Duck Lake now that i'm old, i sing for it

she was still nestled in the confines of her snowbound prison when a howl shook the silence of the quiet forest. indra's ears collected excitedly atop her skull as she wrestled to the surface once more. she was certain she knew that howl -- was it blondine's? had she noticed her friend's absence?

a low whine sounded in her throat as she struggled to the surface once more. she clawed her way through the snow but made little progress before exhaustion stalled her steps. she looked back at the hollowed hole in the snow - still so close and bearclaw valley so far. she worked her throat and threw back her head and a howl broke through the glade with surprising temerity -- she hoped blondine would hear it, but would she also find the snow nearly impassable?