They could feel their skin burning, despite the warmer air of the south.

It's taken them far too long to get to the wastes, having to hide deep in dens often to avoid frost bite on their poor legs and face. But the chill had driven them from their crappy nest early this morning, to get their blood flowing, they'll warm up then....

He missed his fur, he missed his magic that always kept him at a steady and comfortable temperature in the extremes like this. Hell, at this point he missed the puppy piles with Fiadh and her brood that had kept him warm through the nights leading up to this great ice age.

Fuck, they'd even take life as a pompous princess under Requiem's claw again, to be warm.

Sparrow's thoughts were not on their surroundings, especially not on the ground, where a certain mother's den was dug like a shitty construction trench without any signs that said 'warning! open pit!' Their tiny bare paw stepped into said hole, the coywolf letting out a sharp yelp as she fell forward.

FUCK

Warrior

Most of his life has been spent sleeping, eating, tucked away in safety. A sweet little boy, though, with a boxy face that's always trying to snuggle up with someone. It seemed he had no bite in him, allowing himself to be pushed around (not that it took much effort, with his unstable legs).

At least, until he heard his brother squeal after a massive worm shoved itself into the den, the tripod lunging forward and sinking his tiny little teeth into the offending limb and latching on as he was unceremoniously pulled from the den.

There was a squeal as she fell into the den, the knowledge she just stepped into someone's nest and child hitting her like a truck as her face hit the ground. FUCK. SHIT. SOR--ACK and then there were teeth in her flesh, the soft scar tissue easy to pierce with milk teeth, giving the child it's first taste of blood as Sparrow made the attempt to pull her leg free. Shit she cursed, doing her best to prevent any more damage to the den and children within, unsteadily raising on three legs as she pulled her other out of the den.

Unfortunately, the child came with her leg, bright red and growling even as she set him down onto the ground.

He was latched on, and Sparrow cursed again. Chill out lil' terror she murmured, trying to gently push him away. Where's yer Ma she raised her head then, seeing the golden form making a face at her, her own ears going back. Didn't mean ta! Sorry!!

The little beast was trying to shake her leg as she spoke.

Cashew's life had been simple. Eat, sleep, shit, repeat. His den was the only place he'd ever seen, too cautious to step close to the entrance. Mutter didn't like it when they did so, so he chose to stay back. Ever obedient. Quiet, easy, soft.

The only thing he didn't understand was why Mutter pushed him away where his siblings didn't.

The boy was sleeping peacefully, only briefly roused by his Mutter leaving, before he went back under. She would be back, like always. He wasn't sure what she did out there, but she always came back.

Except today, apparently. Cashew woke with a start as someone started yelling, someone who wasn't Mutter. He squeaked in alarm, bleary eyes fixed on the strange leg in their den. Persimmon was the closest, and Pomegranate jumped to defend them. Cashew stayed right where he was, terrified.

Who was this?

Warrior

Something warm coated his tongue, energizing the pup further in a way he didn't understand just yet, growling and latching on even harder as a paw came to try to push him away much gentler than he expected. This was The Enemy that hurt his kin, so he did what he must, scrambling to get a grip on the cold snow (oh his TOES Thats cold) and tugging back with a twist of his head. Ineffective at this size, but a valiant effort none the less.

Then he heard his mother's voice, telling him to let go. The tripod loosened his grip somewhat, unsure, before letting go completely as she pawed at him. Pomegranate looked up at her, the speckle of blood on his white muzzle, confused amber eyes looking from Mother to The Enemy Worm that was Not A Worm.

...wow it's cold up here, actually.

Out came more of the pups as the blonde woman snapped out of her daze, her voice piercing their ears as she came running to help pull the baby off, Sparrow's ears went back at the pitch. Y'didn' wanna find a tree or somethin' to dig under? they questioned as the boy was pulled off, raising their paw and licking at the little cuts.

Pausing mid-lick, when a white and pink pup appeared and watched them.

With a crooked tail.

....was this'n born like that? they questioned again, he had to have been right? The crook didn't seem to hurt him.

...oh gods, was this the one she stepped on?