Phantom Hollow A blizzard night

He shook his head quickly, hoping to clear up any doubts she had of herself. "No, no, Pema," he said reassuringly. "You did wonderfully. The best you could. And she's healing." A surge of alarm did go through him, though, at her exclamation.

"It might be too late," Shale murmured, echoing her thoughts. "I don't recognize her pack-scent. Granted, I've only come across a few groups while I've been here. . .still. Could be far." He swallowed, looking out into the dark forest. "I think all we can do is keep her safe."

Mindlessly, he started nosing around, trying to find a warm place for Pema to sleep. Perhaps in the hollow of that tree, there. . .or the indentation of the ground, there. . .  He stopped, looking back up at her.

"Makeshift den for you," he explained, smiling. "Or at least a warm hollow to sleep in."