Nova Peak before i tumble homeward.

It wasn't quite what she had hoped for, but anything that got Whittier moving was a bonus. He swatted at a ball of hardened dirt, stared after it, and followed. As far as aerobic exercise went, it was akin to a woman boasting of taking the stairs at work whilst scoffing a tub of Ben & Jerry's.

Beggars can't be choosers.

Bazi followed Whittier's progress, occasionally batting his temporary toy a little further out of reach - just to give him that extra little push. She worried for his future; the pounds stayed firmly attached, and he showed no signs of any hidden talents that might benefit the pack. Despite knowing that it would only worsen the problem, she coddled him; he was the last to be weaned and the first to run to mother when the going got tough.