Bearclaw Valley djinn

as the russet woman pulled up alongside her grey-splattered packmate, he folded himself into a bowed stance. such humility pleased indra, who knew full well how often wolves hated to deign to their superiors, herself included. her posture seemed to stiffen and then slacken, as if his mannerisms had earned her unexpected approval. she could get used to this, she thought wryly - provided she didn't let it get to her head.

she flicked her gaze out to the winding forest, where trees sat brooding in the gloom and occasionally a rustle of leaf moved their upturned boughs. indra had hunted many times in that shaded bosk, yet not all of her pursuits had been fruitful. turning away from the distant boles, indra spoke. "i don't need something, though i would accompany you if you allowed it. i have not turned my attention to the herd in many moons." granted, she had a perfectly valid excuse -- one she would not utter to the male that had been disappointed to see her post-puppy body.

she thought a moment about the last time she had stood on this ridge; blondine had been alongside her. the southern woman's absence was still keenly felt. "there is a black doe though. do not kill her." indra's voice was firm, suggesting she would not elaborate.