Redhawk Caldera AQUACULTURE

The Alphas' family was still settling into the rendezvous site, the pups in particular quite appreciative of all the open space and fun stuff to do. It kept them plenty busy. But Peregrine and Fox still liked to take them on jaunts away from home on occasion. With each day growing warmer, they mutually decided that one of their biggest adventures yet would include a visit to the caldera's shore. They could take the pups swimming and teach them about water safety. When they were a bit bigger, they could take them out to Lake Rodney too.

Shepherding the three pups on this final morning in April, the mismatched parents led the way up the slope, pausing there to let the kids rest and take in the view. Then they proceeded down the caldera's steep interior, angling toward a large space on the shoreline. Sensing that the pups might make a beeline toward the water, Peregrine trotted to its edge and pivoted to face the others, shaking his head and warning them back with a low growl.

"We need to go over some rules first," he explained. "And before we get to that, I'm going to invite the rest of the pack to join us." His jade eyes swept over his mate's and children's faces just before the swarthy Alpha tipped his head into the sky, calling his subordinates to meet them on the caldera's shore. He then dropped his head and sat, coaxing the puppies closer to him if they wanted but still using his large body to barricade them from the waterline for the time-being.

Rounds will be open and last 3-5 days!

Wildfire frolicked in her parents' wake, eager to see where the Alphas were taking them. The uphill climb was taxing, yet the view was certainly worth it. Whoa! the pup mouthed as she stood there and admired the caldera for the first time. Soon, they were walking down toward it. She tried to outpace her father and get ahead of him, yet she stumbled and wound up at the back of the group instead.

Naturally, she wanted to run right up to the water and investigate, yet the Alpha male effectively restrained his eager pups with a quiet growl. Wildfire immediately froze, big ears splaying deferentially. She listened to Peregrine's words and a wave of apprehension swept over her. This would be the pups' first pack gathering and Wildfire for one was nervous about being surrounded by wolves she didn't necessarily know.

But then she realized that her Aunt Finley and Uncle Elwood might be among them and Wildfire suddenly felt a lot better. She sat up straight, licking her lips, her yellow eyes flicking from her father (and the glimpses of the water behind him) to the nearby slopes as she waited to see who would come in response to her father's call. Then the pebbly terrain suddenly captured her attention and she began sniffing around for any collectible stones.

I am now amused by the fact that all three of your toons are closely related. :P

Fox herded the children, bringing up the rear as she usually did. The rendezvous site was beginning to feel more and more like home, and she was glad that the children seemed to be settling in without much hassle. Despite them being a huge headache in the beginning, Fox had a good feeling that the worst was long behind them. With today's adventure to the pack's namesake, she felt like they were crossing yet another milestone. Safety around the water was an important lesson to learn early-on, and one that she was glad Peregrine had remembered.

For all intents and purposes, the kids were weaned, too. Once or twice, Nightjar had attempted to latch on, but he was met with a flash of teeth and a warning growl. He usually slinked off to eat meat or licked his mother's chin for attention, but he was learning. With that part of their life over, Fox's own life was given a whole lot more freedom. She still helped with feedings, but they were less frequent and less taxing on her. She'd even begun to gain some of her weight back, her ribs no longer showing and her hips filling out once more.

"Rule number one:" Fox said as Peregrine was stopping one of the little ones from diving right in, "Until you've passed your swimming test, no swimming without an adult." So she may have been making up the test right on the fly, but it seemed like a brilliant idea. Perhaps they could pass by swimming a certain distance, getting themselves out of deep water, and something else. She'd have to discuss the specifics with Perry.

Peregrine's howl rang out loud and clear, requesting the presence of the pack at the caldera's namesake, and Elwood quickly set his feet in that direction. He scaled the slope with ease, noting just how comfortable he had become with the mountain's rocky landscape; it had been nearly six months since Peregrine had recruited him into the pack. The time had passed in the blink of an eye, but at the same time he felt as though he had been there for years.

As he reached the top of the dormant volcano, the entire Redleaf-DiSarinno family came into view. Peregrine was positioned protectively near the water's edge, looking back at his brood. The pups were clustered around Fox, their eyes wide and full of wonder as they gazed at the lake. Immediately, Elwood had an idea of what the Alphas' plan was -- the weather was perfect for swimming, and by now the water would have warmed up enough for the wolves to submerge themselves.

