Bearclaw Valley rolling in and caught again

her goal to ford the water was cast aside: now, her focus was merrick.

she followed his form, watching intently his maneuvers -- measuring his stride, his purpose, his ambitions.

he swung at her paws with light teeth, disturbing the iridescent black of her fur. he butted her with his hips, sending her sideways. as she fell back in the snow he pulled away in a playbow, and it was then she lunged like a black alligator for his extended paw, rolling in the snow with a playful growl.