Moonstone Quarry Boy's working on empty

She left her mother's side to find food. It had been easier than she had anticipated, and for that, the raindrop was thankful. The otter she carried in her mouth was old and sinewy, but it would have to do. She was making her way back up the steep walls when she saw the other wolf. They were dark-furred, and her heart leapt. Could it be? Taataa?

Gripping the otter firmly in her jaws, Sialuk plucked her way toward him until she was close enough to know that it was not her father. But he was a wolf, and she knew that they needed men among them. Her mother would think it best.

Sialuk dropped the otter at her feet when she was close enough, remembering how anaa greeted strangers.

I greet you, she said, attempting to hide the weariness in her voice.