Closing the gap between himself and the others, Elwood chuffed a greeting to the adults and then individually greeted his nieces and nephew with a nudge to each of their shoulders. They were growing like weeds, and he couldn't believe how much they already resembled grown wolves. "Swimming!" he exclaimed as he settled himself behind the pups so that they would have the best view; surely Fox and Peregrine would have rules and instructions to share before they began.

Tiger bounded cheerily (enough) toward the pack. With the passing of Jaws, her demeanor had soured somewhat for the time. Jaws, handsome, roguish, fun Jaws, had died. Was dead. Is dead. She grit her teeth. No, she didn't know him all that well, but what she had known she liked, and she had liked a lot. His spirit, his face, his experience in the sack... she huffed. Tiger struggled with all of this, all while thinking of the last time...

God, she felt sick.

That cheer was gone for an instant, but in the presence of the leaders, cubs, and brother (in law), she mustered up a grin. She hadn't really spent much time with any of the kids, but intended on becoming more invasive and present. Now that she couldn't squish them or fall on them and thus kill them, it was definitely easier to be around them. She moved to bump into Elwood, who perhaps might catch the lackluster look in her eye, but that pleasant grin lingered there.

Nightjar was proud to say that the climb had barely taken a toll on him, which was a huge improvement from when Peregrine had last taken him up a hill. After all, he was big and strong for a pup his age, and they were walking, after all. The rendezvous site was a hill as well, so he'd had lots of practice running up and down by now. Reaching the top of the caldera seemed like an easy feat, which was a testament to just how much he'd grown in his two and a half months.

As they crested the caldera's upper lip, Nightjar's eyes widened just as Wildfire mouthed something to herself. There was a gentle slope and then water. Peregrine was right to think his children were going to run to it; the little boy tore off as quickly as he could go, which wasn't very quickly at all, and had almost made it when Peregrine cut him off with a warning growl. He flattened back his ears and slunk back a few steps, turning his snout up submissively but not preventing his gaze from going beyond his father to the water just behind him.

Feeling decidedly sulky that he had to wait, Nightjar sat down heavily between Fox and Peregrine and stared sullenly at the water. Who cares if he wasn't a professional swimmer? He wanted in, damn it.

His eyes widened as wolves suddenly arrived out of nowhere. First Elwood, who Nightjar greeted by leaping to his feet and racing to the Beta male with whoops of his name, and then Tiger. Tiger was a new wolf to Nightjar, so he didn't show her nearly the same amount of eagerness, but he did approach her to sniff at her legs and greet her with a waving tail, proving himself dauntless when faced with strangers.

Raven's heart had been set on visiting the "giant puddle" Lake Rodney since she'd first seen it on the day the family had moved to their rendezvous site.  Ever since that morning, she hadn't shut up about it.  She loved puddles, after all.  Nothing made her happier than splashing and playing in muddy water after a good, heavy rain, and of course, being as young as she was, she didn't understand that a lake was nothing like a puddle at all.  The scale was simply too enormous for her developing mind to grasp.

Until today.  Finally -- finally -- Dad had given in and decided to take the family to visit the shoreline.  Of course, it wasn't Lake Rodney, but Raven wouldn't know the difference.  She bounced with excitement and glee the whole way there, probably getting on her parents' nerves with her incessant babbling and rambling. The instant the water came into view, she and Nightjar had the same idea at the same time -- both puppies immediately bolted.  Nightjar was corralled by Dad, however, while Raven was restrained by Mom.  A frustrated growl bubbled in her throat for a second or two before draining into a desperate whine.  Dad promptly laid down the law, saying something about rules and the calling the pack, but Raven wasn't paying any attention at all.  Mom said something about a test, swimming...but Raven's grey-gold eyes were glued on the water.  She was transfixed by the way it shimmered and glittered in the sunshine, the way its surface shifted and undulated.  The sound of it lapping at the shoreline was mesmerizing; she could listen to that sound forever and never grow tired of it.  More than anything else, though, she was overwhelmed by the sheer size of it.  It was the biggest puddle she'd ever seen.  It was the biggest puddle in the world!  

