Wapun Meadow soon it will be cold enough to build fires

nnn sorry for the wait!

merrick felt the hot sting of disapproval across his withers — he turned to see her watching him, though he sensed her attention was also trained on the figure beyond. however, his mother's dislike of the situation did not result in a forbidding word. the boy then was free to approach the stranger.
she was tall, playful; he yipped lowly at her, gaze falling to the red along her chest. "what is that!" the coywolf child exclaimed, tiny hackles abristle but only momentarily, more out of surprise than any true fear. peering up at her face, merrick frowned, for there was a hint of familiarity to the newcomer he did not understand. "d'ya know xan?" he inquired hopefully.