Of Cats and Dogs - rp

[Miranda_]

Laika took Cecy to the bathing pool. It was bigger than a pond and the water was slightly discoloured due to mineral deposites so wasn't good for drinking, but fine to wash in.

[spirit_queen]

"Thank you," Cecy said. "Should I also wash these clothes?" she asked, indicating her training trousers.

[Miranda_]

"Would be a good idea, yes," Laika said. "You can use the same soap, and hang it up to dry in the fire cave."

[spirit_queen]

"Alright... but what do I change into afterword?" she asked.

[Miranda_]

"I'll lend you some of my clothes, if you like," Laika replied.

"I've got plenty; I did some washing the other day and they should be dry by now."

[spirit_queen]

"Thank you so, so much," Cecy said.

[Miranda_]

"Not a problem," Laika replied with a smile.

Meanwhile, Phelan had sought out Harley to have the promised word with him. He bluntly told him to stop coddling Shiki and to toughen him up rather than running after him like a nursemaid.

"Things may be different in the cat's world," Phelan added, "But right now, we're doing things our way. Cecy is fine with the way we run things so there's no reason why her friend shouldn't be, either."

[spirit_queen]

Harley winced; he knew his Alpha was right, but he had such a soft spot for Shiki. "Alright... I know you're right, but I- I don't know how to be harder. I've never trained anyone before."

[Miranda_]

"Treat him exactly how you'd treat a young wolf; remember how we integrate the youngsters into the pack?" Phelan asked.

"If he wants something, then tell him to do it himself. If he tells you to go and fetch something, then tell him he has to get it himself, and tell him where to go and what to do. We might be fine for the moment, but if there's a threat, then there's no place here for those who are dependant on others."

[spirit_queen]

"Of course, Phel," Harley agreed. Despite his huge size, Harley was unquestionably the gentlest wolf there was; he fought and looked intimidating only when he had to. Otherwise, he was a peace-maker, which, when he learned the difference between coddling and being instructive, would make him an excellent Beta one day.