Porcupine Ridge the dark tower

the man spoke -- vuk heeded, and though his syllables were difficult to decipher, the intention of his tone was quite clear. he had been satisfied by her display; vuk allowed herself to gather into a hunched pose, not yet wishing to attain her full height lest she turn him against her. so worry-laden was the wolf! vuk wished to do nothing that would bar her entry.

"paa... pa..ck," the woman spoke, instantly frustrated with the laboured delivery of her unused speech. "yes," she added, punctuating the affirmative with a short nod. 

vuk dared to glance as high as the man's cheekbone before her gaze found swiftly the comfort of the white snow.