Stavanger Bay i have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night

A soft ka-yi! escapes the woman as sharp, puppy teeth prick harmlessly against her skin. Amayo isn't worried about herself, but she wonders if there won't soon by smaller beings for sweet Qilaq to play with. When that day comes, she wants her pack-daughter to be as responsive as possible to cries of distress.

But that day still seems a long way off, and for the moment, Amayo is content to allow rougher forms of play as well. When she can manage it - and it's less often that it used to be - she snaps her teeth at the cute little face attatched to her. When she can't, she simply growls, playing the part of menacing foe for her little girl. Through it all, she lies on her back, head craned to watch her pack-daughter play.

The attack comes as little surprise, but still surprise enough to choke a happy laugh from her throat. Amayo endures her messy grooming for a moment before flipping onto her belly and attempting to pin down her assailant, intending to give the girl a proper bath.

"Come here," she murmurs, giving the girl's shoulder a playful nip. "A bath for you, and then bed - but we can sleep out here in the open, if you like."