See you next season

Rudyard hadn’t known what time for sure Artorias would get up.  He knew it would be stupidly early but what if he got up early?  Rudy was early and so he had to wait patiently, keeping a keen focus for signs of his brother coming.  Wait to long and Rudy would start to remember just how early it was but that was fought off with the reminder of the fun ahead of him.  Also highly important was succeeding in getting a successful pounce on his brother.  He’d lost his last attempt at tackling his brother and while neither one of them were pups anymore this was one of Rudy’s ways to show he still loved his brother. Someone had to keep Art on his guard for surprises after all!  Expect to be safe leaving his room in the morning?  That wouldn’t do!  Also, Rudy was in a splendid mood and it was important that Artorias likewise share in some joy.

Any sense of tiredness that had been laying on him was gone quickly.  Keen ears picked up the sound of the door as it opened and Art slipped out.  His brother’s focus seemed to be on remaining quiet, probably to let Briar sleep Rudy imagined.  After all, it was what Fern did for him in the morning.  Art focused on closing the door quietly.  Rudy smiled a villainous smile and lunged out, one stride, all feet on the ground and he launched himself, slamming his frame to hit Art’s back and front shoulders to knock the tired wolf into the ground.  “Morning!” The voice spoke with victorious energy yet softer than he would have ideally used.  After all, sane wolves were still asleep nearby.

"Rudyard"