DotW RP: Sibling Banter

A dark nose entered the cavern created by the arching roots. A few sniffs, and then the owner of the nose withdrew, straightening and squinting slightly at the hole. She sneezed twice, then stepped back, wrinkling her nose. Bah, empty, as had been the past seven she'd stuck her snout in. Only seeking a solution to the boredom that gripped irritably at her mind. If anyone spotted her, she'd say she was looking for mice or voles to catch. Any practice hunting was good, even on the tiny prey.

Nadia stepped back again, her fur rippling down her spine. She turned, casting her golden eyes through the gloom of the woods. No longer green, for autumn had taken hold. At this point, however, much of the trees had dropped their leaves in anticipation of the coming winter. The she-wolf felt a tingle of excitement as she thought of the next season, which would be her first one. She'd heard many opinions of it, but most seemed negative.

Ah well, she'd find out whether she agreed soon enough. The auburn female padded forwards, leaving her tree behind as she meandered through the forest. She'd lost track of exactly where she was, which was perhaps not ideal, but she supposed she could figure out which way the den site was if she put her mind to it. However, she didn't plan to return just yet. Trekking forwards, she picked up a brisk walk.

---

Although still only a juvenile, Reed had taken up many duties as the alpha's son. His favorite, perhaps one picked up from his mother, was patrolling the territory. It might seem odd for such a charismatic wolf such as himself, but Reed found the time alone a good way to contemplate. In fact, he would even go as far as to say that being on patrol duty was a rather charismatic job; he had run into quite a few wolves and other creatures while patrolling.

Today was not one of those days however. His leisurely walk was quiet, safe for a few of the birds singing their songs in the leafless trees. A pleasant smile sat on Reed's lips as he listened, kicking a few dead leaves here and there. He continued on, when suddenly a familiar scent crossed his path. It was his sister, Nadia. She seemed to be moving inland, toward the camp. A wicked grin replaced his smile and he ducked down into the flora. Making sure he was downwind, Reed quickly crept alongside his sister's trail until he found her. She was moving swiftly, so he had to act fast.

Jumping out from behind an azalea shrub, Reed barked as loud as he could, skidding to a stop in front of the tawny shewolf.

---

A faint scuffing noise grabbed her attention, and a moment later she watched a squirrel dart across the path, sending dry leaves flying. She was tempted to chase it, but it would only result in wasted energy, so she held herself back. Swinging her head around, she trudged forwards again. She was now vaguely aware that she was moving towards the den site, though she would have to remedy that soon so she could avoid returning home just yet.

After a moment, she let her pace slow. She had the oddest feeling something was watching her, though it was likely just some frightened mouse or wren. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she padded on, until a sudden disturbance pulled her to a hasty stop. Something large and loud had just appeared from in front of her, barking wildly. Nadia's fur puffed out, and she hopped backwards, her eyes stretched wide. However, she instantly recognized her 'attacker'.

"Reed!" The she-wolf let out an indignant complain. "I'm going to chew your ears off!" Smoothing her auburn coat, she gave a hurried shake and sent her brother an irate glare. Stepping forwards, her shoulders set, she parted her jaws as if about to carry out her playful threat. This was not the first time he'd done this, nor would it be the last.

---

Seeing his sister puff out with surprise and her irritated glare when she realized it was him, Reed's grin widened. At her complaint, he threw his head back and howled with laughter. She was so easy to startle; no matter how many times he had done it, he got the same reaction out of her. It never got old! Reed let his rump hit the dirt as he sat jovially, and his laughter continued while Nadia came toward him, her jaws nabbing onto his ear with playful intent. He took quickly to the instigation and batted and pushed at her with his paws in a frolicsome manner. He pulled his ear from her maw and hopped to his feet, bumping her side with his head.

"Aw, big talk for someone who looked like a squirrel's tail just a few seconds ago." He retorted. Reed grinned impishly and wagged his tail. "You looked like you were about to jump into that tree!" He laughed again. His playful teasing was lighthearted and although he was sensitive to others feelings, he couldn't help but be the annoying brother to his only sister sometimes.

---

He was such an infuriating lump! He was definitely getting his ears gnawed on for this. Her steps became heavy and stiff as she closed the distance between them, her own ears pinned slightly at the amused noises from her brother. Her maw reached up to snap lightly at his scruffy ears, and she drooled purposefully over them. She didn't have long to do this, for Reed had lifted his forepaws to swipe and batter at her, to which she gave a grumbling. As he tugged free of her chewing, she relented, her expression a squinting frown, though it wasn't real anger that she displayed. A low wuff escaped her at his sniping words, but she'd grown accustomed to such teasing and childish mockery, and it had long since stopped drawing any real anger from her.

Nadia made a face at him. "Next time I'll clock your head into that tree!" She puffed, falling back to her haunches with a soft thud. Her expression then lightened, eyes glittering and a faint smile edging at her maw. "I mean, there's nothing in your skull, so you shouldn't have to worry." Jibed the she-wolf, in her usual fashion of returning with taunts of her own.

