Sun Mote Copse Gadgetville

-"Meerkat,"- Towhee called in response to the Sovereign's words, having caught the pained grimace. At first, the pup ignored her completely, undermining her attempt to demonstrate her child's ability to hear. Hearing was one thing, listening was another. -"Suricate Meerkat Redhawk-Blackthorn!"- the Regent called again, louder and more imperiously.

This time, the pup let go of Wraen's ear and crouched beside her, quivering a moment before bounding over to her mother. She was the picture of giddy subservience, her head and belly slung low as her tail wiggled beseechingly. Meerkat dropped onto one hip and turned her face up toward Towhee, a hilarious, grimacing smile stretching her babyish features.

-"Good girl. Go play. But no biting,"- the mother instructed, nudging the pup back toward the Sovereign, just hoping the tot could understand the simple commands.

Meerkat didn't need to be told twice this time. She sprang to her feet and leaped back toward Wraen, noticing an outstretched paw and batting at it with a high-pitched giggle.