Alpine Lake -- never felt so alive, never felt so dead

She postures playfully at him; she had once tried to play with Mato here but he would not partake with her.  Perhaps she now had a packmate who woud succumb to the more childish pleasures of life.  I understand, she says, running out to meet him before nipping in his direction.

Because she did.  While this was nothing like the tumultuous and moody water of the sea that had thrown her into the Teekons, it was closer to home No, the King Elk is your home now and the Vale was your home before that.  Stop.  It was the most the calling in her bones had been quelled since her last visit.  Tindome was home now but her heart would always call for the water.

It occured to her that she'd like to visit more often, but those thoughts would be quickly swept away if he would play with her.