He was only growing more and more impatient and frustrated with the small world around him as he aged. The den had already gotten cramped and boring in his opinion and he wanted to venture out more, to see what there was to see. He had had one or two outings with his parents and with his sister Lixue when he felt they weren't watching but it wasn't enough. He couldn't tell them of his cravings so he had to show them the best way he could. He would run to the entrance of the den and back again as much as he could. He would bite his sister or his parents, whoever was closer, and then move toward the entrance. It frustrated him to no end when they just didn't get it or when they refused to budge. Couldn't they see he was trying to tell them something? He spent a lot of time alone staring out of the den into the pack lands. He would listen to the birds and squirrels and let his heart go where his body could not. He would close his eyes and imagine what it was like out there.

But today was going to be different. He was sure of it! Adrenaline was already pumping through his veins and he was more wired than normal. He could feel an energy in the air that he hadn't felt before and he liked it. He pounced on Lixue and chewed on her ear. He tried to catch Talien's tail probably longer than usual and then was quick to jump at Dexter's muzzle, snapping at his jaw and lips as soon as he arrived. He had to be out and about today. He needed to be out there! Every muscle in his body was straining for release but his parents continued about their time together. He curled his lips, baring his teeth and snapping at whatever he could reach, his temper flaring as they refused to listen, as usual. How could he make them see?

But then there was the sweet sound of welcome, and from a stranger too! He snapped his head around to watch the wolf bouncing around and telling them to come. He didn't have to tell him twice! Eztli ran to the entrance, his paws toeing that invisible line but he knew better. He had been pulled up by the scruff and brought back to the den enough times to know he wouldn't get far unless he got permission. And so he raced back to his parents, giving them his most pleading expression as he looked back at the entrance. They had to say yes! And then his dad smiled and he knew he had won this round. He pounced on Lixue again in excitement, tugging on her ear and tail, whatever he could grab to tug her toward the entrance and let her know that they were going somewhere. And then his dad was herding them outside, following the sounds of a celebration.

It was so exciting! He didn't know what was happening or even if his sister and mom were coming but he knew he had to go! As his dad escorted, he raced ahead, though careful to keep Dexter in sight. He romped and played and silently laughed, all up until he reached the gathering area. His eyes widened and he paused to take everything in, overwhelmed. Dexter nudged him gently and he sprawled over, suddenly embarrassed. He had never been around other pups besides his sister. What would happen? Would they be friendly? But then he saw all the sticks and rocks and suddenly none of that mattered. Cause there were toys! He pounced right into the center with a giant inhale, his only way of gasping. He pounced on a rock before deciding another rock was prettier so he bounced toward that one, but oh, that stick is interesting! So he left the rock and grabbed the twig in his teeth, chewing and holding it between his paws. Now what?