Redsand Canyon A cookie from space.

She invited @Leona and @Jack Snipe to come watch—otherwise, they could hang with their Uncle @Phox—as she headed to the sparring pit today. Towhee warmed up by running a few laps, then trotted to the center of the dirt field and howled for @Reyson to come join her for a spar.

The girl was growing rapidly, and in no time at all had become quite the adventurer. It helped that Towhee was so inviting for such things; their mother brought them now to the sparring arena, which to Leona was a big pit of despair since it was a big dusty space with no toys, but she was content enough to sit and watch.

Towhee's summons of one of the other adults didn't bother her either - she was used to the weird sounds that mother made, and would probably develop some kind of lisp or accent by the time she was really talking. The howl brought out the desire to mimic and soon Leona was tipping her chin up to yowl in her best, most dissonant, metal-voice.

Reyson heard the howl,but he didn't recognise the voice. If they knew him they were of mereo and a spar was also a clear indication.

He trotted into view and a small twinge of unease, skated along his spine. It was Maxims mate Towhee. He still owed her an apology, but it didn't seem appropriate right now.

Hello. Defense or Attack?

Jack had followed Leona and their mom to the sparring pits. It was a great big dusty place with absolutely nothing of interest for children – oh joy…

Upon arrival, it seemed that their mom was getting ready to do some wrestling with another member of the pack. Jack watched them for a moment, curious about the process behind playing in the pit. It looked like they were just discussing things. At least, the man that had joined them asked a question about attack or defense.

Jack Snipe wanted to play too! He whirled on Leona and bumped his head to her shoulder. Then he buried his wet nose into the fluff near her neck and sniffed. Smelled stinky, but he liked it.

The Scutarius obeyed her summons promptly, earning a nod of acknowledgement from Towhee. When he greeted her, then posed a question, she stared at him for a beat before a smirk suddenly broke over her face.

Since her children had opted into attending, she turned to Leo and Jack, pointed at Reyson and signed, -Attack!-

When Jack shoved his nose in to her, Leona let out a little chirrup of a giggle, and turned her attention to him. She was mid-motion towards grabbing one of his ears when she heard the low tones of Reyson, and was distracted; then Towhee looked to them both and signaled a word at them.

She looked at Jack another second, then to Reyson, and realized what was being asked. Mama wanted them to play in the dirt with them! Leona was on her feet and crossing the edge of the pit, more than happy to oblige.

Her strides were all over the place. She wasn't fast, she had no finesse, but she did make a bee-line for Reyson, intending to show him who was boss!

Reyson's ears immediately went to his skull and he stared at the pups, pure confusion on his gold red face. He looked at Towhee again, and then back down to the little ones.

Clearly asking her What the f*** do i do? But there was no answer forthcoming.

He felt too large, too big. He wanted to tuck his tail and leave immediately, but that was not hat a soldier did.

He stared at the little girl as she came forward and slowly as if pulling from many years ago, which in retrospect he was. He tried to remember, what to do. How to play.

His movements were not as finely tuned as they usually were, and it was slow at first as he remembered. But he slowly moved into an easy defensive crouch. He would not attack these little ones, with more than a paw. His paw would possibly fit over their bodies and it made him nervous.

I messed it up by waiting! Sorry, everyone… ;w; I thought I was after Leona for some reason. That is my fault.

Their mother instructed them to attack.

Jack needed no second command. He was off, puppy paws churning at the earth to get him as close to his opponent as he could. Puppy mouth was parted, and his sharp teeth were revealed. The young boy aimed several snaps at the man’s legs. He hoped that he could get just one bite. One bite would mean he could hold on forever. One bite and maybe he could really prove himself as a total badass.

If Leona could help hold their target down, Jack Snipe was ready to show the guy what he was made of! And he was made of a lot of spunk, that was for sure.

No bigs! Since Leona is an NPC now, you guys wanna wrap this? :)

Reyson looked shit scared as her small children ganged up on him. Towhee’s smirk grew as she watched, amused by her comrade’s discomfiture and chuffed with her kids’ eagerness.

He fielded them with stilted movements, as if unsure of himself. Towhee shook her head, laughing under her breath. If he wanted to live someplace like Mereo, he’d better get used to little kids underfoot!

Good going, guys! Get him! Towhee encouraged, showing the Scutarius absolutely no mercy.

works for me

Reyson was unsure exactly what to do, but he was trying. A sharp nick of pain went up his leg at the puppy's bite. And he play growled. Finally, he shifted and pretended to fall ass over end.

Eyes watching the young ones, to make sure they didn't get anything vital in their tiny pinprick teeth. A small smile on his maw. It had been frightening and uncomfortable, but a little fun too.

Their target felt the wrath of stinging puppy bites. Jack was over eager and ready to nip at anything that reached his snout. When the large wolf tumbled over, the boy did not hesitate to leap onto the prone figure and begin shoving his paws in all the places that might hurt to poke at. His young frame was awkward and gangly, but he did a fine job of staying atop the bucking bull.

When they had finished their fight to the death, Jack Snipe turned his attention toward their mother and barked excitedly at her. Did she see how good they’d done? His gaze shifted toward the man that he had stretched out on top of and he wagged his tail, feeling proud of their accomplishments.