if you don't love me at my stinkiest...

Folding herself back onto her haunches, Ophie was more than happy to let Mortis scoop her up into the higher branches of the tree, where the little house was now easily within reach. She clambered aside, her grey tail thunking against the wood as her tongue lolled out the side of her mouth in a laid back, easy smile. Ophie was always and would always be at her happiest amongst friends and family. She trusted Mortis with all her heart, knowing full well that he'd always have her back if she asked it of him. In the grand scheme of things being a little muddy wasn't a big deal, but he'd be there when it counted, even as a little pup she knew that.

Stretching out on the planks of wood, Ophie left little grooves in her wake as she extended her front limbs as far as they would allow. She liked it up here, hidden away from the world but somehow present, like birds nestled in their little nests. And then her brows furrowed, at this age she was full of questions.

"Do you think my sisters and brother like me?" She asked, her voice quieter than intended. "We don't play much anymore."