Chimera and Aliana’s pups were growing by the day and the Empress knew all too well that as soon as she blinked they would be fully grown. White gloved paws carried her towards the redwater rocks so she could spend some time with a pup or two. Knowing full well that by now they were out eagerly exploring their home and getting into trouble. Puppies were quite predictable like that, and only a few strayed from such a rule.

Curious sunset eyes searched the caverns around her brother’s chosen dens, looking for signs of a young pup in need of supervision or a lesson. She wasn’t certain if she saw a pudgy little rump or a tail sprint around the corner so she called out softly. "Are we playing hide and seek?” She questioned while silently following behind whoever had decided to scurry away. Perhaps she could catch them unawares.

"Venom"

Hydrae has been lingering around the den again-- of course she has. She's all chubby and clumsy.

Those sharp teeth click together one-two-three times and she huffs, trying to catch a fly that buzzes along her snout. The damn thing is so fast! How can it move so fast!

She doesn't know.

Hydrae gets up, and that's when Venom sees her, the tail flicking around the corner, the chubby form vanishing from view. But the suggestion of hide and seek is too good to let up and...

"Yeah! You gotsa. Gotsa hide!"

It seemed like loving puppies was something that almost all wolves could say about themselves. Much like her brother though, Venom would have an eternal soft spot for the youths in their life. Especially when it came to blood relations, she adored her cute little nieces and nephews and was so happy to welcome them into the pack.

The Empress had found a pup, but just as quick as she saw her the girl had disappeared around the corner. Venom spoke up, and the return call wasn’t what she was expecting. Usually the pup preferred to hide while Venom would seek, but she was instructed to go and hide herself.

"Oh, alright! Be sure to count to ten!” Venom couldn’t remember the last time she had tried to hide her tall frame anywhere, but at least the cavern had many good places to squeeze into. Venom turned to find a tight place to sneak into before the pup came to find her.

"Venom"

Hydrae crouched down slightly. Truthfully, she'd had no idea that the woman would try to hide. Simple as that. But when Venom signaled she'd be willing to play along, Hydrae grinned all toothy-like and closed her eyes, turning away and pushing her face against the den wall. Sure, there wasn't a lot of room down there, but the wary pup found delight that the adult was willing to play with her. After all, adults were able to go out and do all kinds of cool things, and who knew what cool stuff this lady did!

She sort of recalled something being important about Venom... but couldn't recall what. So she shoved it away and began to sneak through the den, because she could smell Venom, smell the outsider of her, standing out like an alarm in the environment of the den that Hydrae knew so well. The cavern was big, especially to her, and Hydrae wanted to draw it out... so the first time, she just padded right past where Venom hid, making a biiiig show of sniffling and looking, squinting, and making noise! She wanted Venom to really, really, really think she was hidden!

Hydrae took a turn to the right, skittered away, and snickered to herself as she waited -- holding her breath, holding very, very still, until enough time passed and she hoped that Venom would have crept from her spot! But even if Venom didn't--!

Hydrae bolted towards the crevice, rearing up on her hind legs and barking-- "Ah! Ah! I foun'ya!" She boxed out with her paws and beamed, all toothy and sharp. "Heheh! Da's a good spot though!" When Hydrae's tail wagged, her entire rear wiggled. "Very smart! Y'wanna see ano'ver spot?" Hydrae lowered her voice, offering to show Venom a good hiding place.

Venom did command respect from those around her, but that demand was much different when it came to the puppies. They would learn eventually who she really was and even more important the familial relationships that were shared here in Ashen. The pack was more family oriented than some, and really she couldn’t have been more thankful for that. For now, the two of them could focus on playing games and forming sweet bonds.

The Empress didn’t really expect to be hidden for very long, a good puppy used their nose more than their eyes at such a game. Sunset eyes peered through the darkness as she watched the pup wander back and forth for a moment, as if she were trying to decide right where Venom was. Still the pup continued to wander past, causing Venom’s pale brows to raise in curiosity but she stayed where she was. Surely the girl would wander back when she realized Venom had not gone so far.

After a few long moments Venom watched the girl creep back, before making a bee line to her hiding place, suddenly rearing up and declaring her as found. A huge grin took over Venom’s features as she chuckled and slithered out of the crevice. "You did find me!” She returned, ruffling the top of her niece’s head affectionately. The girl then offered, almost secretively, if she wanted to see another good hiding spot, and Venom couldn’t imagine denying an offer like that. "Of course I would.” She whispered back after lowering her head close to the pup’s ear.

"Venom"