penchant for trouble

But it was as joy unadulterated lit up the pup's sterling eyes that the little red wolf understood how much joy it brought her to care for her so. Smiling despite herself as Jokull fed, she felt a pang of regret--this time, a little more appropriate--as she realized her previous regret had been misplaced. Furthermore, her stomach was as empty as could be. In that moment, she wished she had an entire army of mice stored up in her stomach to give to the little pup. Quietly she wondered if this was the impulse of a mother beating deep within her heart--or loins, or bowels, or wherever the soul slept. Her entire body seemed affected by this emotion, however. Whining back in apology with ears flattened on her head, she quickly looked around, hoping that some unsuspecting mouse would pop-in for a visit. Unfortunately, the smell of blood was dominant. Feeling her frown deepen, she then rolled onto her back and whined again. "Here, eat me," she seemed to say with some sorrow.