He did not protest her guidance. Stern was the paw forced to retrieve the wayward pups of Cen and Iglux̂ when they went astray; Nen'tah occasionally pushed these boundaries (as children are wont to do), but not so much that he typically got in trouble for it. Day by day he was gradually learning the behavior expected of him, and it was by far in his best interests to adhere to it.

Most of the time.

While some disappointment surrounded the loss of finding the violet's home, Nen'tah looked pleased that the herb-woman was eager to bring him on a quick tour where he might acquire a dandelion if it ever proved necessary. He trotted after her with great interest, shorter legs moving quickly to keep pace. Goldblossom wasn't particularly large for a wolf - in fact, she fell quite short even of average - but he was still a child by comparison, and he had to work just a little bit harder to maintain their stride.

He would have to adapt quickly for the March, after all.

They came to a stop close to the dens. A warm wind blew from the east, ruffling his fur; the meadow was beautiful, albeit a little too open for a pup who had only just begun to explore the vast world around him. He stood close to Goldblossom as she carefully plucked something she insisted was also a dandelion -

OH!

Nen'tah stared with wide eyes as the strange little cloud-on-stem suddenly scattered into a whirlwind of fluffy seeds all around them, caught by the breeze as they twisted and turned every which way. He leapt up to snap playfully at them with his teeth, tail wagging while he delighted in the thrill of the chase.

The boy jumped again before he finally watched them fly away. Although Goldblossom's instruction to make a wish was odd, he bowed his head anyway, eyes screwed shut as his lips moved soundlessly to mouth the words of that which he desired most.

"I wish to be a great, great hunter, and that we all survive the March."

It might not have been audible, but she could likely observe his motions and understand. Also technically he had made two wishes, but he didn't want to compromise on either.

He opened his eyes.

A fat white mushroom caught his attention. Moving toward it, he looked expectantly back at Goldblossom, curious if she had a lesson behind this oddly-shaped thing.