Permafrost Hollows end of the journey; first of the trials

more sibling interaction!

the stranger's scent was largely unrecognized, but carried traces of whitebark just strong enough to rouse alsek from his sleep. slightly disoriented and only half-awake, he blinked blankly in the phantom's direction, hardly aware enough to make any introductions.

another moment passed and he was slowly working his way upright. alsek opened his mouth and voiced a loud yawn, pushing toward this woman the sweet scent of baby's morning breath. bright, transitory eyes stared blankly in her direction, eventually squinting half-shut as his face broke into a smile. 

polaris was then a stranger, but alsek was not concerned; every flower he'd come to know had once been a stranger, too.

are you.., he asked, voice trailing off as the question was lost. alsek turned back to the bloom beside him and began wagging his tail, then offered the woman an invitation: see this? having already assumed that her answer would be an unquestioning yes!, he sat down and awaited her approach.