Salt and Iron

Frodo Silvertongue · 06-12-2012, 05:18 PM

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Man and pup clambered over tree and rock, both muddy and naked and happy. Frodo's fur was matted where it should have been curly, brown where it should have been black. And you couldn't even tell that Nate-River had once been very white. His pretty little fur had been soaked and dirtied until he looked like a chimney sweep. They were so muddy because they'd crossed the Mersey Lagoon on the way to the Ethereal Eclipse. Nate had begged his dad to go playing in the mud holes and various sink holes around the boggy once-been-lake, and Frodo had given in to the playful pup's begging. Frodo had promised a fun day out, and he figured he'd give his pups one. On that note, it wasn't just Nate that had come along today. Payne was riding in a basket on her adopted father's back, peeking out through blankets. She didn't say much; she only squealed when she wanted something, but Frodo had a pretty good idea of what she wanted when she did want something. He'd grown to know his children well over the past couple of weeks.

Frodo stopped walking through what was starting to look like dense forest, to peer back at Nate, who was trailing behind on his stubby legs. The pups were only just four weeks old, a few days older, and couldn't walk for very long without tiring. They were still suckling babes, he would do well to remember that. Perhaps in an hours time, he'd have to lead them back again, and end their little adventure. Yer comin', skipper? Frodo asked his boy, pausing to let the pitiful, mud-soaked pup answer. It was strange that Nate had started talking and understanding speech - especially names - far quicker than was normal for a child of his age. Fa? squeaked Nate in reply. Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa. he carried on, putting on an almost lazy burst of speed until he hit the back of his dad's legs. Frodo chuckled, squatting down so he could ruffle the boy's hair. Do yer wanna hitch a ride with Payne? he asked. At this, he heard a squeak of protest. The blankets and basket in which Payne was being carried in was so clean; of course she wouldn't want her muddy brother sharing with her! Nate shook his head though, and ran on up ahead, leaving muddy footprints in his wake. At this sudden display of energy, it seemed Payne too wanted to be set down. Frodo lifted the pup out of the basket on his back with much struggle, and placed her, wriggling, down on the floor in front of him. She ran up after Nate-River, her larger body more prominent now they were side by side. She'd been born first, and it seemed Nate was a tad runty. Mr Silvertongue watched them play with a grin on his features, ever the father as he sent stern yips to slow them whenever they strayed too far ahead.

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