Broken Antler Fen coloring book

@Sebastian!

The world that enveloped Mato was growing by the day. Regardless of what he found himself doing, the child found his world expanding as he began to learn more about everything that was going on around him. Though learning did interest him, it seemed as if the child was more into hands-on learning than the traditional sense of the process.

Today was no exception. A frigid chill kept Mato far into the den that morning. Recently, the child had been very interested in his discovery of his mouth and vocal cords. Though his babbling had not progressed into actual words, the child found himself testing the limits of both his tone and volume.

Suddenly, a louch screech rose above the silence of the den. To this, Mato quickly shut his mouth and looked around with wide-eyes, wondering if anybody else had heard the noise that he made. Though surprised at what he had produced, a childish grin found itself slithering onto his lips as his eyes jutted around the too-quiet den.

Sebastian had been out on patrol all morning. Now the pups were a bit older he felt more confident leaving them. Though he was still nervous about missing something big, like their first words. He noticed they were getting pretty vocal, even at night. He yawned at the thought of it. The father was returning to the whelping den. Once the pups were a little older he liked them to sleep in the Cove with the rest of the pack. It would do well for their social bonds with the others.

As he was trotting home he suddenly heard a loud screech. His eyes winded as he realized it came from the den. It send the young father flying towards his home. Sebastian was a big guy so he was not the fastest around, but being a father thinking his young were in danger made him pretty fast. He poked his head inside the den and saw four little bodies. He let out a sigh in relief, letting himself fall down in the entrance with a big puff. His pale eyes fell on his oldest son who had a grin on his maw. "Oh you little rascal," he chuckled. "Did you make that sound, Mato?"

In the midst of Mato’s searching, his wide eyes soon fell upon his father’s form within the mouth of the den. At the sight of Sebastian, Mato clumsily gathered himself onto his paws and drove himself closer to his dad.

He shivered as he pulled up before the alpha, noticing how much colder it felt up here, and sat himself down. Craning his chin up so that he could get a better look at Sebastian, Mato grinned happily as he looked up with wide eyes. It had seemed as if he hadn’t seen Sebastian in forever! Where had he been? What had he been doing? As such questions, which would go unspoken due to his lack of vocabulary, swirled about he babbled an incoherent “buh,” in an attempt to keep Sebastian’s attention.

Sebastian chuckled when the other came closer. He greeted him with a lick over his head and then pulled himself further into the den where it was all warm and cozy. His fur was probably still a little cold coming from the outside, but under his thick fur the man was more than warm. Sebastian had the thick alaskan coat of his father. Perhaps some of his young were lucky as well.

Mato seemed excited to see him and Sebastian wondered if he wanted to play. So he opened his mouth a bit and playfully moved it towards him. He wanted to initiate some play with the pup seeing that they couldn't really have a conversation yet. His tail was wagging excitedly, clearly happy at the prospect of spending some time with his son.

The the cold started to get the better of his downy coast, Mato was ushered back into the warmth of the den where he was once again protected by the late-autumn winds. He looked up to Sebastian as they moved, his gaze never wandering-- even after the pair had settled near the nest.

Mato loved his father dearly, there was no denying this. Whenever Sebastian came into the den, Mato was the often the first to drop everything in favor of greeting his father. He loved his father for many reasons, but, most of all, play often happened when the silver-furred patriarch was around.

It was just this that happened as the alpha adjusted himself into an inviting position. Dropping onto his chest and sticking his rear in the air, a growl bubbled in the child’s throat as he looked at his father with a gleam in his eyes, as if inviting his father to strike first.

Sebastian soon had a response from the boy. Mato was always quick to respond to him and have fun playing sessions. It was definitely good for their bonding. Sebastian really liked playing with each of the pups seeing he never had a father looking out for him, or one to be proud of him. He had to work hard for approval he never gotten. He would never wish that to his children so he did his best to give them all equal attention and be very supporting.

Sebastian chuckled at the excited butt wiggle, which was such an invitation. There was not much room for them to jump to the side or play a game of tag but it would do. Sebastian shuffled closer as he was laying down and started his 'attack'. His paw moving closer to unbalance the pup and opening his mouth the playfully guard him off and even trying to nom on his son a bit, all in a very playful and gentle way.

