Big Salmon Lake summerlight [m]

he listened, ears cupping to hear the man's words. his brow furrowed as he heard of the pain that luke had taken into himself, the blame he had carried these years. but he did not linger on it -- the pallid man had surpassed the moment in his mind, and so would lasher. he preened gently one velveteen cheek and remained in quietude for a moment after luke had spoken.

their stories had been shared with one another -- very little was unspoken between them. while he understood and respected that luke had pledged himself to a fledgling pack, lasher with a growing want desired the pallid wolf alongside him at the plateau.

"you have a place with me," he ventured -- he would not speak of always, or the future -- now was not the time for such things. theirs was the moment to be contented with the lot they had been dealt -- luke would make the choice best suited for himself.