Curiosity killed the cat... Err, it was trying to kill the wolf in this case.
Eilidh was now good enough at walking to the point where she could keep on her feet most of the time. There was still the occasional tripping which was usually caused by air instead of an actual object in her way, but she was making great progress. But, with this new-found skill, there was new challenges. The most desirable challenge to accept was sneaking past her mother and father into the world beyond.
Blue Willow and Lasher had good reasons for keeping the dainty princess inside. Raccoons, foxes, and other small predators would easily turn the little Mayfair into a meal. As a result, Eilidh was stuck with attempting to break out of
jail the den. Sometimes she would succeed, only to be brought in moments after tasting the fresh air. It seemed as if she wouldn't be allowed out until the whole family was ready, much to her protests.
Just a cameo for blue for now
Blue followed behind her daughter, her excitement catching. It was time for them to move she supposed here soon to a rendezvous site anyway. Perhaps she would speak with Lasher today about it, and if he had any idea about where they could go. There was always the old one that Perry had. However, perhaps Lasher would like their own spot. He was so good at finding such beautiful things, and making beautiful things as well if she was going to go down that road.
There were many dangers now for the little ones, but there was also life they needed to find. They needed to learn and explore and be happy and healthy. The best way to do that, was let them outside. Blue was confident they could keep them safe.
I guess it's just us?
It seemed her mother was ready to let Eilidh start her adventure of outside. Tail wagging, she voiced her appreciation with meaningless babbles.
"Ee! Ou a li! Coo... Ne!" Excitement coursing through her, Eilidh bounded through the den opening, and out into the world beyond. However, the blinding sun caught her straight in the eyes, and she purposely face-planted into the ground with a strangled cry in an attempt to save herself from the sun.
Blue followed closely behind, a smile on her maw. She was concerned when her daughter yipped, but she soon saw it was nothing too serious. Stepping so she stood halfway over her daughter, she blocked the sun. Eilidh's eyes would become accustomed soon enough to the world around. For now she would need the little bit of shadow Blue could offer. She dipped her muzzle down and nudged the top of her head. She chuckled to herself.
Eilidh remained huddled on the ground in fear of the mean sun hurting her eyes again until she felt something touch her head. Instinctively looking up despite her attempt to hide her eyes, her mother's face appeared in her vision. She gave a happy yip as the sight calmed her. With the sun no longer in her face, she soon forgot about the hazard. Instead, Eilidh busied herself with sniffing the ground next to her mother's foot, and tried to take in all the new scents outside had to offer.
Blue Willow shifted and moved some of the dirt around for her daughter to sniff at. She couldn't wait until she was able to have plants and other such things for them all to sniff, and learn. As well as games of hide and find. She couldn't do that right now, the ground was still too cold. But she had already begun to think about what she could do for them.
Did you find anything interesting little one?
When her mother spoke to her, Eilidh looked up, her eyes landing on her nose. She had found something very interesting indeed. With her mother tilting her head down to speak to her, the soft, black lump that was a nose was just in range. "Bah!" She let out a battle cry as she clumsily reared up on her hind legs for a split second to swat a paw at Blue Willow's nose before falling back down to all fours.
Blue snorted at the paw that touched her nose. Dipping her head, she nudged the side of Eilidh, gently wrestling with her. She was fearful of using her paws, or head. So she used her nose and pushed the little girl gently, she made sure not to push her hard enough that she tottered and tittered on little thin legs.
Blue moved her front half a little lower, an awkward play bow. It was fun to play such things with the little ones. As they aged it would just get more fun, when they were able to do more.
When her mother nudged her, Eilidh pushed back as hard as she could. She shifted so that her side was parallel to Blue Willow's snout, then body slammed into it. Eilidh wasn't even sure of what she was trying to accomplish by doing that, but she didn't need to have a reason.
When her mother pulled out of it to bend down into a play-bow, Eilidh mimicked her. With her hind legs straight, she bent her front legs. This found her in the same position her mother was in.
Blue chuckled as her eyes smarted a bit, at her daughter's body slam. It was accurate and hard for such a little thing. Blue smiled though, it was adorable to see her daughter using her instincts so well. Blue pushed her back, and gently tapped her with a paw, while wagging her tail.
Blue gave a lopsided smile at the way her daughter mimicked her. Aren't you just smart little one. It was adorable and Blue felt immense pride.