Butt of the Joke

Kaija was wandering away from home again, something that was hardly uncommon, especially as she got older. She was hardly a tiny pup anymore, not that she'd ever really been terribly small; but now she as very nearly her full height with her tusks grown in and her awkward puppy weight finally shed. She was still a husky girl, and it was obvious she'd never be quite slim like others were, but she was beginning to look quite adult-like. Unfortunately, well... her personality didn't quite match that same level of physical maturity that she was approaching. Even now as she padded through the Estuary she seemed very childlike, large paws slapping down and sending sprays of mud up all around her as she let out a triumphant chortle.

This little crop of marshy, soggy land was familiar to her too, having visited it a few times before now. She liked this place; it was oftentimes noisy and always muddy and full of adventures. The last time she'd come here, she'd gathered up a big pile of frogs and tried to herd them into one spot before realizing her efforts were futile. This time she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. It was chilly and the dark skies threatened to open up at any moment, making her think that her trip here might be short-lived. At least, she suspected as much, until the scent of two strangers touched her nose. Despite her independence at heart, Kaija was a social girl and wouldn't pass up the opportunity to meet someone new. What she didn't expect was what she found... which was, the sight of a woman charging a hyena. No, two - or maybe more? Either way Kaija had to think fast. Throwing herself into danger's arms just to help someone didn't sound great but the thought of being crowned a hero definitely did, and adrenaline kicked in fast as she approached. Before she had time to think she was loping into a run and charging the hyena that had pummeled the wolf, aiming to knock it off balance, tusks swinging hard toward its face.