Supper Time! [closed]

[Meds]

Rykett

Kanga, Manaaki;

The hearty Spring sun was shining through the trees in the Canopied Clearing. There were patches of impossible snow that were clinging to the shadows, but other than that it was a clear day. The birds were twittering, and small prey animals were rustling around in the underbrush. There was also a large cow moose, but she was pretty silent. Well, she was dead. Quite dead.

Manaaki and Kanga had been out on a hunt, and since both were such extraordinarily large boys, they had only sustained minor injuries. Manaaki was favouring his front leg a little bit after being kicked, and Kanga was favouring his pride a little bit after being toppled off the back-end of the cow.
But, after all was said and done, they had caught her and made the kill. Smaller animals would have had to quarter the big mammal and bring their kill back in pieces, but Kanga and Manaaki had no troubles dragging the carcass from the hunting plains back to the pack land—as long as they worked together. In fact, the moose wasn't all that much bigger than either of them.

"Manaaki!" Kanga said suddenly a little ways into the clearing. Manaaki grunted in reply, his mouth full of moose as they walked it along. "It's been a a full cycle of seasons since we arrived here. Do you remember our first day?"
Manaaki emptied his mouth and gave a booming bark of laughter—Kanga took up the slack on the cow so they wouldn't have to stop walking.
"I do," He said. "We just about took down their entire border. Blaise wasn't very impressed." He cleared his throat pointedly, and Kanga nodded. The twins switched who was carrying the moose once more without speaking.
"Ahh, but it's been a whole year. I've been very good and quiet and mature since then. Maybe she forgot who I am." He grinned stupidly and his older brother snorted. It hadn't been a very eventful year, but the boys had met a few good friends, and more importantly, even with their joking about the alphess' attitude towards them, they felt that they belonged and were accepted.

That day, they were bringing the moose back to share with the pack. It only made sense. They probably could have polished it all off together (probably being—certainly, but with a moderate amount of struggle), but with winter having jut ended, when was the last time the pack had had a whole moose? Besides, it hadn't been a terribly difficult kill—and they liked to share their size and capability with others.

Finally, Kanga and Manaaki got to the center of the clearing. They ditched the moose and sat beside it, panting surprisingly gently after having dragged the thing for such a very long way. After a minute, Kanga blinked and his stomach growled.
"Do we howl?" He asked. Manaaki shrugged, and together they lifted their heads and announced the meal to the rest of the pack.

[Fierfly]

Rontu:

Long, stilted legs and huge, clumsy paws carried chalky-white Rontu around and through the clearing his family claimed as their yard as he wrestled with his sister and the two spun and wrestled through lingering patches of snow, giggles, squeaks and yaps filling the air along with birdsong. He was almost a year old and it was starting to show, the chubby cheeks and nose from his puppy-hood were wearing off and starting to give way to a still blessedly round, juvenile face, but the nose was growing more pointed and his previously child-like profile was wearing off for one that was clearly leaning toward the classification of an adult. Lean muscles were starting to build up through his back, shoulders and chest and the skinny little thrash of a tail was gaining in size and energy and he grew older and explored more of the world around him, he found more to be interested and excited in. The bright turquoise had darkened a shade and were now a gorgeous deep green-blue, but were still as wide and fun-loving as ever and the impish sparkle refused to die. Tall, constantly perking ears never ceased to flop around and take in his surroundings and the long, pink tongue flopped around the one canine and out of his mouth whenever occasion permitted. Life was good.

The wriggling pup suddenly froze mid roll and he accidentally stopped...as he was sitting on Val...he was faintly aware of her protesting and a demand somewhere in there for him to get off of her, but he turned his nose and ears as something caught his attention: a howl...in the Clearing! Who was calling? Why did he get the feeling that he should recognize that voice? Recognition set in and he jumped off of Val (he may or may not have accidentally kicked her in the process) and shot a glance over his shoulder and jerked his head for her to follow him if she wanted. As soon as the invitation was extended, he faced forward again and began barrelling in the direction of the howl. He knew it was actually a duet and not a single voice, but he was going largely for the one voice he'd been able to identify: Kanga. Rontu had not forgotten the huge, russet male: the previous Autumn they'd had a great adventure and had been parted because of dratted bedtime with a promise from Kanga that they would play again someday. The day hadn't come as of yet and Rontu hadn't seen or heard of him since that first encounter, but the promise and the fun were not forgotten and the memory lingered somewhere in the back of his mind and now became his focus as he trotted eagerly for the duo calling the pack.

