Bearclaw Valley there is nothing you can do for them,

an unusual air of purpose hung strident about astara. she paused once or twice to ascertain her children followed, noting today aventus lead the charge while avicus swung behind.

her ears pulled ahead as she caught the audible footsteps of merrick. she recognized that footfall pattern anywhere. while aventus plopped panting into the grass and avicus rested on her haunches, astara stood stock-still, eyes cautiously -- optimistically -- resting on the shape of her approaching soultie.

this was to be their new rendezvous -- they slept tonight among the stars and the souls of their pack.