Post by Ahiga on Mar 24, 2008 18:51:23 GMT -5
Characters: Miakoda (Lazuli Beta Female), Shikoba (Lazuli Juvenile)
Setting: Dense Undergrowth
Summary: Mother and daughter have a little play fun before having a discussion of the hierarchy of a pack.
A small pup hovers around the entrance of the den, her mind in conflict as to which direction she really wants to head. Back into the warm, safety of the den; the place a growing child as herself has long grown weary of? Or out into the snappy autumn evening, which stings at her tiny black nose and constantly makes her feel as if she has to sneeze? Such tough decisions! Shikoba's forepaws try to tug her forward, while the ones in back plant themselves firmly into the dirt. For now, it doesn't seem the young she-wolf is going anywhere soon.
Miakoda has been spending much time outside the den, roaming the perimeter and never straying too far. But with the pups getting older, she feels less compelled to stay by them every second of every day. Besides, there are patrols to be done and scents to be remarked. She's returning from one of her mini-missions now, her walk leisurely as she enjoys the sounds and scents of her forest home. With a small smile on her muzzle, she ducks into the undergrowth and gives her body a small shake before stopping. One of her kids is awake, and upon seeing her indecisive only daughter, she can't help but grin. "It's such a lovely evening! Oh, but I'm so lonely ... won't anyone come and play with me?" she says in a woebegone way, pretending to not see her pup.
Shikoba's maw parts open in surprise when her mother comes into sight. She hadn't really counted on seeing anybody else outside, although obviously is makes sense that she would. The whole pack doesn't sit crowded in the den, after all. But back to the now...Shikoba's face drops into an expression of profound distress at her mother's declaration of loneliness . She can't stand here doing nothing anymore, it's time to jump into action! So to speak. Actually, she does more of a shuffling scurry toward the older wolf, her tail swishing excitedly. "Mama! Don't worry, I'm here!"
Woe and sorrow! Miakoda adds in a few sad-sounding sniffs to enhance her lonely act, giving a few not-so-discreet glances towards the entrance of the den. She grins upon seeing Shikoba leave her sanctuary and come to her aid, and she gasps in mock surprise, ears and brows lifting. "Shiko! When did you get here? Oh, I knew I had nothing to worry about," she continues, her tail beginning to wag as she moves to meet her offspring. "You'd never let me be alone and sad, would you?" She grins as she bends her head down to greet the pup with fond nuzzles and licks. "You've come to play with me, haven't you? To save me from my loneliness?"
Shikoba comes to stop before her mother, nudging against one of her legs. "Nope, I'd never leave you alone. You can always count on me!" She says with intended honesty, emphasizing the point with a rapid wag of her tail. The pup tilts back her head, a bright smile coming to her muzzle. "Yes! Whatever game you want!" She's practically pouncing at her mother's nose with enthusiasm, and it's arguable whether the loneliness she's trying to abate is really her mother's, or her own.
"Aww, I'm sure I can. You're my number one helper, aren't you?" Miakoda laughs, the sound muffled by a fuzzy body on her nose. "Whatever game I want? Any, any, /any/ game?" she asks in a voice that mirrors excitement. "What if I want to plaaaaay...mmmmm....Pounce the Pup? That's my absolute most /favorite/ game ever," she teases as she playfully nips and nibbles at the pup's chestfur. Her tail continues to fan from side to side behind her, her happiness real and eyes glittering.
Shikoba's presently blue eyes widen at the mention of such a game. For a moment, it looks like the pup's been startled. But that is swiftly washed away, and she regains her previous state of merriment. Not that she thinks her mother would ever mean to harm her, but it's better safe than sorry... "Well, only if you promise not to squish me!" The pup decides, then bows playfully, in the typical manner; her front end flattening to the ground while her tail cruises freely through the air. Her little teeth nip in return at the fur on her mother's muzzle.
Miakoda giggles lightly and bows in playful return, wriggling her hindquarters in the air. "I promise to not squish you. I'll be very very gentle with my pouncing. You'll hardly feel a thing! .. Maybe." She laughs and is only able to speak with frequent pauses due to the pup on her muzzle. She backs away quickly, rising up on all fours again. "Since you're the pup, I'll give you a moment's headstart before I come after you, just to be fair," she says with an innocent look to the youngster. "Ready? ... onetwothree here I come!" The headstart wasn't much of one! and after about a second and a half, Mia playfully bounds towards her pup, grinning.
