Swiftcurrent Creek snips and snails

"Yes!" Bazi's joy at Maera's success bubbled over, and she quickly pressed the tip of her snout against a white paw with a quieter "Oops", hoping her excessive reaction to a single successful step hadn't ruined the chances of another one following it.

"One more step. Come on, you can do it - then you'll actually be able to see me!" she urged, wiggling a little further into the den. If she reached out one of her front legs and really stretched, the tip of her longest toe might graze the pup's downy, fire-kissed pelt. She didn't, though, but waited impatiently for Maera to wheel around close the gap herself. Was I this ungainly? the adult wondered, marvelling at much of a challenge it was for the little girl to simply turn around.