Swiftcurrent Creek the season to be jolly

Relonikiv was a firm favourite. His name was far to grand for his body, and Bazi called him 'Roly-poly' or 'Kiv' when his mother wasn't listening. It was this little body that squirmed first, detaching himself from mum's long-suffering teat to smile - hilariously toothless - at the second adult in the room.

"Hello, cute-patoot," Bazi whispered, rolling onto her belly and shuffling forward until her nose was no more than an inch away from the snub-nosed little critter's face. She took a deep breath in, savouring the smell of him. Milk, poop, and that special, unidentifiable 'puppy' smell. "You're wearing such a nice cologne.. that'd better be for my benefit, and not some puppy trollop you met on your travels to The Other Side of the Den."