Just a ounce of relief crosses the pup's face, but she hasn't long to dwell on that. Because now the count down has begun! It doesn't afford her much time, but to Shikoba's credit, she spins around awfully fast, and falls into a dash with just a touch of the grace that will undoubtedly follow her later into life. But for now... well, it doesn't last long. Rather quickly, her steps dissolve into a clumsy scamper. Not in the least bit hard to catch up with.
Miakoda happily gives chase ... and what good mother would end their game so early by catching up so quickly? Mia runs (or rather, trots) in slow motion, laughing jubilantly from behind. "When did you get so fast, huh? Come back here, pup! I'm gonna pounce you!" is her playful threat as she picks up the pace just enough so that she can reach out with a forepaw and bat at Shikoba's hindquarters.
Shikoba smiles proudly to herself, encouraged by her mother's words. She tries to press herself faster, although that only results in a few near-stumbles. Her balance, thankfully, is sufficient enough to avoid any such falls. But when she feels her mother's paw at her back, the pup yips in surprise... no, she can't give up now! Rather than continuing to try and out run, Shikoba gets another idea. Whirling around with enough speed to make her a mite dizzy, the little she-wolf dives for her mother's legs, or rather; the space between them, in an effort to run right underneath and clear to the other side!
Ah ha! Her prey will soon be hers! Miakoda bites back a giggle as her paw connects with the pup's body, but she doesn't swipe again. Instead she makes a growling noise of play and lowers her head down just a little. But then, what's this? Shikoba has a few tricks up her sleeve! Apparently, momma wolf wasn't expecting that quick little turn of hers, and she lifts her head quickly and falters in her step a bit, ears lifting in surprise as Shikoba goes darting through her legs. "Wha-?" She skids to a stop and turns around, beaming with pride at her escaped daughter. "You little sneak!" she calls before she bounds forward. "Where'd you learn that trick, huh? Now there'll be no escaping me!"
Shikoba gasps with excitement. Her trick actually worked! For a little while, anyway. "I thought it up all on my own!" She answers back, tail wagging proudly. And so, caught up in her temporary victory, the pup forgets to check her footing, and ends up tumbling on a lump of dirt. She plunges forward a bit, rolling head-over-paw, before finally coming to rest on her back, peering upside-down at her mother. But she doesn't look defeated, or even upset. In fact, laughter builds up in Shikoba's chest, and pours mirthfully from her maw soon after.
Miakoda winces a little as the girl pup goes down, and she slows down as she nears her, ears lifting up in concern. But her worry melts away quickly as she sees that grin and hears the inevitable laughter, and soon she begins to laugh along with her daughter. "You silly pup!" she laughs as she leans down to nuzzle and lick her face. "It's obvious that you get your wit from me, but your grace from your father," she teases lovingly as she ticklishly nips at the pup's belly.
Shikoba squirms about on the ground, while her giggling intensifies at the tickling. The pup's paws reach out to swipe playfully at her mother's nose. "Really?" She asks at a rare moment when she manages to catch her breath. "Well I wanna grow up to be just like you, mama!" Her tail tries to maintain its back and forth movement, which inevitably kicks up a bit of dust.
Miakoda laughs and flicks back her ears as her nose is batted at, and she sticks out her tongue to lick at the offending paw. "Really," she assures, nodding her head smartly. "And I would absolutely love it if you grew up to be like me, Shikoba," answered with a vigorous wag of her tail. What mother doesn't like to hear that every once in a while? She might as well get used to it now! She already knows how moody adolescent wolves can be. "You know what? I know that you can grow up to be even better than me. Maybe someday you'll be alpha of a pack. I know you have it in you." She grins at the girl and gives her another nuzzle before she flops down on her stomach.
Shikoba bats lightly at the tongue, a wide smile drawing along her maw. But could she ever be better than her mother? It seemed so impossible, for the wolf who bore her is the greatest she's ever known. Not that she has that many to compare to yet, but the fact is almost entirely cemented in her mind. "A-alpha? Me? Do you really think so?" The smile drops, replaced by a look of wonder, touched also with uncertainty. "What do alphas /do/ anyway?"