The minute the earthen red and brown fur showed through the trees Rontu's quick-paced lope turned into an all-out run as he barreled for Kanga, yipping hoarsely and growling eagerly. As he nearly collided with the giant form he threw his weight backward and stopped, only to leap up into Kanga's face and finally manage to snag that swat he still owed him. Dancing excitedly and weaving himself between all eight legs (taking no notice of the silver male beside Kanga other than as another obstacle to wind himself through) until he came to face Kanga again and crouched, spanked the ground and grinned up at his old friend. He'd missed playing, could they play some more now?

((Hey tovaana, want to pop Val in here for more chars?))

[Deleted]

(i haven't played Ramone in aaaages!)

Ramone watched his kids play sleepily. Every so often his eyelids would droop closed, and his head would sink, then he would jerk back into the world of the awake and shake his heavy head. Looking after this second batch of pups was exhausting. but letting his tangerine eyes rest on Val and Rontu reaffirmed his choice. He had made the right one. He had been right to love Tear, been right to have pups not once, but twice. Despite the exhaustion and trials of teaching, it was worth it. They were worth it. Tear may sometimes joke about a life without half a dozen paws clambering over their bodies at night, but he could always see the look in her eyes. That look was one of no regrets and satisfaction. The life they had was perfect. Perfect for the pair of them and the large family they had reared.

The skinny Gamma fully awoke when a howl pranced through the air and into his ears. Perking up, he listened to the twin voices, and he sniffed the breeze. The smell of fresh meat reached his black nose and he stood, belly growling. He saw Rontu cease his rough-housing and bound off happily, leaving Valhalla dazed in the grass. "Hang in there Val." He laughed, wagging his blue racoon striped tail. "Eat my dust, or eat some meat? Your choice!" He invited his daughter to follow him with a grin before speeding off after little Rontu. That boy was trouble. Just like him.

Ramone entered the main clearing right behind his son, just in time to see him weave himself under the legs of two of the biggest wolves he had ever seen. Ramone wasn't a very large wolf. He was tall, but as a coyote who ate rat tails it's entire life. However, he nderstood these wolves to be of his pack, and so wasn't too incredibly worried. After all, he was Gamma, he had a little authority-not that he swung his weight around often. "Hey, I see you've met my cavity."

[tovaana]

Val was rolling after a hefty push on her brother’s end. Away she rolled a few paces, growling and laughing, the two sounds rolling into each other, overlapping and exchanging. Rontu was quickly on her once more and she groaned, trying to grab at his ears as he pinned her down. It was moments like these that Valhalla cherished, play time. Especially when her siblings would play with her. Which is why she was startled when Rontu had stopped. Tangerine eyes looked up at her brother, then over where they had heard the sound of howling. It was not ma, or pa, so why had he stopped? She growled, squirming, “Rontu, helloooo?” Growling and squirming she batted at him with her laced paw, demanding attention.

Then he was gone, off of her and bounding awkwardly away. She stayed for a moment, laying, watching her brother’s retreating figure with disdain and disappointment. She rolled to her paws and stood, tail swaying disheartedly. Then her father was passing her with a woosh, calling after her as well. Feeling left behind, frustration built up and she made a yipping noise as she bounded off after them. Her lanky legs took her quickly across the land, but her father was still larger and faster. She followed the smell of the kill, dinner. She was hungry, but still felt slightly empty from the sudden abandonment.

As she came upon the scene she watched her brother dance in front of one of the males and make a play bow. How dare he leave playing with her for another! Her eyes narrowed in mutiny, speeding her legs as she arrived, instead of slowing down. With a “barooo” sort of howl noise, she lept at her brother in a fit of giggles, her anger melted away as she barreled into her brother, hoping they could continue their rough housing.

[Meds]

Manaaki, Kanga;

Their howls ended in a curious harmony. Kanga gave Manaaki a weighted grin. It had taken them years to perfect howling in syncronization—well, it had taken Kanga years. Manaaki never changed his pitch or anything, but Kanga eventually blended his voice to make a beautiful, paired sound. Manaaki had to hand it to the younger twin—it sounded quite beautiful.

Hurried paw-falls alighted to Kanga's ears. He smiled. They had been right. The pack was hungry after waiting throughout the Winter and most of the Spring! There hadn't been any large game brought back to the pack—of course, everybody was well-fed, but rabbits and quail didn't quite measure up to moose.

