sunflower skies

MIOS MOSS TIAMAT
CATERPILLAR IN THE TREE, HOW YOU WONDER WHO YOU'LL BE

More than playing with his cousins. More than sniffing out where the spiderwebs were. More than all the good-smelling flowers in the garden. More than anything Mios loved his family, in particular his 'womb-mate.' Miread couldn't be more different than him if she tried, lacking his tame flame, but no matter how much fire she spat at him he remained attached to her side. Like a sunflower seeking the sun, he could always turn to and rely on Miread. Very rarely did he venture off on his own, safest in the proximity of his big sister and protector.

Today was no different.

Mios tugged Miread forward by her ear, for once taking the lead on their misadventure of the day. As usual her vehement protests were ignored by the one most used to them, unaffected no matter how much she resisted. Miri was definitely the feistier of them, but Mios had outgrown her already and leveraged his size to his advantage when he was especially determined.

No words left his maw in return as the nonverbal pup steered his sister down the halls until they eventually arrived to the east wing of the manse where an indoor overgrown garden burst through the walls. Vines of star-leaved ivy climbed the stone and healthy plants as tall as young trees towered over them. Mios finally released his claim on Miread's ear to trot ahead of her, tiny tail wagging, until he came to a circle of deliberately arranged flowers. The colors ranged from hot pink to brilliant yellow to gentle blue, and by the way he turned to peer at his sister, it was clear there was something specific Mios had in store for her, if his somewhat mischievous smile was anything to go by.

code by claerie

Immediately she had complained. Mios! Her tiny growl and tugging against her brothers hold on her ear, she protested for most of the trip. She might be fiercer than her brother, but he was bigger than she was. Today he seemed intent on utilizing his size against her. Her protests went ignored and he dragged her through their home, set on his plan that only he knew.

Mios had always been silent, he had never been anything but so she didn't expect an explanation, at least not a conventional one. Only when their arrived at his predetermined destination did he release her. Giving herself a shake, she glared briefly at her brother, her ear wet with his salvia. The offended appendage flicked restlessly as if the movement would be enough to dry it.

But then her stare was drawn to the flowers that were arranged at her brothers feet. A mischievous smile stretched across his face, suggesting that he was up to something. Trotting closer, her would sniff the brightly colored flowers. He had taken care to pick each one no doubt before returning it here. Some were clearly handled by a young pump, their pelts bruised and torn, but others were seemingly untouched, as if he was cut the stems with a blade and laid them tenderly here.

A smile warmed her features, one full of affection reserved for her brother and parents. It was immediately followed by her narrowed gaze. "What you doing?" She would demand, once again impatient to be clued in on his plan.

manip + code: clae

Sunshiney excitement created a natural buffer between Mios and Miread's petulance. She pinned him with a glare, slobbery ear flicking, that he ignored. He waited expectantly for her to assess the materials that were strewn at his paws, growing optimistic when the sharpness melted to reveal an affection his sister wasn't one for showing often, though it didn't last long. Miri was equal parts perceptive and suspicious; she was instantly on alert, gaze thinner than icy shards. What you doing? his womb-mate demanded in vain.

Mios scooped a yellow flower into his paw and held it up, looking between it and her. His expression was one of deep concentration. He seemed to come to a decision because his broad head gave a disappointed shake and the offending plant was gently returned to the ground. The process was repeated a few times before he appraised a string of forget-me-nots, once again raising them to compare them to Miri's furrowed face. His deviant grin, if it could, widened.

The muddy-patched miscreant hobbled - he was still clutching the forget-me-nots in his right paw - towards her, his wider frame blocking the only escape route that wasn't lined by thorny rose stalks. He attempted to wrestle her into submission with his free paw while using the other to wreath the flowers around her ears. If successful a low purring sound would vibrate in the boy's chest... though victory was unlikely.

In usual Mios fashion, his response was wordless. Instead of answering her with words, he selected a flower, holding it up next to her before examining them both closely. Displeased with his first choice, he would return the flower to the ground gently before making another selection and repeating the process. But this time he seemed to like whatever he saw. Miread continued to eye him suspiciously. Especially when his grin widened.

Without warning, her larger brother wrapped in her his embrace, trapping her beneath his weight. But she didn't go down easily. Her body contorted and fought, wiggling in vain. "Mios!" She shrieked in outrage, doing her best to escape her brothers grasp. But his size made him too much for her. For now though... Eventually she would tire and would sag slightly against him, just long enough for him to secure the wreath of flowers around her head.

Once he was satisfied, she used her last burst of energy to launch herself at him, attempting to knock him backwards so she could stand on top of him, glaring down at her brother. "No flowers!" She scolded, indignation etched into her youthful features. But she made no effort to shake them from her head. Instead, eyes looked up, as if she could see her flower crown.

manip + code: clae