"Mmhm, I really think so," Miakoda agrees with a smile down to her child. She lowers her head, washing her tongue over spots where dirt has collected because of her fall. Grooming is such a habit for her that she barely even notices what she's doing until after a few licks. Chuckling, she lifts her head and tilts it a bit as she listens to her query. "What do they do? Why.." she inhales a slow breath and glances to the den's entrance. "Alphas are ... the heart of a pack. They give us purpose. They are strong and they lead. They know what to do quickly in times of trouble, and an alpha will always listen to you. Alphas put the pack before themselves or their personal feelings. Alphas are our leaders. Where they go, the pack follows. If Felstride or Storm says it's time to move dens, then we will move dens. It's always important for you to remember that you must listen to and respect your alpha."
Shikoba hasn't yet moved from her overturned position. Her eyes are locked on her mother, as she listens to every word said. She had already known that alphas were important, but until now, she didn't know why. "Wow, they must be really busy a lot." She comments, turning her head to one side. "What about you and dad?" For whatever reason, it seems the pup as taken a sudden interest in the order of the pack.
Miakoda chuckles and nibbles at her belly. "They are busy a lot," she agrees as she lifts her head again. "And the pack has grown much bigger with you and the other pups, so they have a lot more to think about now. but it's a good thing," she assures, touching noses with the smaller one. "I wouldn't give you all up for anything." She smiles and licks the girl's nose before settling to think over her next question. "Your father and I are Betas, which means we're ... mmm, sort of like.." Hm. Explaining what a Beta is is harder than she thought! "We're next in command. If Felstride and Storm became sick or injured, then it's our job to make sure the pack runs smoothly. If our alphas are gone somewhere, then we're in charge. So being a Beta is a pretty cool thing, too," she says with a wink.
Shikoba's tail taps against the ground, and her little pink tongue appears to give the older wolf an affectionate lick on the nose. Still, she pay attention to what's being told. "If they're so busy, they must need a lot of help." Shikoba remarks with concern, and almost looking like she would volunteer. Too bad she's still so young. At her size, there's not a whole lot she /can/ do. At the explanation of the Beta's role, Shikoba's ears perk. "I want to be a beta, too!" Is her statement a result of the job description, or because she really does want to be like her mother? Shikoba doesn't even know, herself.
Miakoda grins and squints her eyes as her nose is licked, tail thumping against the ground. "Yes, sometimes they do need a lot of help. But the great thing about a pack is that there are always wolves around willing to help. We're a family, and family always helps one another." She trails off then, looking momentarily distant, but Shikoba's declaration brings her back to the present, and she can't help but laugh. "Well I'll have to say that being a Beta is a pretty good deal. If you end up being one, I would be very proud." She smiles down at her, though soon sits up and stands. "C'mon now. All that playing has worn me out! Would you mind taking a nap with your momma?"
Shikoba rolls onto her side, finally. "Family..." Her eyes wander over to the den, and she appears to be working through her thoughts for a moment. But soon she snaps out of it and looks up at her mother. "Just wait... I'm going to be the best Beta ever." She vows, not yet giving consideration to how she plans to go about that. Hopefully it'll come to her in time. At the mention of a nap, Shikoba nods and stands up. "To the den, right? It's kinda cold out here." She's not completely worn out yet, but now she doesn't want to stray from her mother's side. Dependency is another thing she'll have to work on. Eventually.
"Mmmhmm, to the den," agrees Miakoda, who doesn't have any desire to sleep outside in the chilly wind when there's the option of a warm den very nearby. "And I don't doubt that you'll be the best Beta ever. Maybe you'll be so known, that even packs beyond the forest and the mountains will hear of the Great Shikoba," she continues with a grin as she heads towards the pack den. "And all of the animals will want to come and see you and talk to you, and every member of the pack will be so proud. But no one would be prouder than me." Shikoba could be omega of a pack and Miakoda wouldn't love her any less, but building up a youngster's confidence isn't only fun, but necessary. Who knows, all this could really happen some day! But not even Mia knows that. But she's not worried about that now. What's important is that Shiko and the others are happy and healthy, and so far her little family is growing up perfectly.
Shikoba follows alongside, trying to match her mother's stride with her much smaller one. "/All/ the animals?" Her head fills with thoughts of the possibility of such greatness fame in her future, and if the pup's smile could grow any wider, it would. In time, such lofty ambitions will be brought down to earth, but in youth, they seems quite attainable, and for now Shikoba holds onto them. "I can't wait." She whispers as they near the den, fully intending to boast all her future plans to her siblings the next chance she gets. But right now she's starting to grow tired, and a yawn did just sneak across her maw, and that warm, cozy den can't come soon enough.
