Stone Circle We survived the Famine!

The bison were back. So she had been wrong, and quite frankly, Nanook had never felt so relieved that she was.

She was ready for the summons when Valette lifted up her call, and the mercenary collected herself to the Stone Circle with haste. Many had already gathered there, and she he swung near Siarut and tapped her nose against his cheek in quick greeting, before she fanned out to stand amongst the others -- returning hellos (and howdy's) where they were given before settling down to take stock of the wolves they had left. They were small, but they were strong. They would make the most of the final rays of sun, and celebrate with the stars -- and perhaps even the Northern Lights would dance for them tonight.

As her sister spoke, the mercenary turned to observe the children with thoughtful calculation. West and Arlette were quickly accounted for -- the latter, a most curious one to consider a yearling, but she, too, noticed her niece's uncertainty -- had she not been that wolf once herself? -- and Nanook nodded to Greyback with a growing warmth. Though her lifestyle disagreed with many of his beliefs, she could not deny he never failed to prove both a loyal and considerate husband and father. Valette had finally chosen well.

Nanook turned her search outward into the others gathered about them, and found herself settling her gaze on a smaller, paler newcomer. The mercenary had not acquainted herself with this one, but she had heard her name in passing. An outsider, not one of their blood - and yet, by nature of being here, family. The mercenary tipped her head and narrowed her eyes in swift appraisal. Minnow was of like size, and of similar build -- delicate, sharp, and frail -- as when she herself had first run from the Maplewood.

How curious. Nanook curled her lips in a slight smile, and approached the girl with strength in her stride. "@Minnow," she said, recalling the name she had heard in passing, "Come, you will run with me today." And with a flick of her tail, Nanook made sure the young girl followed, before she took charge to lead the yearling down the slope, to begin an expectant circle around each of the bison Greyback sought to rile.