lesson number one
#1
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nani



Brisk air chilled her wet nose, sending a shiver down her back. Fall had swept any trace of summer from their territory weeks ago, but she could not help but hold on to the memories of the sun’s warmth. Though, with the cool weather came the blaze of color that burned through the treetops. Cobalt eyes danced happily over the sight, watching the changes and the thin leaves sailing softly from limbs to the ground, padded by their already fallen brethren.

Seated outside her homes opening, the slight multi-colored fey watched the sun peak behind the foliage, teasing her with its sporadic heat. Leaves spotted the air, and the songs of morning birds filled her ears. She kept her back to the sleeping forms within the cave’s security. For a moment she played gatekeeper, standing watch in case of an early intruder. But the only other visible beast beside herself was the small blue bird that filled the space around her head.

Anu was able to ignore his incessant chirping, at most times, but she had hushed him the moment she rose from her sleep. Every few moments she flicked her ear in response to his prodding, but at least her was silent. She curled her thick tail against her side and across her paws, shielding them against the morning dew and chill. Eyes opened from their closed ponder as she pointed her nose skyward, searching for Thunder. She blew air at him, in retaliation for a sharp pinch to her ear.

Her attention was drawn to the mouth of the cave, the bedding they had lain shifting and paw falls padding against the ground. A faded orange shape made its way to the opening, green eyes blinking against the sunshine. His paws were clumsy under him and his legs worked with extra effort to keep him steady. He made her smile and forget Thunder’s poor behavior as well as make her tail thump behind her. She rose to greet him, taking the kisses he planted on her face and laughing at his antics.

“Shhhh… you pumpkin head.” Whispers escaped her as she tried to calm him. “You’ll wake the others.”

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#2
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She ought to be able to watch over everything herself...and she did sometimes believe that she should, but sometimes she thought that she deserved a break from it all. It wasn't that Naniko was a lazy wolf; quite the opposite, really...but she was a delegator. She tried to make time for everything in her life, but leading the pack came first. Some nights she came back completely exhausted, and wanted to do nothing but flop down and sleep for hours. There was normally some small problem that she had to attend to each day, sometimes more than one. She loved being a mother. But she knew that part of being their mother was being their protector...and that when she protected the pack she was protecting them as well.

So far Anu seemed willing to watch the pups whenever Naniko needed her to, something that she appreciated...but she couldn't help but thinking. What if Anu didn't always want to watch them? Maybe she wasn't telling Naniko, and was pretending that she didn't mind. These were the kinds of things that she worried most about. She wanted to be truthful with Anu, and wanted her mate to be completely truthful to her as well. They didn't have much alone time, really, not with the four growing pups...maybe she would ask Jazper or Savina if they might play babysitter sometime.

She woke slowly this morning, sitting up, then standing. One of the pups, Salem, woke up when she moved away from him, but Brooklyn and Mati remained where they were, curled up together. "Hey, baby. Want to go outside?" He still looked a little sleepy, but she got a wobbly nod as a response. It wasn't a long walk to the front of the cave but she kept her pace at a slow one so that she could keep up. Naniko had thought when they had been born that at least two of the pups would end up looking the same, that they might end up with the same pelt color, but it hadn't happened. So far, each of the pups looked very different from the others. Brooklyn was a bright white like her, Salem the black of her father Roman and of Conri's mother Soran, Haven the same color as his father, and Mati an odd, mottled brown. It was peculiar that they each looked different.

She reached the front of the cave and looked up at Anu. The female was surrounded by a halo of light, and she had to blink a few times. "Hey there." Salem came up behind her, looking at Haven, his tail wagging quickly.



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#3
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His tail whipped behind him, sending is body into a vicious wiggle. It provoked a giggle from the fey, and she fought the urge to crouch into a play stance, bowing in response to sudden need to have fun. Still the others slept, and Anu knew it was best to let them rest.

There were times, when they all huddled together with the prospect of slumber, that she wondered how life would be without her family. There were times when she wanted the freedoms that a solitary life allowed, but there was no urge or any prospect that was more appealing then what she already had. Of course she wanted Nani all to herself at times, but sharing her was easy when it was four pairs of puppy eyes asking.

