Whitebark Stream I find myself somewhere I never thought I'd be.

edit: fading here.  :)

Contentment crept into his chest, settled in his bones. It was important for him to make a good impression on Dawn's family, considering her acceptance of his proposal. With her niece won over with ease, Artyom hoped he could succeed in charming her brother and his other cubs.

"Of course I can help," he told the pale youth softly, sympathy evident in the mahogany of his gaze - he had not been aware that Minnow's mother had perished. Artyom found himself wondering if it was a recent loss, and how the mountains had been the choice for her final resting place. Regardless, he was not prepared to decline in assisting a pup grieve her dam's death. "How about we discuss it with your family first?"

So off they went in search of the girl's aunt, to talk over her future plans together.