Verdant Basin pure gold

Aklark was thirsty, so he sought fresh water. There had been a lake he spied from the mountain, so he made his way east from the peak. It was only but a few miles away.

When he neared the lake, his paws sinking into the cool damp earth as he continued along, he saw a wolf; gangly and black. A youthful adult on the threshold between child and manhood. It was the nephew, Anuniak, the kin of Silaluk. Unlike with Anuniak's aunt, Aklark felt the bond he shared with Anuniak did not run as deep. Nevertheless, he was still familiar. Bretheren under the Tartok name.

Aklark made his advance. He acknowledged the familiar wolf with muted chuff as he made his way to lake's bank. He drew near -- wading ankle deep just as Anuniak had before dipping his mouth into the water to take a long drink.