Swiftcurrent Creek Here's lookin at you, kid

Sounds from the back of the den caused Danica's head to whip around, once more peering into the darkness. Suddenly a small shape emerged, crying out as it did so. Soon she could see that it was one of the boys, Valtyr. He ambled in her direction and her eyes widened. Uh oh.

Sure, babysitting was one thing... but when it came to actually dealing on a close basis with pups, Danica figured she was next to useless. She had never done it before. She could guard them, fight to turn back anything that might approach, but when the approaches came from the other direction, she was thrown.

The little pup wasn't swayed by her trepidation, however, and abruptly came right up to her, tripping to land on her tail. Resisting the urge to slide it out from under him lest it cause him to fall on the less forgiving ground, Danica looked around. Seeing no one, she gazed back at the pup, a small smile lighting up her face. Reaching forward with her nose, she stroked the pup's fur, marveling at the softness. "Hey," she said softly, somewhat at a loss. What did you even say to pups? What did they understand at their age?