"Rontu!" Kanga barked, his deep voice fairly booming through the air. Manaaki turned, curious. He had heard Kanga mention the name a few times. He smiled as the still-awkward form of the aging pup began winding through their legs. They were so large, that it was all too easy for the medium-sized animal to fit underneath of them. It was quite a funny sensation. Kanga growled deep in his throat as Rontu batted him across the face, but a massive smile had split his otherwise dangerous maw. Manaaki smiled down as well, knowing his brother growled only in play.
"I've heard a lot about you!" Manaaki said, lifting a leg or two to allow the pup to rush under them again. His grey tail wagged silver behind him.

Ramone entered, then. Kanga could smell Rontu as well as Tear on him, and judging by his age, deduced that it was the father. He likened Rontu as a cavity, and Kanga laughed, sending his rolling base all over.
"Rontu and I are good friends, aren't we?" He rumbled, taking a quick, hard swing and purposely missing the bouncing pup. He smiled. "I must commend you and your mate. You seem to take to parenting like Manaaki takes to meddling." He winked, but meant it all in good nature. Manaaki took a turn batting at Kanga's big head, now, smiling.

A few seconds later another pup around the same age as Rontu, that awkward-in-between-age, barrelled into the clearing, too. Kanga smiled and sat back on his haunches, faking concern. Manaaki mimicked him and took a step or two backwards as Val gave her fiersome war cry. The sight of such large wolves cowering from anything was comical.
Manaaki tossed his head, and Kanga shook his mane at the same time, displaying, as always, how connected they were. The moose lay as still as ever, still dead. The smell was tantalizing, but the brothers were focusing on the company.

[Fierfly]

Rontu:

He wound himself in and out of the tall legs and once free of that maze chased his tail in several quick, dizzying circles to display his excitement. Kanga was back! He remembered him! Kanga greeted him with a friendly growl in response to the long-owed swat and the silver look-a-like beside him also smiled and said that he'd heard a lot about him. Rontu turned his ever-shifting attention over to him for a moment. He looked a lot like Kanga, both were huge, they were very similar in build, even their eyes were complimentary inverses of each other, it had to have been the twin he'd mentioned earlier. What did he say the name was? It started with an M...he couldn't remember, he'd have to ask later: in the meantime he grinned up at him and quickly bobbed his head before bowing his front half down again and waving his tail for a request to play, then Dad showed up right behind him, jokingly calling Rontu his cavity. Rontu grinned, panted and rolled his eyes, at least he wasn't as bad as Mom when it came to babying him. Kanga paused and greeted him and started some grown-up talk - mentioned some Manaaki dude as a meddler, and his twin grinned and swatted him on the head. His name was Manaaki! Cool.

Val barrelled into the clearing behind him, pounced and within seconds the two siblings were rolling and wrestling again. Rontu grinned, hoarsely growled at his sister and completely forgetting everything around him took a few seconds to tumble and roll with her, growling and nipping and giggling like they had been moments before. They rolled and tumbled and playfully snarled at each other until they bumped into one of Kanga's legs, then Rontu fell out of the ball of fur and legs and quickly jumped between his sister and giant buddy. "Hey Val! This is Kanga! Isn't he huge? His ear is super fun to chew on," He jerked his head over at Kanga and quickly mouthed it, a quick click, a wide open maw, a hum, another click and a big yawn again, the closest he could get to articulating Kanga. Then he turned to Kanga, threw a paw about Val's shoulders and jerked his head and spanked the ground to get Kanga's attention before articulating. He bit his lower lip and hummed, vv, another wide open maw, aa, then he let his tongue loll a few times for the l sound, l was one he was having trouble expressing, but he was getting there.

[Deleted]

Ramone loved watching his pups play, his first batch didn't seem to want to be so hilariously active save for Helios. But this second litter of puppies were as rambunctious as roe deer in July. The raccoon marked male trotted closer to the bundle of wolves, eager for some more interaction. Val seemed intent on a rematch with Rontu, eager to return the favor of besting the other. Rontu joyfully fought back against the tan she pup. Once their little spat separated, Ramone's adorable mute son made an admirable effort to introduce his friend Kanga to his sister Valhalla. His control and determination to succeed were clear, making Ramone's chest puff out in pride. Rontu may not be able to talk, but his expressions and body language were enough. Even if he couldn't move a muscle, Tear and Ramone would love him the same. It was their duty and their privilege to love each pup they reared, and they did so with no complaint. They lived with no regrets.