---

Chuckling at his sister’s playful jab, Reed was happy to see that she didn't take his pestering seriously. He crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue, mimicking a "brain dead" expression. "Nope, no worries here." He said in as dopey a voice as he could make. He laughed again and sat as well, his tail thumping against the earth as he wagged it happily.

"What were you doing out here, anyway?" Reed asked once his laughter finally died down. "Got a secret boyfriend you were meeting at the border or something?" He leaned in and wiggled his brows at Nadia.

---

Snorting amusement, she let her tail flop against the dry leaves and rest by her forepaws. Letting a light smirk coat her expression, she peered back at him, her head tilted slightly. As the humor faded slightly, her brother brought up a new topic, making Nadia prick up her ears. She gave him a scoffing look, lifting one brow and barely able to stop her eyes from rolling.

"Why yes, of course, that's exactly what I was doing," The she-wolf puffed, obviously sarcastic. Her thoughts had briefly gone to Samwell, for some reason. She stretched out a paw, tossing a few crinkly leaves into the air in Reed's general direction. "No, just exploring. What were you doing, then?" She quipped, tipping her head to the other side curiously.

---

Reed grinned at her sarcastic remark and shook his head as Nadia tossed a paw full of leaves his way. This playful banter always put him in a good mood, especially when it was with Nadia. She was good at keeping up a light spirit.

"I was patrolling the borders of course," He said with a scoff, puffing out his chest proudly. "Like a good alpha's pup should." Reed raised his brow at her, grinning wickedly. "But a delinquent such as yourself wouldn't understand that." He stood and held his tail high, prancing about like an arrogant buffoon.

---

The auburn she-wolf gave a soft sniff, her ears flicking back and forth. She narrowed her gaze as he responded, then quirked up a brow at his comical march. "Oh, I'm the delinquent, of course." She woofed back at him, tone dry but eyes aglitter with play. She rolled her shoulders, watching her brother with an unimpressed stare. "Who put grubs in Mother's nest again?"

Nadia got to her paws and wiggled in place, before ambling forwards, lifting a paw in attempt to swat at her littermate's flanks. Jumping back with a spray of frosty leaves, she spun around and dropped to her belly with a thud, tail swinging.

---

At her accusation, Reed feigned an air of disbelief, as if she had hurt his feelings something awful. He gasped and turned to her, his browns upturned and eyes watery.

"Certainly not me!" His voice was full of sarcasm and thick with devastation. "I would never dream of doing something so vulgar!" He wailed, throwing a paw over his forehead in feigned innocence. Suddenly he cut off and a wicked grin replaced his sappy frown. "Especially if they were the real big ones."

Reed laughed as Nadia swatted at him, though he merely jumped out of the way with a swat of his own, only to receive a face full of leaves. He spat them out and rolled back onto his haunches. "That was real lady-like, sis. Gonna attract all the eligible bachelors with those moves." He teased.

---

Nadia puffed, her winter coat spiking out. He was definitely good at faking expressions, which amused her. He'd always been good at that, though. Little actor. In spite of his dramatic cries, she giggled, prancing in place and stirring the dead leaves and icy soil. Her gaze widened at his sudden change, and she rolled her eyes. "Ew!" A grin flickered across her own cream snout.

Bouncing to the side, she watched as the leaves swirled down again, some caught by the gentle breeze. Wiggling her haunches, she slid forwards, only to straighten suddenly and plop down on her rear as well. "I know, I know. I've been practicing." She snickered, pawing up a clump of leaves and placing them on her head. "It's the new fashion." Chest puffed out, eyes shut in smug 'nobility'.

---

Reed raised a skeptical brow at his sister as she placed the leaves upon her head. She looked ridiculous, but of course, who wouldn't with old, dead leaves on their head? He chuckled and noogied her head with his paw, messing up her fur and the leaves which had been on her head.

"Aww don't you look so cute!" He cooed. Suddenly, a howl rang out through the forest and Reed's ears perked, his head turning in the direction of the cry. The hunters had brought down a kill and were calling the pack to them. Supper time!

He turned with a grin to his sister. "Race ya back?" He proposed.

---

A shrill squeal escaped the female's jaws. "Gerroff me!" She puffed, squirming away from his goofy attack. However, she was released swiftly as a cry split the air, bringing news of fallen prey. Nadia thumped to the ground and scrambled to get to her paws, shaking more dead leaves and grit off her auburn coat.

The she-wolf grinned back at Reed, her tail lifted in excitement. "You bet!" She woofed, narrowing her eyes slightly. She scooted next to him and lowered her head, sending him a sidelong glance. "Ready, on your mark, get set....go!" Giggling, the she-wolf charged away.

---

Reed readied himself for the race, lowering into his starting position. He returned his sisters glance with a cheeky smile and stuck his tongue out at her. As she called the race to go, he coiled in his hind legs and sprang forward like a jack-in-the-box, landing in a gallop toward the smell of fresh meat.