Moments later, her Uncle Elwood showed up.  She scented him before she saw it, and she reluctantly tore her gaze from the lake to green him with a smile and a waving tail.  She loved him, and she hoped her Aunt Finley would join them too.  A moment later, they were joined by a white wolf she didn't know.  Nightjar approached her curiously, but Raven remained by her parents, saying nothing and watching the stranger with wary eyes.  

When Peregrine called, Pantaleimon showed up. Pan decided to stay around the frays of the meeting, since he noticed that the happy family -- Peregrine, Fox and their growing pups -- were all gathered. The only other two that Pan noticed as of yet were Elwood and Tiger. Pan felt like a wallflower, completely out of place, but she loved to swim, so she knew she'd enjoy this as soon as she saw the expanse of water... Eventually.

Pantaleimon quietly stayed around the edges of the meeting after nodding briefly to greet the others, trying to make herself go noticed as little as possible.

It wouldn't take long for others to join them. In the meantime, Fox tried to capture the restless pups' attention by plunging into some rules. Peregrine bobbed his head, then added, "Rule number one point five: never, never, never swim alone. Always use the buddy system!" He swiped a broad black forepaw through the air to emphasize his point. Swimming alone was dangerous for anyone, regardless of age.

Speaking of buddies, a trio of pack members arrived on the scene, starting with Elwood. Peregrine woofed at the Beta, shooting him a look that questioned, Where's Finley? In her place, a wild Tiger appeared to stand beside Elwood. The Alpha male returned her grin, then shot her the same inquiring look. How could the kids' godmother miss out on such an important lesson?

The last to join the group was Pan, who hung back. Peregrine wanted to go over to him but he couldn't budge. Instead, he called, "Hey, Pan! Thanks for joining us," in the hopes that it encouraged the subordinate to come in a bit closer. Then something occurred to him and he added brightly, "You love water, don't you? Would you help us show the pups how to swim safely?" Perhaps Pan would feel put on the spot, though this would give him a wonderful opportunity to prove himself, bond with his leaders and nurture the pack's pups all at once.

Speaking of which, all but Nightjar seemed reluctant to greet the strangers openly. "Kids, you remember Elwood and Tiger. This is Pan," the Alpha male introduced, using his snout to point at the pale wolf at the gathering's rear. "He's going to help us learn how to swim. Pan, these are Nightjar, Wildfire and Raven. Now, where were we...?" His jade eyes found Fox's. He smiled at her, urging her to continue with rule number two.

Before she could locate any worthwhile collectibles, Fox's tone caught her attention. Wildfire's big ears quivered as she took in her mother's words. She had barely processed them when three figures joined the small party on the lake shore. The first wolf earned a wide smile and wave of the child's tail. She bounced forth to greet him with a lick to the chin. She fell back a little when Tiger appeared by his side. Wildfire chewed on the inside of her lip, creeping to stand at Raven's flank. The two little girls remained watchful as a third member, a total stranger, arrived.

Peregrine announced another rule and then made introductions. Wildfire sucked in a breath. She gave Tiger a fleeting smile when reminded of the female's name, though her golden eyes remained fixed on the unfamiliar Pan. Evidently, the pup's father wanted this wolf to help teach them to swim. Fortunately, Wildfire knew everyone else and felt comfortable enough not to be too intimidated by the large white male's presence. Still, she didn't make a move toward him. It would take some time to earn the fiery pup's trust.

The Alpha male spoke again and, for whatever reason, his words tickled Wildfire's funny bone. How could he forget where they were when they were still sitting here?! Perhaps this was a legendary dad joke. "The swimmin' puddle!" she told him, moving nearer to Peregrine and swatting playfully at his foreleg. "Duuuh, duddy," she added, giggling at her own cleverness.

Elwood, Tiger, and Pan arrived in what seemed an incredibly short amount of time. Then again, life seemed to be buzzing past Fox more quickly than she ever could have imagined lately. With the kids growing up, it was sometimes difficult to remember that each day actually had a morning, noon, evening, and night. Pan seemed his typical self, though Fox didn't pressure him to come closer. He could do that in his own time, if he wished for it. Tiger also seemed a bit standoffish, and Elwood was, of course, more comfortable with the Alphas and their children.