Setting: Dense Undergrowth
Summary: Mother and daughter have a little play fun before having a discussion of the hierarchy of a pack.
A small pup hovers around the entrance of the den, her mind in conflict as to which direction she really wants to head. Back into the warm, safety of the den; the place a growing child as herself has long grown weary of? Or out into the snappy autumn evening, which stings at her tiny black nose and constantly makes her feel as if she has to sneeze? Such tough decisions! Shikoba's forepaws try to tug her forward, while the ones in back plant themselves firmly into the dirt. For now, it doesn't seem the young she-wolf is going anywhere soon.
Miakoda has been spending much time outside the den, roaming the perimeter and never straying too far. But with the pups getting older, she feels less compelled to stay by them every second of every day. Besides, there are patrols to be done and scents to be remarked. She's returning from one of her mini-missions now, her walk leisurely as she enjoys the sounds and scents of her forest home. With a small smile on her muzzle, she ducks into the undergrowth and gives her body a small shake before stopping. One of her kids is awake, and upon seeing her indecisive only daughter, she can't help but grin. "It's such a lovely evening! Oh, but I'm so lonely ... won't anyone come and play with me?" she says in a woebegone way, pretending to not see her pup.
Shikoba's maw parts open in surprise when her mother comes into sight. She hadn't really counted on seeing anybody else outside, although obviously is makes sense that she would. The whole pack doesn't sit crowded in the den, after all. But back to the now...Shikoba's face drops into an expression of profound distress at her mother's declaration of loneliness . She can't stand here doing nothing anymore, it's time to jump into action! So to speak. Actually, she does more of a shuffling scurry toward the older wolf, her tail swishing excitedly. "Mama! Don't worry, I'm here!"
Woe and sorrow! Miakoda adds in a few sad-sounding sniffs to enhance her lonely act, giving a few not-so-discreet glances towards the entrance of the den. She grins upon seeing Shikoba leave her sanctuary and come to her aid, and she gasps in mock surprise, ears and brows lifting. "Shiko! When did you get here? Oh, I knew I had nothing to worry about," she continues, her tail beginning to wag as she moves to meet her offspring. "You'd never let me be alone and sad, would you?" She grins as she bends her head down to greet the pup with fond nuzzles and licks. "You've come to play with me, haven't you? To save me from my loneliness?"
Shikoba comes to stop before her mother, nudging against one of her legs. "Nope, I'd never leave you alone. You can always count on me!" She says with intended honesty, emphasizing the point with a rapid wag of her tail. The pup tilts back her head, a bright smile coming to her muzzle. "Yes! Whatever game you want!" She's practically pouncing at her mother's nose with enthusiasm, and it's arguable whether the loneliness she's trying to abate is really her mother's, or her own.
"Aww, I'm sure I can. You're my number one helper, aren't you?" Miakoda laughs, the sound muffled by a fuzzy body on her nose. "Whatever game I want? Any, any, /any/ game?" she asks in a voice that mirrors excitement. "What if I want to plaaaaay...mmmmm....Pounce the Pup? That's my absolute most /favorite/ game ever," she teases as she playfully nips and nibbles at the pup's chestfur. Her tail continues to fan from side to side behind her, her happiness real and eyes glittering.
Shikoba's presently blue eyes widen at the mention of such a game. For a moment, it looks like the pup's been startled. But that is swiftly washed away, and she regains her previous state of merriment. Not that she thinks her mother would ever mean to harm her, but it's better safe than sorry... "Well, only if you promise not to squish me!" The pup decides, then bows playfully, in the typical manner; her front end flattening to the ground while her tail cruises freely through the air. Her little teeth nip in return at the fur on her mother's muzzle.
Miakoda giggles lightly and bows in playful return, wriggling her hindquarters in the air. "I promise to not squish you. I'll be very very gentle with my pouncing. You'll hardly feel a thing! .. Maybe." She laughs and is only able to speak with frequent pauses due to the pup on her muzzle. She backs away quickly, rising up on all fours again. "Since you're the pup, I'll give you a moment's headstart before I come after you, just to be fair," she says with an innocent look to the youngster. "Ready? ... onetwothree here I come!" The headstart wasn't much of one! and after about a second and a half, Mia playfully bounds towards her pup, grinning.
