Her sense of adventure was not far off from that of her father. With the winter came a new need to explore. The world covered in snow made everything appear so different. Now, with the spring starting to lurk around the corner the world was changing yet again. Her father had taken her on a few of his outings, trying to teach her to be more aware of her surroundings. At least more aware of them than he had been. Daring not to take her into the higher peaks, they stayed closer to the lowlands. Even through her pestering he continued to stress he would not take her up there until she was older and made her vow to obey his wishes. Grudgingly, she did so.

Keeping her promise, the pup scampered along the warming trails of the lower mountains. Her giddy grin spreading across her face as she scooped up rocks and carried them around as though they were some interesting prize of her’s. Head and tail high, she acted as though this were some strange victory over fate. At least until she heard a growl in the distance.

Chaotic orange eyes peered from the brown shadows of her face, lighting up with excitement at being able to meet someone new. Rock still in her mouth she tottered in the general direction the sounds were coming from, head and tail still proudly above her body. Paw prints littered the melting snow. Nivi took a moment to sniff at them, not knowing what exactly she was looking for. For a moment she remembered her dad’s lessons: try to look around to see what you can learn. Clearly, from the scuffle of prints, the stump had been an offender. She took a few steps towards it and sniffed the pee stain in the snow. Head tilted curiously, tail beginning to wag. There was a mystery and a stranger nearby.

Eyes glued to the trail, she padded along, excitement trilling in her young chest with every step. At last, she caught up to the galavanting other pup. Arrorrrow! the mahogany girl greeted through the stone firmly between her teeth. Emm Niffi! Orrooww arrrr oooo? Her introduction completely unintelligible through her rock, her friendly nature and well meaning was still clear from the light and shine in her eyes.