Ouroboros Spine the flowers will never die

As she made her way toward Kukutux's sleeping place, a stranger intercepted her. He resembled the pack's leadership in coloration, though he was built more solidly, with a decidedly masculine ruggedness. Curiously, he wore a dark pelt across his shoulders like a shrug. When he greeted her, he used the same line the Ostrega women usually did and Meerkat wondered if he might actually be related.

"Hello. I am," Meerkat replied. She might've invited him to accompany her on her visit, except she hoped to speak privately to Kukutux and Sialuk. "I have business with her and Sialuk," she told him, though she did not discourage it if he walked alongside her toward the ulaq.

Both mother and daughter were there, which was a relief. Meerkat dipped her snout to them, then glanced at her chaperone of sorts. She could've waited to bring up her departure, though Towhee needed her now. She decided to cut right to the chase.

"My mother recently lost her mate, as well as part of her litter. She asked me to return to the caldera to help support her when she gives birth to the rest. I've spoken with Bronco and we've agreed I should go." There was a lot more Meerkat could say, though she stopped there to let the women get a word in edgewise.