Just a ounce of relief crosses the pup's face, but she hasn't long to dwell on that. Because now the count down has begun! It doesn't afford her much time, but to Shikoba's credit, she spins around awfully fast, and falls into a dash with just a touch of the grace that will undoubtedly follow her later into life. But for now... well, it doesn't last long. Rather quickly, her steps dissolve into a clumsy scamper. Not in the least bit hard to catch up with.
Miakoda happily gives chase ... and what good mother would end their game so early by catching up so quickly? Mia runs (or rather, trots) in slow motion, laughing jubilantly from behind. "When did you get so fast, huh? Come back here, pup! I'm gonna pounce you!" is her playful threat as she picks up the pace just enough so that she can reach out with a forepaw and bat at Shikoba's hindquarters.
Shikoba smiles proudly to herself, encouraged by her mother's words. She tries to press herself faster, although that only results in a few near-stumbles. Her balance, thankfully, is sufficient enough to avoid any such falls. But when she feels her mother's paw at her back, the pup yips in surprise... no, she can't give up now! Rather than continuing to try and out run, Shikoba gets another idea. Whirling around with enough speed to make her a mite dizzy, the little she-wolf dives for her mother's legs, or rather; the space between them, in an effort to run right underneath and clear to the other side!
Ah ha! Her prey will soon be hers! Miakoda bites back a giggle as her paw connects with the pup's body, but she doesn't swipe again. Instead she makes a growling noise of play and lowers her head down just a little. But then, what's this? Shikoba has a few tricks up her sleeve! Apparently, momma wolf wasn't expecting that quick little turn of hers, and she lifts her head quickly and falters in her step a bit, ears lifting in surprise as Shikoba goes darting through her legs. "Wha-?" She skids to a stop and turns around, beaming with pride at her escaped daughter. "You little sneak!" she calls before she bounds forward. "Where'd you learn that trick, huh? Now there'll be no escaping me!"
Shikoba gasps with excitement. Her trick actually worked! For a little while, anyway. "I thought it up all on my own!" She answers back, tail wagging proudly. And so, caught up in her temporary victory, the pup forgets to check her footing, and ends up tumbling on a lump of dirt. She plunges forward a bit, rolling head-over-paw, before finally coming to rest on her back, peering upside-down at her mother. But she doesn't look defeated, or even upset. In fact, laughter builds up in Shikoba's chest, and pours mirthfully from her maw soon after.
Miakoda winces a little as the girl pup goes down, and she slows down as she nears her, ears lifting up in concern. But her worry melts away quickly as she sees that grin and hears the inevitable laughter, and soon she begins to laugh along with her daughter. "You silly pup!" she laughs as she leans down to nuzzle and lick her face. "It's obvious that you get your wit from me, but your grace from your father," she teases lovingly as she ticklishly nips at the pup's belly.
Shikoba squirms about on the ground, while her giggling intensifies at the tickling. The pup's paws reach out to swipe playfully at her mother's nose. "Really?" She asks at a rare moment when she manages to catch her breath. "Well I wanna grow up to be just like you, mama!" Her tail tries to maintain its back and forth movement, which inevitably kicks up a bit of dust.
Miakoda laughs and flicks back her ears as her nose is batted at, and she sticks out her tongue to lick at the offending paw. "Really," she assures, nodding her head smartly. "And I would absolutely love it if you grew up to be like me, Shikoba," answered with a vigorous wag of her tail. What mother doesn't like to hear that every once in a while? She might as well get used to it now! She already knows how moody adolescent wolves can be. "You know what? I know that you can grow up to be even better than me. Maybe someday you'll be alpha of a pack. I know you have it in you." She grins at the girl and gives her another nuzzle before she flops down on her stomach.
Shikoba bats lightly at the tongue, a wide smile drawing along her maw. But could she ever be better than her mother? It seemed so impossible, for the wolf who bore her is the greatest she's ever known. Not that she has that many to compare to yet, but the fact is almost entirely cemented in her mind. "A-alpha? Me? Do you really think so?" The smile drops, replaced by a look of wonder, touched also with uncertainty. "What do alphas /do/ anyway?"
