He was so big! Nalda was no tiny pup anymore, but she still felt miniscule in comparison to the pale giant, towering over her on those massive legs, face so far away she found it hard to tell his expression. Still she could see him looking directly at her, making it very clear that he knew she was there, but that didn't stop her from cowering against the ground, covering her snout with large paws and glancing fearfully up at him while he looked around, scouring the surroundings. The thundering sound of his voice didn't do much to soothe the timid girl either, a small whine escaping her as her eyes turned to the ground, trying to escape his glowering. His question made her wonder though, did they? She hadn't told them where she was going, since she didn't know when she left; It certainly wasn't her plan to wander out so far, it sort of just happened, like always. The solitary daughter didn't want her parents to worry about her, she'd always thought that staying out of everyone's way would mean that they wouldn't, but maybe straying so much would be course for concern too? Her head felt suddenly heavy with all these thoughts, and she shook it vigorously in an attempt to get rid of them.
"No!" Her weak voice sounded, more of a squeak than an actual word, but then she looked up, pushing out her chin. The accusation had initially unsettled her, but now a sudden burst of rebelliousness flashed through her; "Bu' 'am a big girl! ...A'dn't go 'cross th'border." The audacity quickly dissipated, and while her first statement was loud and bold, the second was added after a moment of thought, in a much more muttered tone, like an excuse. Her eyes shifted, first to the surrounding forest, and then to her paws, heat rising in her cheeks. Koda's next words made her look back up though, eyes widening as they followed his gesture to the churning, dark clouds. Mouth opening in a silent 'woah', Nalda didn't even register the comment about danger, all of her attention turned to the storm.
The push to her rear came completely unexpected, and she stumbled forwards a few steps, looking back at the adult in surprise. He seemed determined to get her back to the den, and again she felt that obstinacy, puffing out her chest and frowning. "No." She said firmly, planting her butt on the bed of dirt and needles; "A'wanna see th'storm!" If there was one thing that truly fascinated the curious little girl, it was the sky: ever changing, clouds and stars, sunset and moonrise, an ever changing image of shapes and colors. Now it was about to do something that she had never before been able to witness in its full glory, and right from this spot she had the perfect view. No way was she gonna leave!
A bright flash suddenly lit up the led-colored clouds, a forked streak of light reaching towards the ground in the distance. It made the russet tainted pup pull back a little, but she still watched with fascination, that was until the booming thunder rolled over them, making her ears ring and eyes water. She jumped from her seat, instinctively running for the safety of an adult body, snaking in between the pale giant's legs to hide under his belly. He was taller than she was used too, but the warmth and shelter of his form above her was still familiar and soothing, her gangly body leaning against one of his legs while she looked around in fearful search for the source of the noise. This time, when the lead male pressed the need to leave, she didn't argue, swallowing hard and nodding gravely, ready to follow wherever he walked.
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