That's not a puppy...

Since the day that the coyotes had surrounded the hodgepodge-hued girl in the berry grove, Caladia has been avoiding the land. Dusk had been brave, facing down the hungry predators while she had run away. Shame keeps her from meandering from the grassy plains into the berry laden land since, each time she gets close enough to smell the sweet aromas, memories assault her. It feels foolish to be so scared of the land and the girl has been working up her courage to step back into the grove.

That is why she is standing underneath the first line of trees, tail tucked and mismatched eyes scanning the area. Slowly, tentatively, Callie moves further in, bracing herself to face whatever dangers lay ahead. The sound of a roar, followed by another pup yelling, has the girl’s head snapping up, ears perking forward. Realizing that there is danger, she quickly releases a howl for help, and then swiftly charges toward the sounds of the fight. A bear appears, along with one of her cousins and the girl does not hesitate to engage.

Bramble attacks the paws and the creature grunts in annoyance before reaching down to swipe at the pup. Caladia charges forward, leaping at the paw that swings for her cousin and delivers a sharp bite. The beast huffs and shifts so that it shakes her free, causing Callie to hit the ground and roll before springing back up to her paws. His attack had been interrupted and the bear looks at the pups with annoyance. Casting a glance toward her cousin, she offers a grin, as she feels proud of herself for facing her fears and coming to the aid of Bramble.

A roar from the bear pulls her attention away from her cousin and they face the creature… together.


"Caladia Carpathius"