Ramone waited for the brothers to respond to Rontu's efforts before bringing up the moose. "Now that we've all got familiar, shall we eat together?" He would let the wolves who caught the prey eat first, then he, being highest in rank would eat, then the pups. After that, the huge moose would hardly have a dent torn into it. The hulking bull was so incredibly large, the Pack would eat well for the next few weeks.

[tovaana]

The food, strangers, and father slipped away from the front of her mind as they batted and rolled. She mainly used her laced paw to strike, pretending it had a power to fall her enemy. The smell of grass and mud filled her as they rolled, her mouth grabbing for his ear. Then it stopped suddenly again, just as it had before. This time though, her body literally came to a stop at a the feet of one of the strangers – the smell of the fresh carcass distracting her momentarily.

Stumbling a few times, she finally managed to steady herself from the dizzying rolling that had occurred moments before. She looked at her brother, not hearing his words, but being visual and having grown up with him, she often imagined what he was telling her. His eyes were big and motioning to the male, she looked up to take in the wolf properly. “Wooow. He is big!” Seeing as he brother was familiar with the wolf, and his body language told her he was fun to play with, she imagined conquering the mountain, errr, wolf. Her paws hit the ground in a play bow, but straightened when Rontu came back to stand next to her.

“That’s me!” She said, puffing her chest out at Rontu’s introduction of her. Val did not hear his slow slur, it sounded normal to her.

Her ears perked at her father’s voice, her neck arching to move her face to see Ramone. She made a crooning noise in her throat that was tightened by the arch of her neck, looking then to the great carcass. Now THAT was a mountain to conquer! She made another noise, agreeing that they should feast and she was sure she could make a game of it…without her father noticing…

[Meds]

Kanga, Manaaki;

Having pups, even half-grown pups, running around their feet made the large twins extra cautious. One false move and they could crush the poor little souls under their massive feet. Manaaki had no problems staying in full control and awareness of his extremities, but Kanga had to work a little harder not to, you know, sit on one of them.
Rontu began a display to introduce Kanga, and as the pup acted out his name, the russet twin flicked his gaze to the side and eyed the older male smugly. He got introduced in such an interesting way. Ha. The silver brother huffed a breath, giving Kanga the desired reaction. Then, Rontu began introducing the other pup, the female. Kanga bent down low to the ground, struggling for a moment to reach eye-level with the raccoon-marked pup.
"Val!" Manaaki said, understanding it first, leaping forward onto his front paws and dipping his chest to the ground, grinning at Rontu and his sister. Kanga gave a low rumbling growl and straightened, shouldering Manaaki away. That introduction had been meant for him. Manaaki squared his shoulders proudly and Kanga couldn't help but laugh.

The brothers' keen eyes picked up that all three of the wolves before them puffed out their chests in much the same way. Ramone did it, obviously proud of his offspring, Rontu did it, proud of himself, and Valhalla did it—proud of her introduction. It was comical and endearing. Is this what family was like?
Manaaki sensed a shadow pass over Kanga's eyes at the thought that both of them no doubt had, so he straightened and slapped the ground with a heavy paw, mimicking the smaller Rontu.

"I couldn't agree more, Ramone." He grinned, standing up and simultaneously shoving Kanga with his shoulder. The movement was hardly noticable, but it brought Kanga back to the present. He gave his big head a little shake, the red fur flashing out, and exhaled softly. He met his brothers' eyes for a fraction of a second, relaying silent thanks.

The twins noticed that none of the others had taken a bite, no doubt waiting for them. While they understood this, Manaaki and Kanga had not grown up in a pank, and therefore felt it would be rude to eat while the others didn't; besides, such large boys had equally large appetites, and when there was food afoot, time often could not be spared.
"Dig in!" Kanga grinned, but knew the others wanted them to take the first bite. He and Manaaki both sensed as much, so they moved in together in one fluid motion. Kanga gripped a hind leg, and Manaaki held onto the shoulder, and with almost no effort, Kanga had ripped the leg clean off of the body. He tossed it to the pups, smiling. Manaaki started eating from the shoulder, and Kanga moved over to perch beside him and begin as well.

