Broken Timber Pines polarize

Arion practically screeched as his mother presented a new toy for them to play with. The sprig he had placed in front of his father had been abandoned and was no longer of value to him. No – what was really important was the enticing fox pelt that his mother held between her teeth. Once more, his body began to vibrate with excitement as he bounced on his toes. He watched Bracken with burning curiosity as she tugged on the pelt in a feeble attempt to get it away from his silvery mother. A small frown creased his dark lips, offsetting his features as he stepped toward them.

His tawny partner in crime abandoned the pelt briefly to get his attention; the invitation couldn’t have been clearer. Without hesitation, the boy pranced up to the pelt, his small maw grabbing hold of it beside Bracken. Surely with two of them they could overpower the pelt – it couldn’t be that strong, could it? R was just as oblivious to his mother’s involvement in the pelt as Bracken was – all he was concerned about was conquering the ‘mighty’ fox pelt.

As he readied his body into a crouching position, the shadow glanced over at his partner. “One…” he started, his brows narrowing as he redirected his attention on the pelt. ”Toooo… Tree!!!!!” He yelped with a mouth full of fur as he began to pull on their toy.

Since Kira is no longer active with Inkheart, we can PP around him for the remainder of this thread.

With the two little pups, one midnight black, and the other a warm brown, tugging eagerly at the piece of fur clasped between her jaws, Zia was ready to be a willing, yet gentle participant in their game. She remained sprawled upside down on her back contently, charcoal tipped tail swishing happily between her legs. While Inkheart stood back and merely watched in amused silence, she on the other hand, encouraged the children to pull with all their might. She kept her hold on the fox pelt firm but gentle, allowing it to slip inch by inch out from between her teeth. Once the pups had a secure enough hold of it, she tossed her head from side to side in a gentle shake. A predatory behavior, and by example, Zia hoped to test and even bring out the young ones hunting instincts, even at this age. One day, like the adults, they too would have to face the challenge of taking down live prey. But for now, innocent, soft inanimate objects would do just fine.

Chunga-Stock @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief

(This post was last modified: Nov 09, 2015, 02:29 AM by Zia.)

was thinking we start wrapping this up and free the kids up for some more development? (also Io will trust whatever Zia does with her tired little baby)

It was a tall order to make Bracken wait till the count of three, but she managed it. Just barely. Every spoken digit had her starting to lean back, tail thrashing as anticipation spilled. Patience was a concept she had yet to learn. Each time -when the boys voice faded and started back up for another digit- she squirmed. A huff followed each time and the girl turned her head to the side and squinted at him. When the time finally came- finally, finally!- it caught her off-guard.

She was looking to the side, trying to figure out how to whine through a mouthful of matted fox pelt, when it suddenly sprang to life under her teeth. The movement shook her distracted grip free. Bracken tumbled backwards and sprang back onto her feet like a jack-in-the-box. How dare it? It only further proved how important this was! She sprang back, emitting a tiny snarl as tiny milk teeth sank back into the pelt. It took a few minutes, but finally her feet were steady under her and the grip did not slip between her teeth. When Zia gently tugged it back and forth, Bracken was ready. She wasn't heavy enough to stay weighted down, but it didn't bother the pint-sized pup to slide back and forth along with the pelt.

Eventually her grip did slide free again. It was inevitable, she was still a baby after all. She watched for a moment and her tail curled tiredly under her belly. Iopah's den seemed so far away again and she toddled towards the next best thing with a hopeful whine.

@Zia we could wrap this up with your post, and fade out? or @Bracken and I could post one more each? Either works for me :)

The furry pelt was fighting back and Arion did not like it one bit! He knew that by combining their strength the pair would be able to defeat the pelt, but it definitely was not going down without a struggle. A frown cut into his lips as he dug his tiny claws into the dirt to gain leverage, his brows narrowing furiously as he pulled back. Bracken was an excellent partner in crime, and together it seemed as though the pelt was nearly vanquished—until…! Bracken tumbled back, causing his own footing to falter as he tried to regain his balance, a snarl emitting from his throat as he dug his teeth in deeper. Within moments Bracken was back at his side, growling furiously around the pelt. They heaved once more, their strength slowly fading as it became more difficult to fight against the pelt.

It seemed as though their energy disappeared at the same time—first Bracken fell away from the pelt, followed quickly by little R. Slumping down beside his partner in crime a big yawn stretched his tiny maw apart, denim blues blinking sleepily at his mother. It was definitely time for a nap—for both of them. Curling up beside her R rested his little chin against her side; he was not quite ready to move yet, even though he knew Zia would relocate them soon. Through heavy lids he glanced over at the dark figure of his father and half-yipped, half-yawned at the ebony statue. Arion couldn’t wait to curl up next to both of his parents and claim the rest of the afternoon as ‘nap-time’. For now, Bracken was doing just fine as his current pillow, but he wanted to be surrounded by all of the wolves he cared about.

(This post was last modified: Oct 05, 2015, 06:31 AM by Arion.)

Wrapping this up!

With one last final, firm tug on the tattered fox pelt, she let the two youngsters win. But not before, while it was gripped in their teeth, it split down the middle with an audible rip. She was left with nothing, and the pups, both her own son and Iopah's daughter, now had their own evenly sized piece. Their very own chew toy, to practice stalking or pouncing on. Or to snuggle up with, on some of the cooler nights. The silvery woman smiled fondly at both children, before rolling back onto her stomach. With a stretch and a shake of dust from her fur, she stood up. A glance downwards at the little ones by her feet, she noticed just how tired they both were. She couldn't blame them. They were puppies, after all, and that was quite the hearty play session they had just engaged in. A smile bloomed on her lips, at seeing how her ebony son so cutely cuddled up to Bracken, using her as his very own pillow. Apparently they were both a little too tired to go back to the den. And that was just fine with her. Zia did not intend on leaving them. Just as she had for their playtime, she would stay for their naptime too. Bending down, tucking her legs, she curled her larger frame loosely, but protectively around both of them. A tender flick of her tongue stroking the fluffy fur of their crowns. Then she too, rested her head over her for paws and closed her eyes, falling asleep.

Chunga-Stock @DA & Dawnthieves.de - Table by PuppyThief