Panik’s screech cause Baird to jump like a cat with a yelp! So much for the poised, calm, collect, protector of Spirane. He had been so focused on his mother he had not been paying attention to the world around him. Sleekwing would have scolded him for such an oversight. Spinning, he glared at his sister, maw opening to reply but closing when Niviaq spoke first. Of course he would give his mother first say. Or in this case, first comeback. He glared self-righteously at his sister. Yeah, I’ll pray they end up like my OTHER sister. Voice mocking, but still rich with laughter, he stuck his tongue out at Panik, clearly still affectionate and loving to his sibling.

Returning his attention to Niviaq, he grinned, albeit a little sheepishly. She is one of the trackers here. Aurelia. A Spirane wolf since the rule of Danny. He explained, a little pleased with himself. Aurelia was beautiful, intelligent, and motivated within the pack. He was lucky to have her as at least a friend, even if their relationship had become a little bit more complicated than that.

His mother’s next words took him a little by surprise. Shock even flickered on his bewildered face. Of course he would be there for his children! A frown replaced the surprise and he instantly went to reassure Niviaq. Of course, mother. These pups… well I was not her only companion this winter. But she is a dear friend. Whether they are my pups or not, of course I will be there for all of them. His tail wagged comfortingly as he hoped his assurances would be enough. We have promised to always be there for each other, and I will for them in every capacity I can. He felt no need to add any other words of vow or promise. He was a man of his upbringing and a noble heart inside. Forever would he be there for his family, most likely at the risk of his own life. Children of his, of his siblings, or even of his friends were no different. Loyalty was not something to be taken lightly. Loyalty and love for the lives around him.