[Fierfly]

Rontu:

Kanga beamed at his special introduction to Val courtesy of the guy who couldn't talk and shot Manaaki a competitive see-I'm-cooler grin that Rontu recognized very well and had shot or received himself several times. Manaaki rolled his eyes and snorted. He remembered Kanga saying when they'd first met that Manaaki was older, oh yeah, this was definitely an older/younger brother relationship, with Kanga as the younger one. When he started trying to introduce Val however, Manaaki was the first to catch his drift. Rontu beamed, nodded his head and wagged his tail to convey "You got it!" and grinned at his sister who puffed out her chest in pride, both at having gotten the cool soundless introduction and that the strangers had understood it. He hadn't tried to "speak" to many members outside his family, but seeing that others did indeed understand him assured the scrawny young male that he was onto something with his lip-reading and body-language system.

Dad said something about eating, Val's head snapped around and her harvest-moon eyes grew wide at the sight of the moose, Rontu felt his turquoise orbs do the same. It was even bigger than Kanga and Manaaki! And that was saying something! He could see Val's mind gears spinning, debating whether to properly make a meal of the thing or to turn it into a game and he nudged her shoulder and cocked his eyebrows to let her know he felt much the same way. All the King-of-the-hill games they could play with that...Helios would love it.

Manaaki took his cue from the gamma and got them all started: he gripped one of the shoulders while Kanga delicately took the bone in his mouth and very not-delicately ripped it away and tossed it to the pups. Rontu's first reaction was awe "Omigosh he's huge!", a wolf so cleanly tearing a limb off of a full-grown moose was no small accomplishment, even if Manaaki had sort of been helping. His second reaction was disappointment that the mountain was disappearing, and third as the smell of fresh meat meant for a pack reached his nose was to eat. All this in a matter of two or three seconds and the third was what he acted on. Shooting a competitive grin of his own at his sister he snatched a loose mouthful of meat, wagged his tail, shook the snack in her face and playfully side-stepped back, seeing if she would take the bait.

[Rykett]

Blaise:

A duet of howls resounded through the forest. Howls were often heard on pack territory whether on the border or it had to do with some pack matter amongst members. This howl seemed to be an announcement of the latter case. Often a song would specify who it called for, but this duet was liken to a pack meeting, all were invited. Blaise was happy to join them. Unfortunately, she stood almost as far away as one could get from the howling which seemed to be originating from the Canopied Clearing.

By the time the alphess stepped into the clearing, wolves had already exchanged pleasantries and were digging into a cow moose. Dark violet eyes focused on the two largest wolves in the gathering. The twins, Manakki and Kanga, had been the owners of the howls. Had they taken down this moose by themselves? If they had, surely a promotion needed follow the feat. Blaise wanted everyone in the pack to have a rank eventually, but she hadn’t found cause for many promotions. Perhaps she should just start meeting with wolves after they’d spent some time in the pack and discuss their skills. Afterall, Blaise couldn’t be everywhere at once to see every act of skill displayed by her members.

Those meetings would have to wait. For now, there was feast to be eaten. Blaise smiled as she approached. She nodded to her gamma, Ramone, and his two pups, before addressing the twins, ”Kanga and Manakki, are you two the reason for this fine meal?”


((Fierfly))

[Deleted]

Ramone watched the scene with a proud, satisfied eye. This was the pack he had helped create. These were the moments that made him feel complete. He chuckled at his pups at they conquered their own mound of meat, and dipped his head in thanks to Manaaki and Kanga. These two brothers were truly an asset to the pack. Perhaps he would have to talk to Blaise about getting them a promotion. In a couple more years they could have his spot, he was getting pretty old. Helios would never cease with the reminders of his age. Ramone wouldn't admit that his muzzle was starting to grey. Not until he could look in a pond and not be able to see where his raccoon mask began. The gamma settled down beside his portion to eat, appreciating the meal and the amount of strength and team work it must've taken to bring this beast down. He couldn't help but be blissfully in awe at the twin's magnificent strength. Ramone had seen some bulky wolves in his life time, but these two were by far the most toned and powerful ones. As he ate his share Blaise trotted into the clearing. She nodded at him before addressing the founders of the feast. From her pleasantly surprised expression he decided that he no longer had to tell her of their accomplishments. Ramone would not be surprised to see two more ranked wolves in the near future.