"Rule number two: make sure you've waited a little while after eating before diving in. Elsewise you're likely to end up with a whole lot of painful cramps and puke." Fox had experienced that one first-hand. She hadn't been in deep water at the time, so nothing foul came of it (except, of course, the pool of vomit). Peregrine and Fox had both made sure that at least an hour or two had passed since the kids had last eaten. Puppy puke wasn't on her list of things she wanted to encounter today.

"We'll go over the other rules as they come up. Kids, pick a grown-up partner and they'll keep a watchful eye on you while you get your feet wet." Three kids between five adults would surely allow for enough eyes on the little ones.

Tiger arrived shortly after Elwood, situating herself next to him with an amiable shoulder bump. He grinned at her, though he noticed that her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Momentarily he thought of Jaws, and wondered if their packmate's death was still bothering his sister-in-law. That thought was fleeting, however, as it was quickly replaced with his own curiosity, partially inspired by Peregrine's questioning look -- where was Finley? She wasn't with him or with her sibling, which could only mean that she was still out on her adventure -- tracking a herd outside of the territory. He would have preferred her to come back sooner, but she was a free spirit and he knew that he couldn't control her; he just had to trust in her to return in one piece.

Elwood quickly refocused on the task at hand, especially once Pantaleimon arrived on the scene. The pale-furred male seemed just as uncomfortable and out of place as ever, though it was good that he had responded to Peregrine's call. It seemed that he was making an effort to integrate himself into the pack, so Elwood flashed him a welcoming smile, then glanced to Peregrine as the Alpha male began to speak.

Swimming lessons were indeed on the agenda, and Elwood's gaze shifted to the three excited pups. Peregrine passed the proverbial microphone to Fox, who instructed her children to pick an adult partner in order to begin their training. With a wave of his tail, Elwood patiently waited to see if his nieces or nephew would choose him, or if they would gravitate towards their parents for this new activity.

As Nightjar padded away from Tiger (with a cursory glance at Pantaleimon, who was completely unfamiliar as well), the adults began a whole lot of talking and not much doing. Although he was young and his inattentiveness could often be chocked up to that, Nightjar would grow tired of talking very quickly even in adulthood. Already he was tuning things out, staring absently out at the lake rather than at his parents. Their rules went right over his head, but natural fear of the unknown coupled with instinct would no doubt allow him to follow them without even thinking about it. Pretty much the only thing he really heard was grab a partner.

Nightjar scrambled forward, immediately selecting Elwood and bounding to the Beta male's front paws. He glanced around to ensure that he had beaten his sisters to the punch—everything was a contest after all, and Elwood was obviously the coolest partner of the batch—and when he saw that he was the first one there, he whooped and shouted, "I chooses Unkie Elwood!" 

Pantaleimon looked at Peregrine when she was asked if she would teach them. "Uhm, yes," Pan confirmed with a nod; she missed the ocean, and she did love the water. Pantaleimon felt a little too highlighted for her liking by the question if she would teach the children, but she would help where she could. Swallowing her cowardice as best as she could, Pantaleimon took a tiny step forward. She still hung around the back, not really feeling a part of this, but would be ready when needed.

Unsure if she was meant to do something or wait for Peregrine or Fox to instruct her, Pantaleimon awkwardly hung around the back of the group, choosing the easiest way and waiting for her Alphas or Beta to tell her what she should do.

When Wildfire answered his question literally, Peregrine fought back a laugh. Instead, he lifted a broad paw and slapped himself upside the head as if to say, How silly of me! He then grinned and winked at her before straightening out his face and pointing his muzzle at Fox. He glanced back at the little Naturalist, indicating that she should pay attention to her mother now.

He wanted to make sure the kids were not only listening but understanding what she had to say. His jade eyes roved between the three of them, gauging their expressions. Judging by the looks on their faces, they weren't necessarily going to absorb everything on this first venture, though the two parents would be sure to reinforce the message until it sank into their little brains.

