Swiftcurrent Creek goodbye to you

Tuwawi endured a sleepless night tucked in the back of the Sveijarn burrow, tightly wrapped around her brood next to Njal. It wasn't because of the children; Valtýr, Jökull, Maera, and Lárus all slept soundly. Yet the Sveijarn mother could not shake her worries with the final day at hand. When the sun came up, they would travel, and shed the embrace of Swiftcurrent. No longer would they have this family to lead them, to protect them. Now, it was up to Tuwawi and Njal; and while she was confident, Tuwawi also had her share of troubles.

Ready or not, the first hint of dawn painted the sky and only the tiniest amount of light pooled into the den. She stirred, and groomed each drowsy child carefully until their fur was shiny and coiffed. They had eaten a good, fresh meal the previous night - as the pack had managed a successful hunt - and their rounded bellies showed. Her demure gaze crossed Njal's, and she nuzzled his cheek before pressing her face into his platinum ruff. His alpine scent comforted her, and she felt renewed. "Ready?" she asked him in a crooning voice, soaking in his presence and strength.

Slowly, Tuwawi untangled herself from the nest of kids and stepped out into the early dawn. Bazi was there, already waiting in the distance by the copse of trees - just a smear of white amongst the glen's darkness. She met her gaze with a small tilt of her vermilion crown and waited for the others to gather.