[Meds]

((I'm just posting here again to bring this back to the forefront of everyone's minds. Because I'm not sure if Kanga and Manaaki have ranked yet?))
Kanga, Manaaki;

Kanga gave a bloody grin, chewing thoughtfully. The alphess was here, and she had seen the moose. She had not yet started eating, and typically the alphess would eat first; unfortunetly, everybody had already begun. Manaaki swallowed his mouthful pointedly and did not take another, meeting her eye and giving a polite bow of his head. Kanga, on the other hand, did not take the cue and smield at the alpha, then took a new mouthful. Manaaki lifted a lip, but barely had to look at Kanga before the yougner twin realized perhaps he was forgetting his manners (or lack thereof). He hadn't started out on the best paw with Blaise, and were he to offend her further, it might just be the end for him.
So, instead of doing what perhaps a more balanced wolf would have done, Kanga spat out his mouthful have half-chewed moose, and cleared his throat loudly.
"Any for you, alphess Blaise?" He tried to make his voice sound appropriately humble, but coming from Kanga it sounded so wrong that Manaaki couldn't help but smile. He shook his head slowly in wonder at his brother. Of all wolves, Kanga was one of a kind...

"Yes, it was us that brought down the kill," Manaaki said, and his deep voice viberated out from his chest in the cooling air. He nodded quietly, always the more solemn of the two brothers. Kanga grinned and tossed his mane.
"Single handedly."

Manaaki sighed. Perhaps such a feat would be impressive for other wolves, but for them, bringing down prey of this size was not all that out of the ordinary. Besides, even if it had been an amazing miracle of a kill, boasting would get them nowhere. Manaaki rolled his eyes slightly, and Kanga sensed his brother's dissapproval. He hung his head, but met Rontu's eye and gave a smile.

[tovaana]

Val was looking at the carcass, but her brother’s awe caught her attention. She had vaguely notice the body ripple when the leg had been pulled away, but had not been looking, she had been planning on where she would climb and what part she would start to eat. Her bright tangerine eyes snapped to her brother who was silent, but animated with awe, her gaze trailed to the brother pack members and her own eyes widened. She wanted THAT piece! Sure enough, as if they had read her mind, one of them tossed it toward them. Her laced leg lifted in anticipation of the large piece coming their way – but it fell closer to Rontu.

She looked at the morsel that her brother had torn off and her tail started to rip wildly back and forth, her eyes narrowing. It was as if the little morsel was all there was, and now she wanted that piece. He waved it in front of her and made a predictable side step away, obviously goading her on, and she was definitely going to fall for it.

With a defiant growl she leapt at Rontu, giggling under the growl and climbing her brother – trying to get to the piece of meat. She was so busy, that she almost didn’t notice the Alphess come into view – she glanced her way, but she seemed to quickly immerse herself with the adults. Which did not hold her attention like the dangling piece of meat that her brother was holding at taunting distance. She went for it again, fainting left and darting lower to cut the corner, and felt the flavor of the moose engulf her mouth. She growled playfully through her grip, tugging and backing up. Tug a war!

[Fierfly]

Rontu:

Val growled and jumped at him. He grinned and leapt back, but her laced paw had landed and she was already climbing all over him. He began wriggling frantically as one paw covered his eyes and she nipped for the piece of meat. Startled and determined to keep the game going, he frantically spun away and ran a few steps away, then turned and began rubbing it in her face again, then turned and ran again, just to keep the chase up. If you wanted a really good chase you had to know when to run and when to stop and just brag it up that you couldn't be caught, then the other guy's ego usually did the rest.

Another scent met his nose and he turned to see who it was. Alphess Blaise! The pup hadn't seen his Alphess very much yet in his short life. Really he hadn't met many wolves at all in his short life, but with the size of his family and with as much fun as Kanga, Manaaki and West were, it didn't matter, fun was never short. The alphess though was something different, there was an air about her, something strong, something about a leader that made even pups pause and wonder but the distraction only lasted a second, because grown-ups will be grown-ups and of course she immediately began talking about grown-uppish things in the pack so he turned his attention back to Val. Not a moment too soon! She too, had been distracted, but she'd been motivated by the idea of hunting that piece of meat and hadn't stayed distracted. Rontu had, even if it was just for a split second longer, and he was about to pay for it. Val had her teeth in one end of the piece of meet and began to playfully growl as she pulled. Rontu too, locked his legs and tugged back as she backed away, growling and shaking his head back and forth as she pulled, rasping and growling around the prize in his teeth to warn her away.