Happy Birthday, times twelve

Nelu was already wide awake, tidying up his work area from the experiments the night before that had kept him up late in the night. He was getting the hang of firing pottery and now came the fun of experimenting with glazes. However, that would have to wait for the time being for he needed to acquire a few minerals and pigments before the experiment could proceed.

He understood that today was the day he and his siblings were born, but he didn't really know what to make of it other than he was now a yearling and there was to be a celebration. He glanced in the mirror, noting the clay stains in his fur. Well, that wouldn't do. Nelu started washing up in the basin, pausing only when he heard his father calling them downstairs. Ahhh yes, there was a surprise as well, he had almost forgotten. Nelu dried his paws and headed down the stairs to the banquet hall at a steady, even pace. When he arrived it was to see a richly decorated room and spread of foods. A gift for each pup was placed at their usual seating spot.

"Good morning, Mother, Father, Clove." He said, dipping his head in greeting to each of them in turn. He moved to take his seat, examining the gift that laid on the table before him. "How are each of you this morning?"