Dog Days of Summer

[Kaziph]

G A B R I E L

The chilled days of early spring passed into the heat of summer, and while the days moved like moments in the wind, the wolves of the mountain thrived and grew older. Young Gabriel was a prime example. He remained in silence except when around his mother and littermate, but the expressionate puppy-blue eyes took everything in and loved life with a zealousness well able to match any strong, healthy cub's.

Today, summer had finally come upon the land. It was in the warmth of midday that the furry cub, now almost a fourth of the size of an adult, stood near the edge of their birthing den. His eyes were tracing the outline of the landscape about him, searching for his closest friend - Briar Rose. He was close to Jerrico too, but there was something about the feisty female that caught his attention and made him want to romp alongside her… cousin or no.

[Tay]

Briar

Briar Rose ran from her birthing den, ears back and tongue lolling. She wore a sly grin on her muzzle, though her orbs seemed troubled. It had taken her ages to slip past Mother, and she wasn't exactly proud of it now. The white fem would throw a fit when she noticed her daughter was not at the den where she should be. Her blue puppy orbs were already beginning to change, slowing become her adult eye color. Already some yellow had snaked it's way through.

She ran toward her Grandfather and GrandLuma's den. She'd been wanting to meet up and speak with Gabe, but Mother had refused to let her go alone. Mother had been throwing fits lately and it'd been driving Briar up the wall. She'd wanted to talk to her quiet companion about it. She noticed him waiting for her a grinned. Gabe! She yipped, banner waving. With most others, including Gabe's brother Jerrico, Briar remained aloof. She would speak to them, but it was as if wall kept them from getting close to her like Gabe.

Their meeting at the first gathering was the start of a friendship, one Briar hoped would be long and fun-filled. She ran up to him, smiling. Oh, were you waiting for me dear Gabriel? I'm very flattered. She grinned, showing her teasing, and then shook her head. It took me half of the year to find a way around Mother. She didn't want me to leave without her, even to come here. She shook her head glancing behind her.

She's been upset. I've never seen her so sad. My brother has vanished. She sighed, sitting down. She keeps telling me that he just went to find Father, and they'll both be back soon. She frowned. Briar was rather smart for her age, she had an understanding of things that some other pups might not. Like, for instance, she knew that when Mother said: "Father will be back any minute." It really meant: "I believe Father will be back any minute, but the truth is I've no idea where he went or if he'll come back."

Anyway, it took me forever to sneak off. She'll be rather upset when she finds me gone, but she's gone off searching for brother once more. She may be gone all day. Besides, I she's so upbeat about it I can't stand it. I need a break. What should we do today Gabe? She nudged him and stood again. The heat made her pant and she looked to the waterfall. Swimming? Running? Chasing something?

[Kaziph]

G A B R I E L

Gabriel's head snapped up at the sound of crumbling leaves and grass, and a moment later his cousin came into sight. Briar! He dipped into a play-bow and shot forward to meet her. He had indeed been waiting for her, and his bright and dancing young eyes showed as much even though he didn't speak in response.

He wondered why his sister, half-sister, Aisha was being so nippy lately. Then he thought of the other young male cub, the one he hardly ever saw and never scented, Briar's brother. That, and the fact that he had never before even caught scent of Briar's father… but his thoughts were soon distracted by his playmate's ears as they flickered, catching sunlight. It fascinated him.

Her question startled him out of his reverie, and for a moment he looked confused. Yet then his muzzle lifted and a grin appeared on his features. Follow me! He didn't know what they'd do, but surely moving and exploring was better than nothing. His paws hit the ground at a run, for even though he was silent (not a mute, but silent all the same) and smaller in stature than his brother, he was quick.

He made it to the small river near his mother's den and splashed into it, releasing excited whines and high pitched yips. Swim first! he seemed to cry out.