Lost Creek Hollow there is black coal filling up our homes

Root keeps a safe distance once she stops and the other notes her presence, turning only slightly to the right but, changing his mind quickly and turning left. His posture changes at the same time as she adjusts hers, lowering slightly and only glimpsing enough to note the missing eye.  Afterward, she focuses on the water that bubbles where he’d broken it and taken a drink, letting her tail sway lazily behind her.  She remains relaxed and turns her head enough to submit her throat.

“Mordecai,” she says more than questions, supposing there isn’t too many wolves freshly missing an eye in the small band of wolves. She flashes him a friendly smile and her tail speeds up for a few shakes, resting once her intention has been shown.  “I’m Root.”