Dawnlark Plains speedy gonzales

River squeaked softly, a noise of pure delight, when the big one licked his head. He liked this big gray wolf! Unfortunately, his fierce, joyful chewing was interrupted by his killjoy brother. He turned at the growl, ready to tell Eventide to bugger off— this was his big one, after all, and he could find his own!
Quite suddenly, the young Corten felt himself lifted from the ground. He was on the ground again before he could react, but that didn't stop him. River turned, intending to tackle the big one's face (he had forgotten Eventide entirely), but lost his balance and fell sideways across it instead. He was limp for a moment, then noticed an ear and went after it.