Mato watched intently as his father dropped to initiate the playing. Instinctively as his father moved, the child ushered out a light yip as his father pulled forward. He was easily thrown off, as balancing wasn’t quite his forte yet, as Sebastian swept him away. He landed within his father’s mouth and wriggled instantly.

Happiness bubbled through him as he was nibbled at. His tail tipped happily and a smile spread across his young features, urging his father to continue to do what he was doing. In an attempt to counter, Mato snaked out his tongue and attempted to lick the part of Sebastian that was closest as if to say, take that, Dad!

Sebastian had his mouth around the pup, only lightly. When he started to wiggle, and make a lot of laughing sounds Sebastian let him him go slowly, as it looked like he freed himself from his grip. Sebastian instantly noticed the counter attack. A vicious lick from his son, Sebastian knew just what to do, especially seeing that look on his face.

Sebastian rolled over onto his side and closed his eyes, tongue hanging out as he played dead for the pup. Giving him a feeling he defeated his father, and show how strong he was. But also to just tease him a bit and see how he would react if he would play 'dead'. Of course the meaning of death was not something the pups understood but they did understand the non-responsiveness in his eyes.

Aha, he had escaped! Though a strong sense of pride overcame him, Mato did not let this blind him. No, instead, he allowed it to fuel him. His kisses were plentiful as he countered, his tail whipping happily from side-to-side, and soon enough it had seemed as if Mato had placed the final kiss of death on his father.

He paused once the dust had settled around Sebastian. His brows rose and his head tilted heavily to the side. What had happened to Dad? All excitement ceased as concern overcame him. Letting out a low, curious growl, Mato attempted to see if that would be enough to wake his father up.

Sebastian could see the pride on his face before he played dead on the ground. It was a wonderful feeling to him as a father too. He could really encourage these pups and not have them end up like he did. He wanted to be there for him. Still pups were there to tease them a bit of course. The kiss of death was followed by a growl but Sebastian kept laying down with his white belly up, front paws folded and eyes closed.

Though he didn't want to scare the pup, or maybe mentally harm him that he 'killed' his dad. So Sebastian tipped his head lightly and blew out a warm breath of air to 'startle' him. That was at least the idea of it. He rolled over and laughed, hoping that his son would see the joke into it.

His silence lingered as he looked to his father, his concern growing by the minute. Had he broken Dad? How was he to fix him? His mind churned as he began to think of the ways that he wake Sebastian up. It was as he watched on that the Alpha blew a gust of breath to startle Mato. His fur prickled instantly to the sensation and he perked, his eyes widening as he looked to his Dad.

What had just happened?! Did Dad unbreak?

Regardless, Mato pushed aside his own questions in favor of the excitement that overcame him. His tail wagged madly and he indulged in Sebastian’s laughter. Adding his own giggles into the mix, the boy charged for his father and launched himself at Sebastian as he exclaimed, “Da!”

Sebastian kept his chuckles and licked over Mato's face. His giggles were so cute. "I startled you," he spoke not that the pup knew what he was saying but it felt right to say so. The male quirked up his lips and laughed with him. He was a strong and happy pup. It was nice to have fun with him and build a relationship. It was especially heartwarming that he looked so confused and so cute at the same time.

He placed his big head down and looked with a proud glance at the boy. "Little rascal you are," he hummed lovingly. Sebastian was more than a proud father. He just couldn't wait until Mato could talk back to him and they could go on adventures.

His attacks were countered with kisses and to this Mato squealed in delight, any previous doubt had vanished. Squirming under the affection, as happiness overcame the young cub, Mato attempted to sneak in some licks. Soon enough, once he was covered in licks, the child squirmed from Sebastian’s hold to he could backpedal and get a better look at his Dad.

“Wasscal!” He mimicked eagerly as he lactched on to the most attractive word in the bunch, not entirely sure what the word meant. But, despite this, it was quite fun for him to say!

Sebastian chuckled seeing Mato's fur being all tousled from his licks. The male chuckled at the sight, then the pup decided to be even cuter and repeat his words. Well one word. "Yes! Rascal!,"he chuckled. It was just a little nickname for him. They had fun, Sebastian liked that. Soon they would be able to go on trips and show the territory to them. Sebastian loved that idea.

