She found herself spending much more time here in the rocks so she could have more access to her young nieces and nephews. They brought out a different side of her, one that felt joy and celebrated their sweet innocence. She wasn’t sure that she would ever be tired of such interaction, now that she had nieces and nephews to enjoy was all the better. She could give them back to their mother and father instead of them coming home with her. Not that she could get tired of being around their sweet faces.

White gloved paws carried her towards Chimera’s den, and again she searched for a wandering pup to take under her wing for the day. Perhaps a patrol together would coax one of the young ones out with her. For now Venom sat herself near the den, hoping her presence would coax a curious puppy her direction.

"Venom"

Gem had holed herself up in the den for a few days now. Avoiding the spunky personalities of her siblings that always seemed to linger in the doorway, she was content to linger within the confines of comfy beds and soft mama fur. It's not until that same mama is ushering her to go outside and play does Gem finally gives in. Though she doesn't grumble, there is an obvious sort of dislike for her normally pleasant features. Why did she have to go outside? What if Phobia or Aethon were waiting to pounce on her? Their tussling always hurt in ways that she didn't like.

As she nears the entrance to the den, her spirits lift at the sight of Venom. Her tail goes wagging and she suddenly forgets about the impending doom of potential surprise attacks. Picking up her step, she approaches the Empress with a cute smile. Stopping just in front of Venom, she looks up at the massive she-wolf. "Aunty Ven!! What're you doing here?" Gem asks sweetly, blinking her heterochromatic eyes at her aunt with curiosity and wonder.

The Empress was not quite so involved in the puppies and their family that she knew that the young Gem was avoiding her siblings. Had she known, Venom would have eagerly occupied the girl or her siblings to help assuage the boisterousness. Not that she would have any doubt that Chimera could handle his excited and energetic children.

Venom’s features perked as she saw the little girl brighten and approach from the den, as she had hoped there was a pup here waiting on her. Gem’s little monochrome tail wagged eagerly at her hips as she approached with an adorable grin playing on her features. "Hello, sweet Gem.” She greeted in return, kissing the girl’s forehead. "Well, I’m looking for you, of course. I need help running a patrol and I knew you’d be the perfect wolf for the job.” She chuckled softly.

"Venom"