A voice made her stop her games, and drew her attention to the cave’s mouth. Even in the darkness of the opening her coat shined bright, as if light from the skin beneath it. The instant smile that was present every time Anu brought her eyes to the sight did not falter. It wrapped across her maw, and she took a moment to find her breath, responding with a light, “Hey.”

Haven left her to greet his mother and brother, and blue eyes trailed him for only a moment. There had been a time when she had torn her gaze from the other female, but now she indulged in the pleasure. She was done hiding her feelings, and had thrown that task away long ago. Long ago she might have cared that others thought her different for loving the ones she did. Of course she couldn’t help it, and because of that she wouldn’t hide it.

The two pups began a game of wrestle, chasing each other out of their sleepy haze. “How did you sleep?” She questioned as the two scuffled over their paws, growling softly in play. They had too much energy for so early, but then again they always had enough to keep her on her toes. They bumped into her, taking a leg out and crashing to the ground. Standing over them she poked them with her nose, blowing warm air on them.

“Oh your rotten.” Her voice was playful and light as she nosed them apart.

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#4
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She knew that they wouldn't be this size for very long, that each day the pups were getting bigger and bigger, so she was trying to spend as much time with them as she could. Naniko didn't know how a parent was supposed to act around their children, but she had some experience with pups. She had taken care of Davinci, had helped to raise Dahlia and Khaden, then Dierdre's boys. She figured that it would be about the same thing...except for the fact that these ones would actually be hers.

She could have guessed that the two pups would start playing immediately; the little ones had boundless energy. Naniko couldn't quite match their enthusiasm but she came close to their level of it, butting her head against Anu's side and then sitting beside her."I slept really, really well. I love this place--it's nice and warm, for being as big as it is. And a good shield from the wind" Salem continued to tumble around with Haven, occasionally gaining the upper hand on the slightly smaller male. More often than not the black pup was overtaken, though, proving that size wasn't everything. "The best thing about having this place is having you here with me. With us. I'm really glad. What about you? How did you sleep?"

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#5
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so sorry, this week has sucked, and I hate working the weekend…



There had been many pups in her life, but never even one that she called her own. None that had been the children of someone she loved so completely that she felt the maternal pull that made her forget that they weren’t her own flesh and blood. The instant that Nani had allowed her into their lives and the moment she felt like the love she had bottled within was real and mutual, she let it drain from every pore. She had become the mother wolf that she never knew was inside her, it was a feeling she relished and couldn’t find the words to express the gratitude she felt.

The cave wasn’t the mansion, and at first Anu had worried Nani wouldn’t like it was much as the house. It of course wasn’t man made, or furnished with beds and hard wood flooring. But it felt natural, returning to their roots and showing all the rest that their family was just that, theirs. Anu wouldn’t admit she worried about what others may think concerning their relationship, but there were times when she imagined a conversation between two outsiders. The pack was accepting and understanding, of course, they were family. But were there those that didn’t understand why or how they loved each other? A scar ran across her left hip, showing another’s close-mindedness, even though Anu had blocked that memory from her consciousness.

“I always sleep like a baby.” Anu rocked back against Nani and she face became hard with concern, “I didn’t snore, did I?” the words passed from her mouth while a smile broke her frown. She was sure that she didn’t snore, but there was always the chance she might start. It was nice to hear that Naniko wanted to be with her, and that she liked where they had moved. Anu let her voice become softer, maybe so that the boy didn’t hear, or maybe so that she didn’t start yelling in excitement and joy. ,“You know, I’m happy where ever you are.”

The last words came just as the two pups began to turn on them. Most likely believing that there was a secret being held from them they attempted to bring the two mothers into their game. Anu let them draw her into their insanity, eyeing Nani as she trotted after them, hoping that the words she spoke went strait to the white fey’s heart. “Now what are we going to do with these two?” Her voice was full and normal, as she let Salem gnaw on her fore limb.


