Duskfire Glacier when the summer dies

"Siku!" Veteran emitted the other boy's name cheerfully, in response to Siku's-- frankly adorable-- utterance of his own. Yep, best friends for life. It was solidified. 

But then-- oh snap!-- Veteran's other best friend got there with his mom, Tzila. Now they were a TRIO of best friends! Veteran couldn't be any happier. 

Tzila's muzzle came down over him, and he put a few frantic licks on her chin, begging to be fed mostly out of habit. Food didn't happen though; Tzila moved away after her quick greeting. The adults had important conversing to do, it seemed. That was okay, though. The kids had important playing to do. 

Ensio propped himself up on Meerkat's chest, which looked super, duper fun to Veteran. Ensio was so close to her face! She must have so many cool smells! Siku was already toddling over to meet Ensio, and Veteran followed. So Meerkat ended up with all three pups bopping around at her feet, engaged in various antics. 

Veteran responded quickly to Meerkat's offer. "I'm weady now! Twain me fwo Gwardian. Pwease, Meekah!" He was aware that he was fighting a lot of best friends for Meerkat's attention, so he ended up shout-begging in desperation and sounding more than a little whiny.