Rhyme would yawn and stretch as wakefulness took over, his long puppy limbs would be sent in either direction as he stretched as far as he could go while laying on his back. His cute round puppy tummy would be exposed as he squeaked with the effort. He'd had quite the night's sleep, and while he had likely kicked awake both mother and sister he felt like a million bucks. He'd dreamed the dreams he usually did, of being big and strong, and brave like his dad. Before he'd left the den he'd thought that particular dream would be attainable, but it seemed like every day he ventured further from the den the smaller and more timid he seemed. The world was big, and all the uncertainty weighed down on the little pup. He felt envious of his sister's bravery in the face of the unknown. All he wanted was to be his father. These thoughts would stall him from a regular morning of going out to run around and play with Rhys. Instead he'd lay still, thinking about his dream and the reality he lived in. Pretty heavy thoughts for a pup his age. ""

Resistance was futile, her little babies were going to go out into the world with out her and she had to accept that. Knowing that Imperium was likely the safest pack in all of Alacritia she could rest a little easier known that Rhys would be out exploring, she'd have everyone's eyes on her if she tried something really dangerous, at least she had to keep telling herself that because no matter what she did the little girl was going to go where she wanted. Rhyme was almost always with her, and while she still hoped his timidness might slow Rhys down a bit she knew how easy it was for her daughter to convince her son along with whatever idea she had. As Rhythm woke that morning, kind of tired Rhyme had slept especially rough the night before, she'd notice daughter missing and son lazing at her side. She doubted that Rhys could have gone too far, and instead of jumping up to go and retrieve her she'd give her more of a head start. Deciding then that she really needed to tickle Rhyme's exposed belly. She didn't notice the serious expression on his features, only the soft tummy exposed to her. With out any hesitation Rhythm would reach down, and gently tickle the sensitive skin he offered. ""

One moment Rhyme was sitting quite contently and then the next his bely was suddenly getting tickled. He'd squeal, getting caught off guard, as his mother played eagerly with his belly. He'd squirm and laugh, temporarily distracted by what he'd been thinking about. However the distraction did not last, and within a few moments he was tired of his mother's antics. "Moooomma! Sssss...dop it!" He'd try to put his serious face on, but with the insistant tickling there was no way he'd be able to put his frown back on. "Quid! I'm serioussss." He'd use her own words against her, when she really meant what she said Momma always said she was serious, and that's how he was now. Rhyme would try and bat away her errant paws while simultaneously finding his feet. He wouldn't succeed at either. ""

Rhythm would beam as she caught her little boy off guard, she'd enjoy the long few moments he allowed her to tickle him and giggled with his high pitched laugh. It was not to last though, suddenly Rhyme would beg her to stop. Of course she could not relent despite protests, and would renew her efforts as he began really squiggling and his laughter mostly stopped. Something was up. With a soft 'hmm' she'd quit, letting him breath as she drew close, wrapping her arms around his little frame that was still belly up. She'd nuzzle the exposed belly before lifting her features and looking down into his eyes (which was kind of like looking into her own eyes. It was scary how similar the pair were to their parents in looks alone.) "What's wrong, my little Rhyme? I thought you liked tickle fights?" She could resist leaning down and nuzzling his cute face again. ""

After his second protest Rhythm would cease her play, knowing instantly that there wasn't something quite right in Rhyme's world. He'd sigh heavily as she came to wrap herself around him, and he'd relax into her embrace as she nuzzled his belly instead of tickling it. Despite his foul mood Rhyme couldn't help but snuggle her back, he was always up for some mommy snuggles. He'd sigh heavily as she pulled away, letting her gaze fal on him as his paws nestled to his chest. "I d..d..do. B..bu.but.." he'd take a deep breath, "das tha problem. I'mmm liddle." He was obviously tiny compared to all of the other wolves in the pack. How was he ever gonna be like his dad if he was so small? He was even smaller than mommy! "An..an... Whys is b..b..braver then muh..muh..me." He'd pout as she snuggled him tightly, tears streaming down his face as he confessed his woes to his mom. ""

Rhyme released a long sigh as she nuzzled him closer, wondering what could have such a happy go lucky pup be so preoccupied with his thoughts that he didn't even want to be tickled? Obviously his life wasn't so bad that he would even refuse snuggles, she was warmed when he returned her affection. She had to get to the bottom of it though, she couldn't have her little 'Whymey' all sullen like this. Perking her ears and listening intently as Rhyme explained his problem. He was tiny, and.. Rhys was more brave than he was? Well, she really couldn't deny that, Rhys had no fear, and while obviously that was an admirable trait for Rhyme Rhythm wished her daughter had half the fear of the world that Rhyme did. Rhythm would hum softly before leaning down to kiss away his poor little tears. "My little one, you don't have to worry at all. I have no doubt you'll be just as big as your brothers and sisters." She'd pull one of her paws from behind him, lifting it to match it with his own. "Look, your paw is the same size as mine already." That was a truth she wished she didn't have to accept. "Bravery isn't just running headlong into danger, my son. You'll learn, and you'll be just as brave as you have to be when the time comes." She'd return her paw to its place and move to nuzzle him tigt once again. "You don't have to worry about being brave right now anyway, that's your daddy's job." For now she wanted to keep her innocent little Rhyme, he could learn to be a big brave warrior later. ""

His mommy was going to make everything better right? She'd humm softly at his words, the sound always seemed to calm him pretty well, she'd been humming to him and Rhys since the day they'd been born after all. It was soothing, and coupled with her words would make him start to feel better. She'd assure him that he'd grow, even going so far as to point out the similarity of paw size. She was right, if his paws were already the same size as his moms how long did he have to wait until they were the same size as his dad? She'd mention bravery and again the need to remain patient. How long did it take to grow up? Hadn't he been a baby for long enough? "That's your daddy's job." Someday that's what he wanted. He wanted to be his dad, strong, brave, the leader of a pack! He'd marry his mommy and he great just like dad! "I wan' be like dahd." He'd whimper as he got some more cuddles. "Don' wanna waid." ""

Rhyme was silent as she explained to him all that needed to be said. She wanted to reassure him, but as she watched his expression she knew she wasn't helping as much as she hoped. He was just ready to grow up much too fast. Especially to her liking. He was her little baby, and despite how much she didn't want him to grow up he was going to. And really fast. He was sweet as he told her he wanted to be like his dad. She'd lick the top of his head affectionately, trying to soothe his worries with her love. "You're just going to have to be my little baby for a little while longer. Before you know it you'll be big. Don't rush your childhood my sweetheart." She'd fall into a rhythm of grooming him, and as upset as he was he would likely fall back asleep on her paws. Rhythm would sigh heavily as she was reminded that Rhys was not there with them, so reluctantly she'd rouse her little one once more. "Come on, lets go see if we can find your sister before she gets into trouble?" She'd smile as she pushed him up towards the entrance, proud of her little baby, and so sad that he wasn't going to stay that way. ""