Sleepy Fox Hollow ...what use is this howling tenderness?

there were pros and cons to this place, as there were pros and cons to any place. for the northern woman, the cons were so far outweighing the pros. it was hot, it was wet, and she hated traveling. she had been in a sullen mood these past days, choosing to keep to herself rather than joke around with her brothers, though she did keep a careful eye on their welfare, as she had always done.

today she found herself lagging behind as they meandered through the mountains, sniffing at the various greenery cradled in nooks and crannies. if she had a proper home, she would have carried them away, stuffed them in a cache. as it was. . .

her brothers' tracks led into a verdant valley, and Tahani followed, her grumbling easing slightly as it grew dark; she knew they would rest, soon. their creamy pelts stood out like stars on the velvet dark sky, and she saw the pair of them ahead, accompanied by another pale form. it was only when the wind turned and blew her way that she picked up the scent, and her heart stopped.

"Shivali." it was a murmur to herself, first, then emerged as a cry, ringing off the rocks. "Shivali!" tongue lolling, she galloped toward her littermate, winding a circle around her before staring at her with disbelieving eyes. "is it really you?" she asked in their northern tongue, voice trembling slightly as she nuzzled her nose against Shivali's neck. "i can't believe it."