Wapun Meadow scared money can't win and a worried man can't love

as the she-wolf freed herself from the sunken patch of earth her limb had fallen in, ich'aak prepared for some sort of physical rejoinder. most wolves did not favor his kind -- particularly not in such close proximity -- and he half expected her to give firm chase. instead she offered a flicker of her tail, a silent greeting that suggested she was comfortable with his presence. his ears cupped back to his thin skull as he processed the action.

he still waited for the wrinkle of lips, the lifted gum and show of teeth -- but no such gesture marred the winsome cream of her features. he slowly shifted into a sitting position, his own tail tip twitched in response.