The days were getting longer and warmer. Tama found himself enjoying them immensely, and especially now that they were in the Ravine. Something about going to visit his grandma brought around a bit of... what was that? What was that in the air? It was something that tasted adjacent to freedom. There were plenty of adults around to supervise, and not all of them were parentally responsible for him. With so many eyes, it was almost like having no eyes on him, even if that didn't make sense. It made sense in Tamago's head, and he was perfectly happy this way. The boy found himself a patch of red clay, scooping it up with gentle paws and turning it into a loose sort of paint with a nearby puddle. Finding himself a nice broad, flat rock, he settled in the sun and began to paint away intently. There he went, creating another (in his mind) masterpiece. Always something artsy with this one, always.

Venom wasn’t sure that she was enjoying her grandchildren being in Ashen more than they were. The young pups seemed to flourish and blossom as they were given very nearly free reign of Ashen lands. Of course with all of the patrols and wolves within the pack there was always a pair of eyes on them somewhere. Today the proud grandmother had her sunset gaze on the little Tamago. She knew that it was likely that all of them would grow to impressive size, but now they were perfect little snuggle buns.

White gloved paws carried her closer to the lone pup, he was having a good time with the bright red clay that lined the banks of the stream that ran through the ravine. The warm sun of the spring day sprinkled down through the foliage above. Creating a brightly lit canvas for his painting. "What are you working on, little one?” She asked with a curious tilt of her head as she observed the child-like strokes of ‘paint’ on canvas.

"Venom"

Brightly lit and in a comfy spot, it was likely he'd be here all afternoon. It was a big rock, and he had so much space to make use of. So far, Tama is happy with his work. The red clay was easily mixed with some of the more brown dirt, and he was able to manipulate it happily with his paws. Different shades and tones, it really seemed to come together nicely. Very nicely, if you asked him. The boy is cheerful, working away at the painting in the warmth and sunlight. He wasn't alone for long, though! Grandma Venom comes to join him. Tama lifts his head, mismatched eyes glimmering softly. "Come look!" He wiggles excitedly, paws tippy-tapping as he does. He rises from the rock to show off his creation, beckoning his grandmother closer. Wiggling a bit, muddy paws splashing up to his forelegs and chest. "It's the Ravine!" Tama exclaimed, gesturing excitedly to the painting. While rudimentary, the features of the world around him were relatively clear. The work of a child, but a child who has already fallen in love with the arts.

The Empress was glad that her son and grandchildren were making themselves at home here in Ashen, though she knew that they wouldn’t be here as long as she wished them to be. The band had places to go and sights to see, a whole world for the puppies to explore and discover. Something that she could not and would not hinder. For now, Venom would enjoy the time she was allowed with them.

She drew closer to the little pup after she made her presence known so that she wouldn’t startle him from his obviously important work. As her sunset gaze was able to take in the clay painting the boy was working on. He invited her to see his progress, and Venom was forced to use an imagination that didn’t often get much use. She tilted her head, and after a beat the creative mind of the pup began to reveal itself right before he verbally revealed the subject.

"Oh my goodness! Look it is!” While Venom was genuinely impressed at his work there was an enthusiasm that was saved just for puppies. Pride shone in her features, "What an amazing job you’re doing! I’ve never been creative like that.” She admitted as she lowered herself beside his smaller form to watch him finish his work.

"Venom"