Porcupine Ridge Dreaming of Spring

"Right, of course," she remarked after the winter-furred wolf, feeling loathe to admit that if they were hunting anything other than small prey, she wouldn't be a very talented partner. Diane was still getting acquainted with her land legs. But even in this moment she didn't truly miss the sand or the water—not yet anyway—she wouldn't let herself miss the Cove yet. Its inhabitant, yes. But not the place.

As they began sniffing around for some markings or trails that would lead them into a hunt, Diane glanced at Illea and asked, conversationally: "How long have you been here on the Ridge?"