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#6
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Another face appeared from the cave behind her, a small white pup with clear, icy blue eyes. Her mouth was open in a large yawn, but as soon as it closed she was talking. Brooklyn had been the first one to speak, the first one to walk, and the first to open her eyes-it was a bit of a pattern. Naniko had been thinking about giving her something new to do, something that might challenge her, but hadn't been able to come up with anything yet. The other three took a lot of attention, too. "Mama...I's hungeee!! hungee!" She said. Ah, hungry. They were almost always hungry.

Last to appear was large brown Mati, stumbling toward the front of the cave. Brooklyn looked back at her and Mati cowered a little, tail curling beneath her legs. She crawled toward the front, so as not to provoke her older sister. Naniko grabbed hold of Mati just as Brooklyn started forward at her. "No more of that." She was preoccupied by the girls for a moment, and when she looked back Anu and the boys were a little ways away. "No, you never snore. That I've heard, anyway. These guys certainly do, though." She put Mati down when she reached Anu, Salem, and Haven, giving a warning look to Brooklyn. "Brooklyn's hungry...and I'm sure the others will be pretty soon. Maybe we should teach them some strategies...for hunting today?" It would get some food into their bellies and tire them out a bit.
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#7
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She loved each of the pups, but the girls were always more drama then the boys. Haven and Salem fought, but it was nothing but mock and they enjoyed Anu participating. The little ladies played a different game, Brooklyn saw Mati as a target and their fighting was usually real. It made Anu dig out her strict side, something she didn’t like about herself. Of course the girls snuggled with her, kept clean and didn’t take her legs out from under her every other moment. Thankfully Nani was able to enforce the rules, Anu was more the happy to keep an eye on the boys while she monitored the girls.

Her ears perked at idea of food, as well as hunting. If there was one thing that she enjoyed it was hunting and being able to share her techniques was icing on the cake. They were old to enough to know how their species was to feed themselves, and she was happy to help then understand how it all worked. Anu remembered when her father had taught her all he knew about the hunt and kill. She hoped that they would remember their mothers teaching them.

Her smile gave Nani her reply, and she hopped from the boys to greet the girls. ”Are you ready?” Blue eyes met the little ones that belonged to the four that belonged to the pups. Her excitement bubbled over and into the pups. She had a knack for getting the group excited.

”What do you think should be our quarry?” looking back to Nani and feeling much like one of the pups herself. Tail wagging and held high along her back she stood with the children looking for her guidance.

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#8
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Do you want to npc two while I npc two? ^^


The pups had gotten a bit of bad luck with their time of birth, being born right when winter was coming, but she felt sure that they would all get through it without a problem. They were still small enough that she could gather them all together and make them come inside if it got too cold outside, with Anu's help. And by the time the real cold and bad weather came they would be big enough to realize that they had to find cover.

Brooklyn nodded enthusiastically as Mati looked on. The larger pup didn't look that interested in hunting or learning anything, really, but Naniko felt sure that she would get into it after they all started. The pups had never been on a real hunt before. Naniko looked to Anu, giving a light shrug."Maybe...rabbit? Easy for us, but hard enough for them to realize that hunting isn't always easy. And they could chase it for a while"



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#9
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k, I get the boys!



Thin small body leaned against the larger alabaster female, hoping to run any indecision away. “Its perfect.” The perfect choice for the new hunters, and Anu loved hunting hare. They were the fastest and more tasty, in her opinion. The words slipped from her mouth, and she loved to say the two small words. They summed up so much of her life at the moment, her love her family and her feelings. They were all perfect.

Anu tried to focus the pups, crouching to their eye level and speaking to then in a firm tone. ”We’ll need to be quite. And stay close.” Eyeing each of them so that she knew they had all heard her. Salem and Haven looked on excitedly, but kept surprisingly controlled. Without another word she turned and headed away from the cave. The boys took to her heels, already enjoying the hunt and chase of her hind paws. Salem pounced and almost tripped her, making her stride falter and her head turn. Her eyes were sharp and stern, warning him silently.

They would have to find the scent, but she and Nani were experts on the subject.

