User blog comment:Doctor Ibrahim/Ask the Doc and his Family!/@comment-25808351-20180124030225/@comment-28358106-20180301123619

"She has to.  It's her territory.  She has to be firm with Partha because even at eight years old Partha could still destroy an entire village if she had some reason to," Thomas shrugs, then sighs.

"Yes, Lucida ages differently.  But my entire point is, Lucida is old enough to make her own decisions.  Despite what impressions my wife might give," he nods towards Tirush, "She believes the same.  She was just testing you.  You're welcome to be around Lucida; I'm not opposed to it.  But you're not taking her anywhere outside this estate without a chaperone."

"I understand your words," Tirush says, still gripping Partha, sneering, "But she has been told not to do these things before.  Yes?  Yes.  You are not an animal, child.  You are the daughter of a good man and you must behave as the daughter of a good man must.  You do not roll in the mud and fight with animals."

"But we were playing---" Partha whimpers.

"No!  I heard your challenge!  What did I tell you about calling, hrrdah?  You do not call!  You are not old enough!"

Tirush gives her a shake once again, and then lets go. Marcus can see that the discipline is akin to a mother wolf taking her pup by the scruff. That Tirush's hand comes away with no loose fur is a testament to just how tough Partha's fur is.

"Now apologize." Tirush points.

Partha, head drooped, ears flat, shuffles up to Marcus, twiddling her large hands.

" 'M sorry I did the wrong," she mumbles, barely audible. "Didn' mean to.  Won't do it again."

Unlike most small children, Marcus can see that Partha means what she says.