Swiftcurrent Creek blueberries and butterflies

buckthorn was shoulder deep in a ditch and in hot pursuit of a mole that had buried itself beneath the soil. the boy had been digging for nearly three hours by now, and unbeknownst to him, his blind prize had long since trudged away. still, he kicked up dirt and let it fly behind him, not a care in the world for where it landed or who it may land upon. 

the snap of a twig alerted the youth to something lurking in the distance, but what it was he could not tell. slowly he slunk downward until his eyes just barely peeked above the edge of his pit. he thought himself hidden well enough to go undetected, but he'd forgotten about the two comically large solar disks on the top of his head that he called ears. 

they stuck out like the ears of a rabbit in a magician's hat. all someone had to do was walk over and give them a tug.

Morwenna’s gaze fell upon the young pup’s oversized ears, poking up above the pit’s edge like two little flags. She couldn’t help but let out a soft, amused chuckle.

I wonder what we have here... she called, her voice carrying a playful, maternal warmth. This must be one of the children of Arric and Arlette that Akavir had mentioned. She stepped closer, peering down at him with a glint of mischief in her eyes. She wasn't hostile— purely illusive in her graceful nature. She smelled heavily of the Swiftcurrent Creek territory now, so he'd have nothing to be frightened of.

 Your ears are giving you away, little one.

his ears twitched with each step the woman took closer, eyes peering upward just as the words little one struck him. "i ain't little!" he challenged while springing upwards with bounds of energy. he hopped off a few paces, sizing up the woman before he puffed out his chest and proudly displayed himself as if he were a show dog. 

"i'm almost as big as you!" he squawked, paw lifted to point in her direction. maybe almost was not quite accurate, but the specifics didn't matter in the moment. one day he would be almost as big as her — no, he would be even bigger!

Morwenna watched the pup's display with warm, amused eyes, her lips curving into a gentle smile. She could hardly contain a chuckle at his bravado, so certain, so full of fire. It tugged at something tender inside her, a memory of her own little ones—so determined, so proud.

Oh, of course, she replied, lowering her head so that her eyes met his at his level. How silly of me to think you were little. Now that you're up close... she raised a brow. My, word! You'll be just as big as your father, I reckon.

Morwenna glanced to the pit he was laying in, then back to him. What’s your name, warrior? I'm Morwenna.

Violet was enjoying the wider set of boundaries set by her parents. She had long grown bored with the site. Now more of the territory was open for her to explore. Still the girl was never too far away from her siblings. It was only natural to stalk and play fight them of course! She had seen her brother move into a direction. She had tried to follow him, however, she got distracted herself by all kinds of scents. The russet girl then had to try and find him. It took a bit of her time, but it was the voice of her brother and that of a stranger that made her find him.

Her curiosity made her not very stealthy. She came through the undergrowth to inspect the situation. Violet saw the dark colored female, different in color than her father. She found her coat rather pretty! I'm totally going to be bigger!!!, she called out and stepped up next to her brother. Her brother was bigger than her but she was confident that she would catch up with him. She was called Morwenna. I have not seen you before!, she called out, russet brown eyes narrowing.

buckthorn was as easily flattered as he was offended, and with the simple praise of the woman he had forgotten all about her previous comment. she even called him a warrior! "i'm buckthorn," he introduced with a proud smile just as his sister joined in the conversation. 

"that's violet," he let out as he went over to square himself up against his sister. he lifted a paw to his head before dragging it out over above his sister's. there was still a good amount of space between their heights, but that alone wasn't enough for the boy. he looked pointedly at morwenna before asking, "who do you think will be bigger?"

She had a predicament on her hands now, surely. Buckthorn stood proudly beside her, chest puffed as he introduced himself, while his sister, Violet, bounced in with a fierce confidence of her own, clearly ready to challenge her brother in both height and ambition.

She tilted her head thoughtfully, her gaze shifting between the two. Well, she began, a hint of a grin teasing at her lips, you both have the hearts of warriors, and that matters more than size alone. Her gaze lingered on Buckthorn for a moment, then on Violet, a playful glint in her eyes.

But if I must choose, she added, drawing out the anticipation, perhaps the answer will only come with time and many more rounds of these battles. She winked, clearly encouraging them both in their antics. For now, I see two strong pups with boundless potential. Keep up your training, and we shall see who stands tallest.

Vi watched as her brother lifted his paw and measured them. The red haired girl was quick to try and nip at his raised paw, like a sibling would. Clearly she would be tall enough to at least bite him for even thinking he was taller. Clearly within a few days, hours, she would be MUCH bigger. She turned to the female with curious gaze. The anticipation was killing her! Surly this female would pick her, right?

Violet angled her head. Heart like a warrior. That sounded cool, but she didn't know what it meant. The girl pushed her head a little taller to look bigger. She almost started to bounce when the woman drawled out her answer.... But it didn't come... Violet deflated with a puff. Not fair! You have to pick! Who would you pick if you have to? You can only pick one!!, she tried to convince the female.

Violet reared up and tried to rest her front paws over her brother's back. Like right now?, she beamed. Because now she totally was taller than her brother if she succeeded. Though she was probably pushing her bother's limits by doing so but she did not think that far ahead.