Hideaway Strath Third child, restless child

The boys were starting to become more mobile and curious, much to her dismay. She was proud that they were growing so strong and able, but she worried they might get hurt; She was incredibly protective of them, and they were still much too young for life outside the den.

They had just been napping in a pile moments ago, Simmik feeling secure with the knowledge that Ky rested just outside should anyone decide to act stupidly and wander too close. Even in sleep, she was attuned to every movement within the den, so when Atka stirred, her eyes flew open. She watched as he got up and started to wobble around, the other two boys awake at this point too. She let them wander anywhere within the confines of their den, but she never let them move through the entrance into the outside world—not yet. So when her youngest son's path became clear, she lifted up from the ground and snatched him up just as he made it into the opening. She set him back down with his brothers and settled down again. He was the most curious of the three, and she knew it would get him into trouble as he grew older and gained more freedom. It just meant she would have to keep a close eye on him. Alduin barked and nipped excitedly at her, earning him a playful mouthing, followed by licks to his face as he settled against her chest. He was needy—she had figured that out quickly because he was neither shy nor quiet about it. He was constantly demanding her attention, and she often obliged him; she didn't really mind anyway, she thought it was pretty cute and was happy to smother him in affection. 

Atka's questioning call to her had her focus shifting to him and the rock he seemed very interested in. That's a rock, she told him patiently, unsure what all he could understand just yet. His words were minimal and mostly nonsense, but she could see his intelligence even now. Ky entered the den then, clearly attracted to the commotion within, and she smiled up at him, nuzzling him in return to his own affectionate greeting. As usual, Alduin seemed excited to see his father but he was more interested in what his brother had to greet him with his usual boisterous affection. Tulok had been silent this whole time, which was not abnormal for their second born. He sat next to her and watched his brothers curiously but when Ky entered, he lifted up and settled between her husband's large legs. He sat there, leaning against Ky's chest as he continued to watch his brothers.

All three had such different personalities already. She could watch them explore and play all day, and she frequently did. She couldn't help but laugh at the way Alduin danced around the stone; he was always so bold and curious. She was eager to see how that would grow with him. Simmik reached over and nibbled on her mate's ear before offering him a few kisses to his cheek. She was perfectly content.