Stone Circle on one evening in the back of my house, caleb came around

an obscene gurgle left riley's lips, followed by what could only be described as a hiccuping laugh that whooped through the pines. the rumble that ripped through easthollow had rattled riley and just about all its occupants down to the bone, but the child lacked either common sense or fear, for he was not in the least afraid.

rather, the boy seemed excited by this booming noise.

lifting one pudge paw, riley chortled as the ground shook again -- seemingly in harmony with his footsteps. at a rough canter, riley scampered off -- fully expecting a trembling crescendo as he went. instead the rumbles seemed to fade away, leaving the boy disappointed, but not dispirited.

he tentatively tested a paw on the ground again; no shake, very sad, much disappoint. just as he was about to give up his game, another earthshattering peal thundered under his paws, the quake violent enough he was dislodged from standing, and thrown to the ground. around him the forest clattered and shook; somewhere in the distance, rocks were upended from their glacial roots -- the silence that followed was eerie, and interrupted only when riley got to his feet with a squeal.

Assuming Arlette knows his name as they have been in the pack together for awhile <3 Let me know if I should change that or not.

Arlette froze as the ground under her began to rumble. She instantly remembered her mother's words to come to the circle if the ground trembles were getting worse. Arlette had to gather all her courage to move, her instinct to be with the pack was greater than her fear. She rushed forward, her sole purpose was to get to the circle. Then the worst shock came that made Arlette crouch in fear. She let out a soft whine, her ears twitching to all the loud noises. What was wrong!? She didn't understand!

Then a squeal came that made her jump up. One of the children!!! Arlette was usually around watching her siblings or trying to keep an eye on Laurel's cubs. She would be in the background or bring them meals. She was never too tired to play with them as well. She rushed to the sound and spotted Riley soon enough. "Riley!," she called out and got to his side. She tried to hide her own fear. "Come, we have to get to the circle!," she urged him. She thought about how to get him there, fast. "The first one there WINS!" she let out to motivate him.

yes!! thank you for joining <3

riley! the boy's ears stood up, moving like little antennas. his eyes darted to the pale figure approaching -- arlette.

he sunk to the ground instinctively, a playful growl readied.. but arlette had other things in mind, and manipulated riley into a willing (and agreeable!) student by fashioning her order in the name of competition.

he was already off, heavy on his feet and clunking -- but positively desperate to beat her there.

OMG Sorry for the delay!

Arlette was glad that the pup was motivated enough to run. He seemed into it! Arlette beamed and was pleased that her plan worked. She stayed on his heels. "Almost catching you!!! You are so fast!" she encouraged him. She wanted to run faster but she didn't want to out run him. She knew that pups thrived on positive energy. She usually let them win with play to gain confidence. This was just another play session. "There the circle!!!," she called out. The ground shaking under them.

stupid little riley was totally into it. he was so into it, in fact, that the longer his stride came on his chubby little legs, the more uncoordinated his movements were -- until at last he overextended himself and went violently head over teakettle right into a stone that kindly stopped his progress.

"ooomfph." came the instant response, the air knocked out of him entirely. resting against the rock, riley's gaze was unfocused, and he did not immediately rise.

Arlette had to jump out of the way when Riley tripped. After all she wanted to give him the feeling that he was winning. Arlette jumped to the side and then hit the breaks. She turned and grabbed him by his scruff. He was too big to carry but she wanted to hoist him to his feet. "C'mon," she urged and nudged him forward. She could already see the pack and let out a bark that they were coming. Hopefully one of the adults would notice or see them so she had extra man power to help if Riley didn't want to move forward anymore.