It didn’t take him long to find the purple tinged girl. Market security had alerted him to her curiosity, but left her be for now. She was bright eyed and curious, watching the people come and go. He approached her and nudged her lightly with a paw. The pups were still so small, so tiny and bean-like as they got accustomed to their bodies. He loved them like this, when they were learning everything for the first time. Before they grew, and discovered themselves and the world beyond. How many from this litter would remain in the Armada? But he pushed aside the thought as he leaned forward and blew lightly on her nose.

“Andy” he said in a way of greeting. “Let’s head out to the beach and spend some time on your stances.” He looked at the wolves she had been observing for a moment. “That is, if you aren’t too busy” he teased.


"Speech"

Andromeda has spent the majority of her days since leaving the den watching the wolves of the Armada go about their lives in the col. It is fascinating to observe what each wolf does while she silently contemplates why they do it and what they might be thinking. Andy loves to make up a story for each wolf and, one day, she will get up the courage to ask them who they are and what they are doing.

But not today. Today she has slipped into the market to watch the craftsman as they ply their trade, being careful to avoid the guards that make their circuits. Being small helps and Andy thinks she has gotten through undetected as she quietly slips into the shadows near one of the trader’s stalls. Pale eyes watch the crowd with wide-eyed curiosity as wolves from every walk of life move past her hiding spot and her ears perk forward to pull in the different sounds that make up this bustling place.

Now, no matter how sneaky little Andromeda thinks she is (whether intentional or unintentional), the girl’s tall father’s skills at moving stealthily are unparalleled. As he approaches her, Andy gets a feeling of being watched and darts a glance back to where her dad is and gives a small start as she spies his huge form. Wide eyes blink up at him in silent awe as he blows gentle on her nose and Andy can’t help but giggle at the way the air tickles her muzzle.

Crinkling her nose, the small girl sucks in a deep breath to return a gust of air at her dad, hoping to tickle him as he has her while giggling. He speaks and the purple pup’s tail wags happily and she immediately leaps to her paws when invites her to the beach with him. Then he teases about her being busy and pale blue eyes shift over to the gathered wolves she had been watching, a thoughtful look crossing her features.

Looking back to her father, Andy says, “Well, I think I can leave them for a bit without them noticing too much.” Her eyes are alight with lightheartedness as she teases him right back, quickly moving to stand by his front paws. Her small body presses into one of his front legs and she adds, “I’ll never be too busy for you daddy! Or mommy. Or my brothers or sisters.” Family is life and Andromeda has already realized that she will always be available for them.

As her words fade, a huge smile bursts to life across her features as she cranes her head back to gaze up at Sirius. Shifting her weight into her hind legs, the pup stands up and Andy stretches her small paws up toward his face, encouraging him to lower his muzzle so she can wrap her legs around it to give him a hug. If he accepts her hug, she will add in a couple gentle licks and a small, loving bite to the bridge of his nose while giggling happily.


"Andromeda Fatalis"