[html] » Icarus had come to Pilot with a different interest the day before. He didn’t want to know anything about storm’s history or about his own father. Instead, he wanted to know about Pilot’s background. It had sort of surprised the squirrel raised wolf, but he figured he would oblige. After spending quite awhile explaining his childhood, they then moved on to explain squirrel customs – such as Pilot’s piercing. It was fascinating to see just how intrigued Icarus was with Pilot’s own history. Before now, he hadn’t really thought that it was all that interesting. At least, not enough to sit down like this and explain every little detail. Not to mention, Pilot didn’t exactly anticipate all of the questions Icarus had. It had been a nice conversation, and Pilot was glad that he got to reveal the secrets of his youth to someone so interested. Icarus really was a firecracker, and Pilot had a soft spot for him.
» Pilot had told him all about everything when he grew up. About the squirrels and their hyper activeness. And about Pilot’s brother, Aiden, and how he used to play tricks all of the time. And most importantly, he had told him about how Aiden had given Pilot his first and only piercing so far. That really intrigued the pup. It was amazing how one piece of metal could attract so much fascination from his young mind. Of course, he had seen other wolves with similar piercing (though none in the same place as Pilot) but had yet to hear any stories of acquiring them. Pilot had been the first, and Icarus was sold. He wanted one.
» He had promised the young Phoenix whelp that he would give him a present when he turned one year of age. Apparently, that wasn’t quite soon enough. Icarus pleaded with the Altester until he finally gave in. So maybe they wouldn’t wait quite that long, but Pilot wasn’t going to give in that easily. Instead, he gave Icarus a task to fulfill. Once he did that, Pilot promised that he would go ahead and give Icarus a piercing of his own. [/html]
[html] » Pilot had told the pup that as soon as he caught something on his own, that he would give him his own piercing as a symbol of his accomplishment. Of course, the pup was determined from then on. He went out right after their conversation, and began stalking small game – mostly rabbits and birds. However, both proved to be better prey than he thought. Escaping his many attempts, Icarus gave up for a bit. Sighing, he headed for home in order to rest up for the night in hopes he might be able to catch something the next day.
» Pilot had been rather surprised when the pup showed up. He was still quite young – only a little over 4 months. Pilot, who was not accustomed to youth, had learned many new things about their development. He had been told that the pups wouldn’t start hunting with the pack until they were about 6 weeks old. Small game hunting would also take place around the same time or so. But no, Icarus had somehow defied that odd. In his teeth hung a small chipmunk – nothing glamorous, but he did pass the test.
» This counted, didn’t it? After all, he hadn’t said what kind of game. Just that Icarus had to catch it on his own. After many failed attempts with various types of prey, he had gotten lucky. He just hoped now that Pilot would give the stamp of approval and Icarus could claim his reward. [/html]
[html] » The pup had fulfilled the mission that Pilot had set him upon. He couldn’t deny him his prize any longer now. With a grin he led the pup towards he and Dierdre’s den where he had the tools which would enable him to give Icarus his own jewelry. After promising such a prize to the pup, he had searched the city in hopes he might find a nice piece of jewelry for the Phoenix child. He had succeeded, finding a small silver ring. As he prepared himself, he watched Icarus eagerly wagging his tail in anticipation, even at sight of the needle. Pilot had to give him something – after all, he had been unnerved when he first saw the needle Aiden would have to use.
» The needle was the most uncomfortable part of the whole piercing, but the pup wouldn’t let it show. He was going to be strong, like dad, and wouldn’t let a small thing such as this taint his brave heart. He winced only slightly as it pierced the tender skin of his ear, but excitement spilled through his veins and covered any pain intolerance. After the jewelry was in, Icarus grinned perhaps the largest he had ever in his short life. This made him more grown up – like Mom and Dad who both had jewelry. Not to mention, he was the only pup he knew of that had one.
» "There you go," Pilot told Icarus as he began putting away the piercing supplies. Instantly he could see how proud the whelp was to sport such a thing, and he only hoped that Phoenix would be just as elated. He couldn’t judge well enough, but he figured Icarus could always take it out if Phoenix didn’t approve. Though something told him that that wouldn’t be the case. With a few words of appreciation, the pup took off and Pilot could only smile. It was interesting to watch the siblings grow each and every day. [/html]
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