Fox declared it time for each of the pups to choose a swimming partner. Peregrine stood, tail waving as he watched Nightjar spring toward his beloved Uncle Elwood. He then looked to the two little girls, trying to preemptively guess who they might each choose. If Finley had been here, they most likely would have fought over her. He knew neither Wildfire nor Raven was at all likely to choose a stranger, so it was probably between himself and his mate.

"We could each take our mini-mes," he quipped softly into her ear, giving her cheek a quick peck before he redirected his attention back to the pups. Once they made their choices, then they could finally get underway with some actual swimming!

Wildfire obediently tuned into her mother's message as she laid out the second rule. The pup's eyes widened at the news about cramps and puke. She wasn't entirely sure what cramps were but she was definitely quite familiar with puke. It all sounded so unpleasant. Her golden brown eyes suddenly looked at the water quite doubtfully. Did she want to risk such discomfort?

Before she could delve too deep into thought about that, Fox announced that it was time to pick a partner. Nightjar quickly called dibs on Uncle Elwood. "Aunt Flea!" Wildfire shouted without thinking. She then remembered that the Beta female wasn't even here. She frowned, feeling both disappointed and a bit stupid. Chewing on her lip, she glanced at Raven, then at their choices: mom, dad, Tiger or Pan.

Obviously, she wasn't about to pick someone she didn't know. "Mama!" she decided out loud, moving closer to the Alpha female. She took a seat beside Fox, very much looking like her mother's miniature. Wildfire felt both safe and comfortable with her chosen swimming buddy and already forgot all about cramps and puking. Her mama would never let those things happen anyway.

Quickly, Elwood was claimed by Nightjar, which brought an enormous grin to the Beta male's face. The boy romped towards him, hollering his choice out loud as he skidded to a halt at Elwood's feet. Elwood lifted a forepaw to cuff Nightjar's head gently and affectionately, pulling his nephew close in a quick hug before taking a preemptive step towards the edge of the lake.

"You ready?" he asked Nightjar, although the answer was already clear. He then glanced at Peregrine and Fox, who were exchanging a quiet word as the last two pups made their decisions and prepared to begin.

Tiger observed the going-ons, listening to the rules with interest. Got it. Tiger was an apt swimmer, like her namesake, and when the partner deal came about, Tiger looked around at the bunch. While she was not selected yet, Tiger didn't let that dampen her spirits any. She looked to Raven, hoping to somehow magically appeal to the shy one but knowing well enough that any pup would prefer their parent. She had to laugh at Frog's new nickname--which was unintentional on Wifi's part, but would surely stick--but then remembered she'd not been selected... yet.

It mattered not!

She and Pan would make the birds soon wish they'd have picked them... somehow. She looked to the white male, ear flicking, before casting her gaze out to the rest of the group.

Wildfire quickly proclaimed that Aunt Fuhlee was her partner, causing Nightjar to giggle wildly. "Silly," he called out to her, "Ann Fuhlee innit here!" It was sad for all of them, for if Finley had been present, there was no doubt all three pups would clamour for her. Their godmother was their undisputed favourite, even though Elwood was a very close second. His eyes roved over the two adults who still stood without accompanying pups, since Wildfire had chosen Fox. Raven had yet to make her decision, so it was anyone's game at this point. If Nightjar was her, though, he'd pick Peregrine! Mostly so that he wouldn't have to share Elwood with her, and because Tiger and Pantaleimon were just too new.

He looked up sharply when the Beta asked if he was ready, and his answering grin could've blinded the sun. "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" he shouted, bouncing on the spot. If not for Peregrine still standing in his way, Nightjar might've taken off for the water without waiting for anyone to say "go", leaving Elwood to scramble after him and (probably) save him from drowning. Thankfully, the Alpha was still in his path, so Nightjar was still... for now.

It was almost a relief that the pups didn't choose Pantaleimon; she wouldn't really know what to do with them, anyway. Pan stared at the pups as they all ran around and found partners, and shared a self-conscious glance with Tiger, despite not minding not being picked. Tiger, however, should have been picked over Elwood; it only made sense, to Pan. Pan decided not to voice this opinion, though, knowing the wolves here likely thought different. It was weird, to Pantaleimon, to see pups raised as equals. With a note of bitterness Pan thought back to her own childhood, and to the wolf she might have been had she been born in a pack like this, rather than Sirensong Cove, where she would never be more than a lowly Consort because she was a male.

