Great Bear Wilderness Take Your Time

Their stare met and held for a few moments before she slipped from him and nosed his cheek. He eyed her curiously, watching and reading her body language as she slowly dismissed herself from this reprieve and decided they'd lingered long enough. He mirrored her, only Kerosene sank within the water, fully lowering himself into the pool before he reappeared above the surface. He dripped. Water rolled across his face, but he did not shake himself until he pulled himself back out to the soft soils of the shore and shook out his pelt all at once.

They were both bristling. Her dark pelt and his own fiery hues. He stepped towards her, running his nose against her cheek before snapping playfully at her whiskers. He nudged her and tipped his head towards the Spine. It was time for them both to return home. They were so close. There was no sense in delaying their return any longer.