Summer was in full swing and her pups were of an age, at least she felt, where they could explore the world around them. Which was proven by a few of them as they started to wander about, around, and outside the den. More times than she thought acceptable she had found them here and there across Iromar. In favor of teaching them more about the world so when they did roam away they could find their way back, she decided to take those who wanted to go on a field trip! It was also an excuse to visit her friend in the far-off land of Asteraia. For days, Pine had been brimming with excitement! She had been zipping around the den, playing with pups, talking excitedly about their upcoming trip, until finally she felt as though it were completely time. Gathering up her hoard (whoever wanted to go) she shepherded them along the trails with the help of Cenna.

Finally, they got to the border of the plains pack. True to her nature, and the nature of their friendship, Pine strutted in as if she had an open invite. All she really did was call up a few barks to let Aster and Halcyon know they had arrived. Deeper in the territory she finally sat and let her puppies play, tail beating against the ground. Barely moments passed before she howled again, urging Aster to hurry up. She was eager to have all their children come together, strengthen the ties between the two packs, and continue the accidental loyalty that had happened a fine day when she had found herself falling into Aithne’s birthing den.

Her mother had been all but vibrating with excitement, which made her vibrate with more excitement. Every hour that passed, Metztli would ask her parents when they were going to leave, where they were going, why, who would be there, and how long they were going to stay. Never completely satisfied with the answers, she would dart off only to be dragged back by this parent or that, or some other member of the pack. As frustrating as it was, she was not upset about it for too long, finding something else to occupy her time. But at last, when the time came, the tiny black puppy was the first to race out of the den!

Small awkward body dashed between her parents and siblings. Nipping at heels, leaping at faces, expelling more energy than a body her size should have been capable of holding. Every once and awhile, the runt would have to stop, take a minute to catch her breath, and dash off again.

The open plains took the runt’s breath away. There was so much to see in every direction she felt as though she might break apart on the spot. So much to see, so much to do! She thought with all this openness there would be no danger at all! Nothing to catch your feet on and nothing lurking just beneath the ground! When her mother’s impatient howl called through the air, Metztli could not but chime in herself, letting the strangers know she would not wait for them if there was fun to be had! Her patience shorter than her mother’s she launched off, speeding in the first direction she happened to be facing. To her immense surprise, there was a hole in the ground she tripped over and landed completely in, seeming to vanish as a little black hole in the dirt. Poking her head back up, she yipped in confusion, gazing around. Maybe there were unseen dangers here after all….

Not nearly as rambunctious as her little sister. The pale form of Whisper happily padded along beside her parents, peering around at everything they passed. In the grounds of Asteraia, she watched quietly while her mother called and sister ran off. Grinning between her own ears, Whisper followed the darker form of her sibling, though at a distance. Giving her plenty of time to laugh good naturedly at her expense.