While thinking of this, Pantaleimon stared blankly ahead with a light frown on her face, lost in thoughts and daydreams of what could've been while the pups happily prepared for their first swim.

I'm power playing Raven's choice to keep the thread moving. She can always change her mind, Houkie! >_>

When Wildfire called her aunt's name, he blinked, wondering if the Beta female had joined them after all. But it was just a mistake made in excitement. As Nightjar jeered at his sister, Peregrine tossed her a smile. The girl then read his mind and joined her mother. Raven appeared to be surfing the family's brain wave as well and trotted over to mash her face against his haunch and then tilt her lovely black face up toward him, sunflower eyes expectant.

"Remember what your mother said," he reminded them as they turned to face the lake and began to stick their toes in the water under the adults' supervision. "Just get your toes wet for now. Don't go past your elbows. Splashing is fine," he added so he didn't sound so imperious, wetting his own paw and sprinkling a bit of water over the puppies' backs.

Nightjar expressed his excitement, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he chanted. It was a miracle that he didn't take off running towards the water with wild abandon, but Elwood suspected that Peregrine's imposing figure on the shore had something to do with that. Once Raven positioned herself near her father, the games began.

Peregrine led his ward to the water, letting her stick her toes in while he spoke. Elwood followed the Alpha's lead, repeating his words directly to Nightjar -- just in case his nephew's anticipation made it hard for him to hear the instructions. "Stick your toes in, but don't go past your elbows," he warned, then he, too, submerged his feet into the shallow water.

Splashing was approved, according to Peregrine, so Elwood skimmed a forepaw gently across the water's surface, sending a light spray raining down over Nightjar. A broad grin settled onto his face as he looked around at his godchildren. He was happy to be a part of their first swimming experience.

Tiger was happy to just watch, and converse with Pan. So when not selected, she moved toward him. "Sup, fellow cool kid?" Tiger gestured to the crowd. "I guess it's kinda good I didn't get selected. What if I did something wrong???" She had been hesitant, and was sort of glad she had not been chosen this go-around. Tiger had no idea how to teach someone to swim. Had she ever been taught? Nah. Her parentals were more "do-it-yourself", and taught both her and Finley to hit the ground running with everything. The one thing they had been taught was hunting.

So Tiger looked to Peregrine, and Elwood, content to stick to the wayside. She did move nearer to the water, though, the very tip of her claws and paws feeling the chilly water.

Pantaleimon smiled awkwardly at Tiger when she talked to her and nodded when Tiger admitted to feeling afraid of doing something wrong. "P-pups are pretty hard to teach things right," Pantaleimon mumbled uncomfortably; especially pups that didn't know her, as they tended to run in all directions. Pan did not doubt that Fox and Peregrine's pups were the same. When Tiger did so, Pantaleimon also moved closer to the water. Pan loved to swim, and it was the only thing that kept her homesickness for the ocean somewhat at bay.

As Pantaleimon sank her paws into the water, up to her ankles, a rare smile fell across her face, albeit a melancholic one. Oh, how Pan longed for the ocean... Pan looked at the pups, who all seemed to be doing well so far, and then at her rippled reflection in the water with a thoughtful expression. After taking a moment's pause, Pantaleimon walked further into the water, until her feet no longer touched the sandy floor, and she paddled around the water, sinking her body into the water contently.

"Mama it is!" Fox said, giving Dhole a gentle nudge. Pan and Tiger could remain as backups in case anything went wrong, since Peregrine had decided to take Raven under his wing (oh ho ho, bird references). Fox was half-tempted to grab Dhole's scruff and take her out to swimming level (y'know, sink or swim), but Perry's idea was probably a lot better. "Alright, just a little ways in," Fox instructed, backing slowly into the water until she was almost up to her own elbows.

Once Wifi had gotten in that far, Fox coached her further out. "Let the water hold you up," she instructed. "But don’t go too fast." Slowly, Fox began to take another few steps back until the water was touching her own stomach. Hopefully that would be enough room that Dhole could start feeling herself buoy.