Morligh took his first steps outside the cave and into the snow beyond.  Only a few weeks old, he and his brother, Nistari, had barely started walking.  But, once they figured out how to put one paw in front of the other, they went<span style="font-style: italic">everywhere.</span>Often, Arju and Shritana had to chase their sons down to prevent them from falling off of a rock or going too far.<br/>Which, right now, Morligh had done.<br/>"Morligh!"  Arju snapped.  He trotted out of the cave and picked Morligh up by the scruff.  With little ceremony, Arju turned and walked back into the cave.  He gently dropped Morligh on the cave floor beside Nistari and said, "<span style="font-style: italic">No more wandering.</span>There is no telling what your paws will find or lead you into."<br/>Morligh whimpered and hung his head.  "I'm sorry," he mumbled.<br/>Arju nodded.  "Now, play with your brother.  And stay out of trouble, for Herne's sake!"<br/>Without waiting for a response, Arju trotted to Shritana, who was watching the pups with glowing eyes.  "They are beautiful," she said gently.<br/>"Indeed," Arju agreed as he faced the pups and sat down.<br/>Morligh gave a low growl and batted at Nistari's muzzle.  Nistari wasted no time in using his body to knock Morligh over and pin him there.<br/>"Nistari is strong," observed Arju with a flick of his ears.  "Stronger than Morligh all ready."<br/>Shritana cast a look at Arju.  "Time will show who will be an adequate leader for the pack, Arju," she said.  "Whether it is Nistari or Morligh, we will have to wait.  Especially when they are introduced to the other pack members."<br/>Arju nodded and gave Shritana's ear a reassuring lick.  "Do not worry.  I have no intention of playing favorites with my sons."  Arju's eyes were thoughtfully narrowed at Nistari.<br/>Shritana watched her mate as a slight shadow of worry cast itself upon her heart.  "See that you do not.  Ill feelings are often brought about by neglect."<br/>Arju sighed.  He looked at his mate with eyes that could melt the coldest heart.  "I will not.  I<span style="font-style: italic">promise.</span>"<br/>Shritana sighed.  She knew all too well that, eventually, Arju would favor one over the other as time progressed and it became time for one of the pups to ascend to the lead position.  She could all ready see who Arju was considering.<br/>Nistari.<br/>And Shritana knew that a storm was coming under the paws of her night-hued son.