Leaves sprayed outwards as a lean body shot though a partially burned forest near the Great River. The figure didn't stop until it reached a thicket that had escaped the inferno which swept throughout the land just weeks ago. Growling softly, it slipped under a fallen tree, heading slightly downwards before reaching a cozy den. Delighted yips resounded off the dirt walls and three bodies hurtled towards the figure.

"Did you find food, Ma?"
"What's it like out there?"
"Where are the others?"
"Did you see them?"

Chuckling to herself, she laid in the middle of the den, her pups jumping around still asking a storm of questions."Children, children. Settle down. I'll tell you all about it in the morning, now get some sleep."

The smallest of the littler collapsed onto his mother's neck, laying his little head on her muzzle. "Ma? When will Da be back?" he asked sleepily, yawning wide for such a small pup.

"I'm not sure, my dear. The Alpha sent him and the others on a very important mission; we may not see him for awhile yet."

A second pup, first born and the biggest, slumped beside his mother's side. "Do you think they can do it?" wondered her oldest. He nuzzled close, breathing in his mother's scent, calming him. "I heard their task will be very dangerous and they might not come back."

A low growl was the only answer he got before dozing off with his brother and sister. Their mother knew the dangers her mate faced along with the most experienced of the pack. She looked towards where the moon's silvery glow would be illuminated the little thicket where the four wolves slept. Sighing to herself, the mother wolf laid her head back down, the youngest flopping back on her face. She hoped the males were successful; if not...She didn't want to think about that.