I know my Grandfather is faking it. Call it an intuition. I know for a very good fact that Grandfather would never, ever, role from his rock and into the dirt and snow. That is just simply not him. He would never dirty his pelt not if it was for a very good reason. Teaching me a lesson seemed to be a good reason, but sadly I caught his bluff. He is my Grandfather after all and vanity is just one of his many sins. Yet I love him. He has his good and bad parts just like I am sure I do as well. I am his Granddaughter and I am sure I have picked up on his habits be they good or bad. As I pounce on top of him I can feel something so very off. Yet I do not think of it. I dare not. I know he is old. I hear the rumblings from the other adults. He is a living legend, but like all legends his time is slowly ticking away. It is not fair. It simply isn’t. I do not want him to go. I do not want to lose him. Out of all the wolves here, even my own parents, he thinks I am capable of doing something great. I know ever since Devil’s attack others see me as the small, helpless, defenseless pup, but Grandfather made me into something so completely opposite of that. As I stand over him, something oh so very rare, I feel his paws press into my russet chest and stomach. I cannot help but bark and yelp in delight as my banner sways side to side in a jovial manner. He is never one to play…no matter how many times I try to get him to play with me. As his jaws enclose on my muzzle I still feel safe and cannot help but giggle. I feel him press his paws into me and I get up off him, proudly lifting my golden crown away from his snapping jaws.

I lower my crown close to his own as I nuzzle him gently my eyes closing as I feel his tongue kiss my cheek and I cannot help, but kiss his cheek in return. It is rare that he showers me with affection and I am willing to cherish this tender moment, always to memory, because I am afraid to admit that our times…won’t be forever. That is why each day I train my hardest knowing that each lesson just may be his last, but I did it. In the short amount of time of intense training I have learned everything I can to become a great assassin. Even if I did it behind Mothers’ back. His praise means everything to me. His belief in me is like a rock. I believe him in everything he says. I would never ever want to make him look upon me with sadness. I do not want to see the disappointment in his eyes. All I want to see is his pride and happiness. His words bring a smile to my muzzle as my russet chest puffs out with pride as I speak with a matter-of-fact tone.

“Of course I will…you trained me, and I am your granddaughter.”

While Grandfather settles down back on the ground I quietly join him. Pressing my shoulder into his side and allowing myself to bask in the sun. I still find it silly, but if this is something he enjoys then I might as well join in. I teasingly grab a hold of his ear and playfully tug ever so gently still a bundle of joy…something that doesn’t seem to ware out. His question instills in me the need to answer as I let go of his ear, straining my head to stare at him. My bright deep blue eyes, flecked with purple stare at him in such a revered manner as I nod my head slowly my voice speaking with a more business like tone…and slowly turns into a whisper.

“The last lesson. You said my training would be complete after you taught me my last lesson…and…I just want to be close at your side today.”

My golden skull rubs underneath his head as I close my eyes and inhale his scent. I am a young wolf but I know death. After all I am the one that will bring it to anyone that threatens my pack. Though I know every day is a blessing with Grandfather. However, I snort in disgust and shake my head as he mentions my predicament. Why Mother thinks she is capable of grounding me I’ll never know. I have my own den and yet she cannot keep me in it. She is busy doing other things while I sneak out and spend this glorious sunny day with Grandfather – she cannot steal me away no matter how hard she tried. Like any teenager I sigh and scoff.

“Yea, I am grounded…Mother was furious when she found out you were training me. But I am sure she wouldn’t take me away from being with my Grandfather…besides she is your daughter and you can ground her too.”

He is after all her Father. I so would love to see Grandfather Heyel ground his daughter.