-Summer Sun- (Aspen Grove)

Laying on her back as she was, Firelight watched as Astrae came bounding her way with all the energy and confidence of the months-old pup she was. Fire herself was already panting from the ongoing wrestling match that the youngster had initiated a few minutes ago, but dutifully obliged the other's antics with a friendly, inviting wave of the tail and a 'bite' to Astrae's forearm that wouldn't have hurt a fly.

The youngster herself dove maw-first against her adversary, gnawing at Firelight's leg in return while pinning her upper body against the babysitter's chest. "G've up y't?" She growled between a mouthful of Firelight's fur.

Nearby, Nanshe watched her sister continue to maul the smaller of their two very tolerant pup-sitters this evening. Laying flat out on her belly with her forepaws stretched before her and her muzzle resting between them, she heaved a loud, drawn out sigh.

"Why don't you join them, Nan?" Only a stone's throw from the youngster, Waterlily had heard the pup's exasperated breath.

Nanshe's ears planed to the side, not even gracing a look in the direction of their other nanny, "I'm hungry."

Waterlily smiled sympathetically. She was hungry too, but the pack was struggling to find adequate food for the growing pups and disabled elders, even if Iopa's recent passing had meant there was one less mouth to feed in the pack. "I know darling. Why don't you check the creek, and see if you can't find any mudbugs? I'm sure Fire and Astrae would love to join you."

The immediate scowl that darkened Nanshe's face summed up how she felt about that, even before she could grumble a reply back, "I don't want mudbugs. I want real meat."