He loved being a father. These were fond memories he would look back to. "Daddy's little rascal. Aren't ya?," he grinned. Not expecting him to answer it, he was young and just starting to speak but it was just fun to hear them babble in their own little language.

His eyes grew bright at his father’s reply and in this moment, Mato found himself getting all the more excited. His paws drummed and a gentle yip passed his lips as he spoke once more: “Da wasscal!!” before tumbling back to drop into a bow once more, as if asking requesting their back and forth to continue.

It was adorable how the pup responded to him. Sebastian watched him grow excited, a state he was in often too. He quirked up his lips when the pup made a bow and was ready to play some more. Sebastian pushed his butt up too, to show that he wanted to play but this time Mato was allowed to attack him first. He let out a soft woof to coax him on.

His rear wriggled vigorously as his father dropped to mirror Mato’s positioning. The dark cub’s eyes sparkled as he held his positioning only until the blue-eyed alpha woffed. His father’s urging brought to first-born to his paws as he held his ground and he returned the barks with his own. Unlike his father, his yapping was more akin to a teacup chihuahua’s. But, eventually, a rich baritone would strum the young boy’s vocal cords.  For now, he remained rather un-intimidating.

His tail whipped madly from side to side as he couched, soon finding his voice fading as he concentrated. Though he had no intentions of landing a blow on his father, she instead just wished to hop forward and see what would happen because of it. Doing just that, Mato sprung forward slightly, leaping much like a young frog, and then looked at his father with a smile, as if to say: didja see that?!

Sebastian still couldn't get over the fact that the sounds his children were making were the cutest. Especially now Mato was trying to mimic his woofs and sounds. Sebastian focussed on the little pup as it jumped forward. He let out a bark in return, saying that he was impressed and Mato did do a good job.

When the pup jumped forward Sebastian instantly reacted by jumping back a bit. There was not much room but he managed. It showed him the aspect of play and personal space. So Sebastian continued by then jumping forward himself, it was only a small jump for him. He hoped that his son would copy his previous movement, and grasp the concept of avoidance and dodging.

Mato watched on to his father’s retreat and advance, his eyes shining as he collected the information. There was something instinctual at kicked in to do this and soon enough, he found himself learning from the lesson to take a jump back as Sebastian jumped forward.

His tail whipped and he woofed again, as if insisting that his father should spring forward again.

Sebastian reacted to the sound and jumped forward at the invitation. How fun was this, playing with his son. It was probably entertaining to watch too. A big male like Sebastian playing with such a small pupper Mato was. Sebastian had the feeling that at least one of his sons had his giantism aka Benjamin.

Sebastian now woofed back to his son and blew some warm air over him to tease him. If he jumped forward Sebastian would jump back again. It was a fun game. If they were outside he could actually run a few paces and make it into a game of tag. Maybe for when his pups were even more surefooted. He couldn't wait!

Mato shook his head at the oncoming gust, growling in turn to the action. Then, in a moment of sheer impulse, Mato pushed forward in an attempt to reach his father’s toes. If successful, he would latch on happily, adding a new aspect to the established game. Though, this would all depend of Sebastian’s reaction.

Sebastian watched his son closely, trying to see what the other would do. The pup boldly jumped forward and Sebastian was quick to jump back. But of course being far larger he was not very quick to move out of the way. The young one would of course be quicker.

His toes were under attack now. Though the only thing Sebastian could do was laugh because the pup trying to attack his toes tickled. He was not very good with tickling. He was not one to handle a tickle session one. He laughed and let himself topple over, making sure he would not land on the pup.

Mato’s movements brought down his mighty father. Delight was apparent in the young child’s expression as he looked up to his father. Even after the Alpha had fallen, Mato continued his work and nibbled on his father’s toes, curious to see what his father would do in light of this.

Sebastian kept laughing as Mato kept nibbling on his paw. The bigger wolf pulled his paw back because he couldn't handle the tickling. Once he got his paw freed from the pup he got forward and instantly 'attacked' back. He nudged the smaller pup on his side and then blew warm air over his tummy so it tickled. He could banter around like this with his son, he loved it.

The two would go on to play for quite some time, only stopping as Mato decided that it was nap time. Curling up to his father, young Mato drifted off into a nap quickly and dreamt of all that he and Sebastian had done-- replying every single move in his slumber.