puppy fever

Zephyr's fears had been abruptly set aside at the appearance of young Dusk and the innocent acceptance the girl appeared to have for him, even as a young one fresh out of the den. He loved his siblings unconditionally already, and having separated from his little black sister to give her a rest, went immediately in search of the next to play and bond with. This time he came prepared (as Dusk's first request was play, he assumed the other puppies would think similarly) with a toy. A very small ball made of compacted straw and grass, encased in a thin rabbit hide so it would not break apart if kicked too hard.

With his wing cupped beneath it he carried the small ball through the castle, poking his beak into various rooms and calling out in search of a puppy who might want to play.

"Zephyr"