Verdigris Ravine This One Explores

Andi ran from the den. She ran so fast she tripped over paws and fell rear end over end and fell down with a soft giggle. The sand was soft. She lay there for a moment, moving her paws and limbs about like she was building a snow angel and then quickly got up and ran again.

There was so much to see and do. She yipped in delight. Wondering if one of the other puppies would join her.

S'ari watched but from a distance, not wishing to intrude on her daughter's fun. She winced when Andi fell down, but the sunling got back up again with no harm done, and her mother breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced back at the den, wondering if the others would join their sister, but no one had appeared for now. Not wanting Andi to be lonely by herself, she came toward her.

Greetings, daughter. What is this one doing today, hmm? Playing in the sand, S'ari sees.

Andanari was not easily deterred by the falling to the ground. Or the sand. Most would be anxious about the sand. But being that she was raised with it. Felt it in her soul, she found it comforting even to fall within it. Though it was rather uncomfortable when it got in your ears and nose.

Andi smiled as her mother came upon her. Hello Mother. This one is playing  yes. This one loves the sand.

S'ari smiled in amusement at her daughter, that she loved the sand. Ahh, and the sand loves Andanari. The Desert is our Great Mother, who watches over all the Tribe, yes? She loves all her children, just as the sun and moon and stars do. They shine their light down over the sand, and the Desert takes the light and heat and provides for us. S'ari took one paw and drew lazy designs into the sand. What else does Andi love about the Desert? The beautiful cactus blossoms? The blue waters of the ravine? The hissing snakes? She released a hiss and brought her head down close to Andi's pretending to snap at her.

Andanari looked up at her mother wide wide eyes listening closely as she told of Great Mother. She mimicked the movement in the sand with her mother. Making pretty pictures.

This one loves the blossoms and the waters.

She giggled at her mother's hiss. And hissed back, probably with more spit than her mother. And this one respects the snakes.

Good, good, said S’ari when her daughter said she respected the snakes. As long as Andi respects the snakes, the snakes will respect her, yes?

She looked her over for a moment and asked, How is this one doing since the bee sting, hmm? No more curses?

Andi nodded her head. Yes no bitin this one. Cause this one no bitin you.

Andanari gave a small whine in remembrance. That was not a good day. This one didn't like that. Painful curse that one was.

She shook her head. But this one is good now. Yea.