Dawnlark Plains speedy gonzales

The wee boy babbled nonsense at him, and his heart melted. Chuckling, Shale let him chew on his chest fur to his heart's content, breathing in eau de puppy--milk and shit, mostly. He gave the boy a gentle lick over his head, smoothing down the tiny, floppy ears.

A small noise nearby made him look up to find another pup standing there, doing his best to protect his sibling from the evil he supposedly was trapped in. Shale gave a hearty laugh, shaking his head. Picking the first boy up and setting him down gently next to the other, he wiggled closer, ears perked and eyes widened in mock surprise.

"You scared me!" cried Shale, giving a little shiver. He put his nose on his paws, looking at the newcomer. "You're a fierce young man. Very brave. You're gonna protect us all when you grow up, huh?"