"Mmhm, I really think so," Miakoda agrees with a smile down to her child. She lowers her head, washing her tongue over spots where dirt has collected because of her fall. Grooming is such a habit for her that she barely even notices what she's doing until after a few licks. Chuckling, she lifts her head and tilts it a bit as she listens to her query. "What do they do? Why.." she inhales a slow breath and glances to the den's entrance. "Alphas are ... the heart of a pack. They give us purpose. They are strong and they lead. They know what to do quickly in times of trouble, and an alpha will always listen to you. Alphas put the pack before themselves or their personal feelings. Alphas are our leaders. Where they go, the pack follows. If Felstride or Storm says it's time to move dens, then we will move dens. It's always important for you to remember that you must listen to and respect your alpha."
Shikoba hasn't yet moved from her overturned position. Her eyes are locked on her mother, as she listens to every word said. She had already known that alphas were important, but until now, she didn't know why. "Wow, they must be really busy a lot." She comments, turning her head to one side. "What about you and dad?" For whatever reason, it seems the pup as taken a sudden interest in the order of the pack.
Miakoda chuckles and nibbles at her belly. "They are busy a lot," she agrees as she lifts her head again. "And the pack has grown much bigger with you and the other pups, so they have a lot more to think about now. but it's a good thing," she assures, touching noses with the smaller one. "I wouldn't give you all up for anything." She smiles and licks the girl's nose before settling to think over her next question. "Your father and I are Betas, which means we're ... mmm, sort of like.." Hm. Explaining what a Beta is is harder than she thought! "We're next in command. If Felstride and Storm became sick or injured, then it's our job to make sure the pack runs smoothly. If our alphas are gone somewhere, then we're in charge. So being a Beta is a pretty cool thing, too," she says with a wink.
Shikoba's tail taps against the ground, and her little pink tongue appears to give the older wolf an affectionate lick on the nose. Still, she pay attention to what's being told. "If they're so busy, they must need a lot of help." Shikoba remarks with concern, and almost looking like she would volunteer. Too bad she's still so young. At her size, there's not a whole lot she /can/ do. At the explanation of the Beta's role, Shikoba's ears perk. "I want to be a beta, too!" Is her statement a result of the job description, or because she really does want to be like her mother? Shikoba doesn't even know, herself.
Miakoda grins and squints her eyes as her nose is licked, tail thumping against the ground. "Yes, sometimes they do need a lot of help. But the great thing about a pack is that there are always wolves around willing to help. We're a family, and family always helps one another." She trails off then, looking momentarily distant, but Shikoba's declaration brings her back to the present, and she can't help but laugh. "Well I'll have to say that being a Beta is a pretty good deal. If you end up being one, I would be very proud." She smiles down at her, though soon sits up and stands. "C'mon now. All that playing has worn me out! Would you mind taking a nap with your momma?"
Shikoba rolls onto her side, finally. "Family..." Her eyes wander over to the den, and she appears to be working through her thoughts for a moment. But soon she snaps out of it and looks up at her mother. "Just wait... I'm going to be the best Beta ever." She vows, not yet giving consideration to how she plans to go about that. Hopefully it'll come to her in time. At the mention of a nap, Shikoba nods and stands up. "To the den, right? It's kinda cold out here." She's not completely worn out yet, but now she doesn't want to stray from her mother's side. Dependency is another thing she'll have to work on. Eventually.
"Mmmhmm, to the den," agrees Miakoda, who doesn't have any desire to sleep outside in the chilly wind when there's the option of a warm den very nearby. "And I don't doubt that you'll be the best Beta ever. Maybe you'll be so known, that even packs beyond the forest and the mountains will hear of the Great Shikoba," she continues with a grin as she heads towards the pack den. "And all of the animals will want to come and see you and talk to you, and every member of the pack will be so proud. But no one would be prouder than me." Shikoba could be omega of a pack and Miakoda wouldn't love her any less, but building up a youngster's confidence isn't only fun, but necessary. Who knows, all this could really happen some day! But not even Mia knows that. But she's not worried about that now. What's important is that Shiko and the others are happy and healthy, and so far her little family is growing up perfectly.
Shikoba follows alongside, trying to match her mother's stride with her much smaller one. "/All/ the animals?" Her head fills with thoughts of the possibility of such greatness fame in her future, and if the pup's smile could grow any wider, it would. In time, such lofty ambitions will be brought down to earth, but in youth, they seems quite attainable, and for now Shikoba holds onto them. "I can't wait." She whispers as they near the den, fully intending to boast all her future plans to her siblings the next chance she gets. But right now she's starting to grow tired, and a yawn did just sneak across her maw, and that warm, cozy den can't come soon enough.