Sunbeam Lair And miles to go before I sleep

Qamar felt abashed as the black wolf asked her for her name. "Always introduce yourself before others have to ask," her mother had always said. "It's just good manners."

"My name is Qamar," she answered, lowering her head and tail in respect to Asterr Draconid. "Just Qamar. And my thanks for your condolences. It means a great deal to hear kind words in these trying times."

After introducing herself, her mind went to the other question Asterr had asked her. "I am adequate at fishing, yes," Qamar said, hoping her voice sounded more confident than she felt. "We lived near a great river in the north. Father taught me how to be patient in hunting those water creatures."

Qamar had crossed many rivers and streams in the Teekon Wilds, and they all teemed with life, compared to the barren wastelands of the dry land, ravaged by the plague. Despite her skill with the fish, she hadn't been able to catch one here, her senses dulled by fatigue. Maybe, after a good sleep, Qamar could give it another shot.

She hoped this Asterr Draconid liked what she saw in Qamar. The black wolf seemed kind enough, but Qamar seemed to be hedging her bets on whether or not she would be admitted into this tribe.

"What is your tribe called? And how many of you are here?"