally ready for bed, monster?"

OOC: Sure! -quick filler post- 

The Crest's only daughter continued her assault just as planned. The agouti woman's parted jaws met with a barrage of nips and clicks from the other two. A laugh wove its way into her growls here and there, and a smile tugged at the corners of her open lips. She missed this play. Only with Tolas did she have the freedom to be a pup. Raela only hoped little Ari would never have to do anything more than play, learn and grow during her first year in this world. She would try her hardest to make that a reality. A few of the girl's harsher bites did manage to sting a little, but she was far from drawing blood. The older woman could have yelped to teach her not to bite so roughly, but it was hardly worth it just yet. When she was older and did more damage, perhaps.  Perhaps not surprisingly, the princess began to grow tired. Soon the bites became half-hearted lunges, and her sparring continued more with Gent than with the child. As the ebony mountain moved away, Raela closed her jaws softly and rotated onto her belly. She watched as he reached down to the girl; caressing her and beginning to suggest she get to bed. The smile on the  subordinate's face widened as she looked on. The sweet little dear was well cared for here. A chuckle left her lips at her leader's words, and the female's sunshine eyes drifted warmly onto the pup at her feet. Raela's tail wagged contentedly. Yes, it was a good time to let the youngster rest. That was a very decent dose of exercise and play for today.  Image © Chris Smith Photography Manipulation © Jenandra

(This post was last modified: Jul 03, 2015, 10:35 PM by Raela.)

            

There is a rabbit\'s nest nearby. +1 Health

As @Gent pulled back, the young princess grinned up at him through her pants, sides heaving from all the play. Her joy was evident despite her weariness as she leaned into the male's gentle touch, tiny pink tongue lapping out to return the affection. Her stumpy tail continued to wiggle, though with much less vigor than before. Offering the male a pleased whine, she turned her gaze to @Raela once, tongue lolling out to once side as she offered a second, satisfied sound. These two played much better than her brothers ever had! Clearly, she'd have to repeat this experience…perhaps after a nice long sleep, complete with cuddles from said brothers. And after a meal with her mother, too. Marianna could definitely go for that. A jaw-cracking yawn escaped the toddler as she slid down on her haunches, trying to shake the sleepiness off just long enough to return to her den. It seemed like so much more work, she noticed, dragging her big, heavy feet all the way back to the natal nest. Leaving had been so much more fun! But the siren song of sleep could not be resisted, and while it took her much longer, Ari made it to Minka's den without any attempts at deviation. Her packmates were only given one glance over her shoulder, perhaps the pup's silent thanks, before she slunk in and began to push herself up and around her brothers, until finally comfortable. Not even five breaths later, and she was sound asleep. Fade.

 

A wild dissertation appears!