Autumn came, bringing with it a chill that made Dom feel even more alive and invigorated than usual. It's really lovely-- he swears it. No, listen. Listen. The mornings, especially the ones that were still cold, are so good. Getting up bright and early, the first breath of morning air in his lungs. The early bird catches the worm, or whatever. Dom would be the earliest bird, thank you very much.

At least he would today. It wasn't too early to be up yet, but probably too early for the sane to be moving. An early riser, but Dominus figured he'd be better off playing quietly outdoors in the grey morning than risking waking his sisters up. Not too early, but definitely chilly, the dew still sticking to the grass. Dom blinked into the sun, tilting his chin to it, warming his face in the morning light. Stretching his legs, romping, chasing his shadow through the tall, brown grasses.

A good morning, by any stretch.

Deimos took in a deep breath as he began to stir, grumbling quietly as the first light that peeked through the skins that covered the front of their den landed across his face. It was certainly not unusual for him to be up at the crack of dawn to go on a hunt before the rest of his family was up and about, but he would rather wake on his own accord–not because the sun said so. Alas, that was not the case today so he figured he might as well get a move on with his day. With a quiet sigh he lifted his head, looking over to where Ikigai was curled up on the other side of the bed with space for their pups between them. He smiled at the sight of her still sleeping peacefully and then shifted his gaze down to his pups–only to immediately realize he was one pup short. His head tipped curiously-and with a bit of concern-and then he rose to his paws with slightly protesting, creaking joints.

A few moments later he was slipping out into the living space in the larger portion of the cave that they called home, scanning the space and looking for his son. The boy was no where to be seen, but he was able to pick up on his scent easily enough and he followed him out into the early morning sunlight, the chill of the morning hitting him with a feeling that was both bracing and invigorating. After a couple of moments of searching he found Dominus running through the browned grasses and he smirked with a little chuckle. Oh if only he still had the energy and vigor that these pups had. "You're up quite early," he commented as he came over to join Dominus with a deep chuckle. Playfully, he scooped the little pup up off of his paws with one of his oversized, bear-like paws, grinning as he nibbled and tickled the boy's sides to make him laugh.

"Deimos Medacium"

The boy is waking himself up, moving, becoming accustomed to having legs and bones and joints. Physicality is fun for him, and he's having a great time. Coming alive, in the morning light. Dewy grass tamping down wet fur, happy as he is to romp and play. A little white moth rising in the dead grass, likely one of the last of the year, catches his attention.

Distracted chasing it, though few more than steps from their door, Dom doesn't notice his father until his chuckle breaks the morning chill. A bright smile on his face, the boy bounds to meet Deimos half way. "It was so nice out, but too early to wake anyone up." Tail wagging, laughing as he tumbles to his father's grasp. Early morning sun hanging around their shoulders, leaving them dipped in golden light.

"But now you're up, and you can play with me?" It's an excited wiggle, mouthing playfully at dad's bear paws.

Deimos grinned at his son's wiggly energy as Dominus questioned if he could play with him now that he was awake. "Of course I can, my bright eyed boy," he replied with a chuckle. Responsibility and duty would call eventually, but he would never turn down his only son's eager enthusiasm or an opportunity to play with him. It wasn't beyond him that he was a bit older than most would be when they started their family and because of that he was acutely aware of the fact that he might have less time with them than some. He was eternally grateful to the Ancients for finally giving him the most perfect children he could have possibly asked for, but it was still difficult at times to not think about the clock always ticking a bit too quickly and feeling as if his time with them could be cut short far too soon. He quickly brushed off the morbid train of thought as he playfully nudged Dominus onto his back, using his claws to tickle his soft belly that was still adorable and round from puppy fat until he had the boy giggling and trying to squirm away.

When he finally relented and allowed Dom to pop back to his paws he realized he didn't necessarily fall behind on his duties just to ensure he was spending time with his kids. After all, he wanted them to grow up to have the same dedication to their family and feel the same obligation to care for them that he did so what was the harm in getting him in the routine of doing some of those daily tasks also? "Would you like to go on a patrol with me, Dominus? I bet we can find something exciting to do while we're out there." It was still early enough that most of the pack–and other animals, for that matter–would still be asleep, but the world was never truly quiet so they were bound to run into something that could interest the curious little pup.

"Deimos Medacium"

Dominus would later contend that he's a responsibility too, and really, it's only right that dad should take the day making sure he didn't cause trouble and get into things. Really, a truly wild and chaotic creature that just had to be absolutely sat on-- he'd use his lawyer voice and everything, if he needed to. Tumbling and wiggling, happily leaning against Deimos, it's as if everything in the world is right for the young boy. As he rolls back to his feet, the boy bobs his head. A patrol sounded like fun, like he could really help, and really learn something. All of that, and he could still spend time with dad? Dominus's tail wagged, and it was enough to wag the entire pup. "A real patrol!" He lights up, nodding. Already beginning to bounce in the direction he anticipated leaving, he's enthusiastic. "What're we lookin' for when we patrol?" Pausing, looking dramatically over his shoulder. Even if he doesn't know what he doesn't know, he's got the enthusiasm!