Hanging Around

Stomach rumbles unhappily at the pup, as Ricin lays quietly in the shadows as Chade explains about why stealing food is a bad idea. Grumbling softly, Ricin stops mid grouse as Chade’s eyes meet his own and the lighter brother tips his head in acknowledgement. Yes, he had heard the noise and with that, Ricin slides his form deeper into the shadows, coiling his muscles tightly in case they have to chase to their food. Saliva pools in his mouth at the thought of fresh meat and Ricin completely misses the note of alarm that appears on his brother’s face. In fact, the lighter brother is so engrossed in his thoughts of filling his empty belly, that he misses the moment the new wolf steps into their trap and is caught.

Eyes blink confusedly as Ricin finally notices the other pup in their trap. Head tilts and Ricin reminds himself to tell Chade how smart he is. Later. When no one else is around. The sound of a vine snapping has the female pup plunging back to the earth and Ricin almost giggles at the funny scene. But giggling can get you killed, so instead, he curls back and away from the new comer sharing a worried look with his brother. Chade was the first one to move, slowly leaving their hiding spot to talk this strange wolf. It feels so wrong that his brother is out in the open, talking.

Steeling his nerves, Ricin slips out of shadows to stands next to and slightly behind his brother. Ricin is offering Chade support and keeping the stranger in his full line of sight. Ricin wasn’t sure what he is supposed to feel but something tells him it shouldn’t be disappointment at the sight of their broken trap and the wolf. Sad voice says, “Oh darn Ny. You worked so hard on that.” Crimson eyes turn toward the female pup and he adds, “That wasn’t very nice. Ny… I mean Chade, worked really hard on that!” Ricin’s stomach once again rumbles deeply and he feels tears spring to his eyes at the prospect of missing another meal.

Sniffling, Ricin looks to Chade and whines, “What are we going to do now Ny?” All that Ricin cares about is taking care of his aching stomach.



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