Whitebark Stream We always say, later, for the later

Oh, how quickly did time seem to fly by. One moment the hatchlings were hardly able to do anything more than wriggle like a wyrm and then the next they were taking their first real steps. She worried more and more with each passing day, saddened by the thought that, sooner rather than later, she would no longer have them all to herself. Soon, they would be racing around the territory, exploring and learning new things for themselves. But, for now, they were still hers to hold close and she treasured that.

Hardly had the sun risen over the horizon when the dragoness awoke, her gaze finding its way first to @Toshi and then @Kiyoshi. Admiring how much they’d grown already, and remembering just how well they’ve been doing on their feet as of late, her decision was made. Rising to her feet, the young mother nosed each boy awake. Whenever they both awoke, she would say, “Follow me, little ones,” and then exit the den; right outside she would stop, patiently waiting for them to come long.

Despite being gifted with the ability to walk and having a whole world handed over to him, Toshi had yet to do much exploring. The den was just so warm and comforting and familiar. He didn’t know what to expect out there. Was it dangerous? Chaotic? Frightening? The whelp would much rather stick with what he was used to. But there was no kid on this earth who would stay cooped up in their home forever. They’d be pushed into the rest of the world one way or another, and today it was Toshi’s turn.

He had just blinked the sleep from his eyes when Kaori beckoned the brothers. Please mom, five more minutes! Toshi took his sweet time getting up and stretching himself out. Maybe if he stalled long enough she’d call the whole thing off and he can get some more beauty sleep.

Unlike his brother, Kiyoshi scrambled to his steadying paws the moment he registered his mother's touch. Sunlight melted through the hole to the outerworld, and the little warrior stayed his warm and curious eyes on his mother. Departing, again, to where his own paws had never wandered -- if only because his mother had bade him no.

Today was different, and bright excitement (and mild confusion) stirred Kiyoshi when mother beckoned them to follow. He knew, not because he fully understood every syllable she offered -- though he was getting better at language retention, despite his continued babbling -- but because of how she paused, and waited, and so, welcomed them. And all instinct encouraged him to follow.

Kiyoshi bounced past his brother and sought to nose him on the way, with a bright, "C'mmo Toe!" resounding for his brother to follow. The little warrior himself was well on his way, quite done with sleeping; he raced toward mother without breaking stride, scurried around her legs, and tumbled out into the wide, waking world he had only ever seen from the dark underground.

Artyom, a regular visitor to Kaori's densite to be sure she and her offspring were well, left when his own had settled with Dawn to nap. It was easiest to slip away while they slept, if he wished to avoid any tantrums.

Between his fangs, a gift: a proud antler, large enough for his comrade's infant pair to share (hopefully) without argument. He was glad to see them beyond the den with their dam, but moved in carefully with a soft wuff so not to spook them.

A short distance away, Artyom halted. He lowered his offering to the ground and regarded the cubs warmly, noting immediately how one wore silver hues not unlike his father. Oh, Salvatore, he mused with a solemn little smile, if only you could be here to see this.

"Hello," the Alpha greeted the trio pleasantly, tail swinging cheerfully at his rear as he looked to Kaori with praise in his dark gaze. He had not seen them properly until now, having not wished to overstep his boundaries in the presence of a new mother, but it was a joy to witness their first journey beyond the burrow.