Dawnlark Plains there's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold

He nuzzled Pema back, letting her cuddle into him. She was warm, and soft--plush, which means she was well-fed, no small thanks to him. So often, nursing mothers were sucked skinny by their newborns, but that wasn't the case, here. He wanted this streak of good luck to continue, so, ever-stubborn, he shook his head, nosing the kill closer to her.

"I'm fine, Pema," Shale insisted, smiling. "If you get full before you finish it, I'll take the last couple of bites. And things will get easier. . .we have a couple new hunters, now." He was heartened by the joiners, hoping that Morningside's fortunes were turning for the better. They needed to be strong, heading into autumn and the long winter.