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#10
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There were rabbits living everywhere, and at this time of year even the pups would be able to make them out from their surroundings. The hare's winter coats were beginning to come in, so each rabbit would either be a mottled mixture of brown and white, or pure white. Naniko wondered if she might be easier for them to see as well, with her stark white coat. Brooklyn hadn't been given any favors when she had inherited her mother and grandmother's pelt.

"I already smell something. Really close. We won't have to go far" She started toward the smell, running alongside Anu. The two girls ran behind their mothers, Brooklyn passing Mati every few moments. The smaller pup ran in front of Mati for a little while, then relaxed to run beside her sibling. It had been a competition to her, to see who could run faster...and now that she knew she could, she was satisfied with running at whatever speed Mati took. She didn't want to tire her sister out and lessen their chance of catching something, after all! "Where is it, Mom? Where are we running to?" She shouted to Anu.


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#11
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It was special moment, to teach some one something new and something that would allow them to live. She knew that it was a moment she would remember so she needed to just take it all in. Her stride was short and slow for the lean and speedy fey, but the little legs of the pups were still clumsy and slow. She wore a smile, looking back to see the four trailing there mothers, excitement written across each face.

Ears caught the sound of a familiar voice that echoed around them. It was loud, louder then necessary and proper or a hunting mindset. It was a question that needed to be asked, but still it was a fault that needed to be corrected. Head turned and blue eyes met those the white little fey wore. “You need to let you nose guide you. Your voice isn’t necessary here.” She hoped that she would be quiet so that they would not startle their prey.

”Nose to the ground.” she whispered as she placed her black nose to the ground. The boys followed suit, and she let them take the lead. Salem weaved to the left, obviously following his nose, but on the wrong trail. Anu corralled him back toward the group, and then found the trail they sought. It was a concentrated scent that meant a borrow was close.

”Slow and silent.” she crouched to the ground, knowing that they needed to collect the ground before setting out for the chase.

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#12
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Yayyy! Family time = FUNFUNFUN!!!


Brooklyn looked a little dissapointed that she couldn't talk, but closed her mouth. She wanted to know where they were going and what they were going to do...and how they were gonna do it! She was interested in everything. The girl wanted to learn how to do everything really well so that she would grow up faster than the other puppies. At least...that's what she thought would happen. If she knew more about hunting she could catch more rabbits and eat more than the others, right? And then she would grow bigger!

Mati hung back a little, choosing to run behind Brooklyn. She looked across the group to Haven, trying to get him to look at her. She like Haven a whole lot more than Brooklyn...and she wanted to run by him. But she didn't want to ruin anything for the hunt, either...the larger pup's ears went back at that thought. That would give Brook one more thing to tease her about...ruining the hunt.

Brooklyn thrust her nose toward the ground as soon as the others did, her tail wagging behind her. Both her moms were right in front of her, doing the same thing, so she didn't feel so weird. They all probably looked really strange with their noses pressed against the dirt at the same time. The young pup looked to Naniko, following her lead, and Mati followed Brooklyn's actions. Neither of the pups could smell anything, though, not as strongly as Naniko could. With time they would be able to identify particular scents, but for now it was all just practice. Naniko could smell a pair of rabbits up ahead and looked to Anu. They smelled really strong...so they were probably up out of the burrow.




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#13
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Anu knew that they would work together to catch their prey. The two eldest wolves read each other minds, seeing the thoughts through their green and blue eyes. Yes, there were two. Anu understood it now and Nani was able to tell her. There would be a day when the others would be able to understand the simplest glance or the change in the air that surrounded them.

The mother was proud that the pups could stay so quiet; when they sat to eat she would praise each one for being so silent. The breeze shifted, making Anu unsettled and eager to move ahead with the chase. If the wind kept up it might move in the favor of the hares allowing then to smell their approach. Her anxiety did not go unnoticed. Haven began to move forward, his instincts overwhelming him. Anu eyed him still placed a gentle paw on the other boy’s tail. It thumped with excitement, catching dust as it moved. She could see him about to lose focus.

