exit stage left

Valentine was at Rhythm’s side in an instant. His eyes swept the small gathering in search of his youngest litter and the grand kids who were more or less their age. He stood poised, his gaze never settling in one place as he searched, ready to leap back into the fire should any of the children dawdle and pique his anxiety.  

His spared a glance to Rhythm once but her place at the meeting suggested she was more or less well and not in immediate need of his fawning.

Of the youths, Alarr arrived first. Valentine watched his progress with relief. He motioned the boy to him and then turned his attention back to the distance where he hoped to soon see more pups.