Bitterroot Valley subterranean homesick blues

he shook his head as she spoke, unwilling to cut in but disagreeing. he had never accused her of stealing the boy; he'd merely asked her to bring him home. his gesture grew less vehement as she continued, his eyes softening. after all, she was without a parent (parents?) now, too. she shared a tragedy with the young pup.

surya, he responded to her question, then continued. and i'm very sorry for your loss. i can't imagine how you both must be feeling right now. surya's gaze wandered to alsek, so content in nature, before returning to stare at the pale yearling. i didn't mean to upset you.

his mouth twisted in a troubled frown as he went on. but alsek has a sister at whitebark stream, too. she's all alone now. whatever the young woman thought of chhotu's welfare, she couldn't be on board with the other pup suffering in solitude. . .right?

what's your name? he asked, realizing he'd neglected to counter her query.