Maybe, there was a burrow full of kits, a late litter ready to leave the nest just before winter. It was a high hope, but as she stood to begin the hunt she held it close. The undergrowth was think, a blessing and a curse. The rabbit might use it for cover, but then so could they. The smell brought her to the sight of molten furs of white and brown.

In an instant Anu took flight, racing toward the large male that stood above his den. He was startled, though his face gave her no inkling of it. Instead he ran but with the speed of a surprised beast and faltered in his step. He was heavy with fall foliage and the lasts of the summer’s greens. Maybe it was too easy, but she controlled his direction and faced him toward the watching pups. In moments she was able to slow him enough that the pups were able to join the chase.

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#14
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Naniko loved playing with the pups and teachng them things. When she had been younger she could remember her real mother playing games with her, like hide and seek...running around in the barn in Chimera and playing with the horses. She'd played a lot. And then she'd gone and broken her leg, and her mother and father had left...everything bad had happened at once. Being found by Iskata was probably the best thing that could have happened to her--now she had a very large and extended family...so many wolves to meet and to look after. She still kept an eye on Kansas and Ember--she had since they were pups. They were her siblings.

The baby rabbits didn't smell like they were very far below the ground, either. Naniko ran slow enough for the two girls to keep after, slowing down gradually so that they were running ahead of her after the rabbit. It looked like the thing was going to get away...but she wasn't too worried. There was a den of babies that they could dig out afterwards--that would be a rare treat for the little ones.




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#15
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sorry i like pileup scenes...




They worked separately with their duo right behind them, Nani digging out the young rabbits, as Anu took down the male hare. He crashed to the ground sending leaves flying, the two boys were on top of him in a moment, but he was up the same instant. Anu stood back and watched for a moment, as the black and burnt orange pups going after the hare. His back leg fell lame, and his speed was hindered considerable. Salem was quicker then his brother, who was unsure of which side to take and if he wanted to use his mouth of paws to take it down.

The smart black pup tripped the other back leg, turning its direction and sending the trio towards the burrow. Nani! Anu hoped to alert the white fey that they were headed her way. She raced to meet them in hopes of stopping the collision. Four paws took her closer to the boys, who had yet to notice that they ran strait for their sisters and mother.


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#16
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lol!



The girls worked beside her, both having forgotten their previous feuds, their paws working through the hard soil toward their reward. All three were gathering dust and dirt into their pelts, but it showed up better on Naniko and Brooklyn with their white pelts. Soon she could hear a squeaking sound, and the little rabbits came into view. Naniko backed off and let the girls take the lead in this one, and each one of the youngsters reached in, grabbing a rabbit from the hole and pulling it up. "Get the others, too" She advised, and the girls reached back in to grab the last few.

She heard Anu's warning too late, but Brooklyn managed to move out of the way before the other three came upon them.



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#17
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end soon?




She could only watch as the two males ran into the hole that they girls had made. Anu shot after the hare, sure that they would not leave empty handed, they pups would be fine, and that she would not leave a wounded animal to suffer.

Rabbit in mouth she dashed back to find the pups recovering from their collision. The only one unscathed was Brooklyn, who looked content with the rabbit kit in her mouth and as proud as possible. She placed the dead hare on the ground before the rest of the litter, eyes on Nani. She wandered if the exercise had been worth the effort.

Haven broke her concentration and pounced on the dead rabbit, and took its neck in his mouth. Half dragging half caring it he trotted off in the opposite direction of the cave. Salem joined him, taking one of the limbs in his jaw, tail high with pride. The brown female followed her brothers but turned then around so their noses pointed toward home.



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#18
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How about right now? ^^



Brooklyn wasn't satisfied with the kit that she had in her mouth; she wanted what the others had! The smaller pup dropped the squealing baby rabbit and started after her siblings, reaching over to nip at the still-warm rabbit that they carried between them. She let out small yips every few steps, trying to convince one of them to drop it as they went.

Naniko looked tiredly to Anu and gathered up the kits. They would die anyway, even if they didn't take them, and the pups could play with them later on. As soon as she had all of the wriggling rabbits she walked toward Anu and looked up ahead to the pups. They had it right. Time to go home.



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