Duskfire Glacier uncharted territory is a good place to be in.

The noise died down before Meerkat could properly ascertain it, though now she heard what she thought might be footsteps coming this way. They didn't sound quite right, though. They were light, with a strange shuffle. She took a few steps forward herself, angling her body toward the source of the sound and waiting as it came closer.

A pale pup emerged into view. The first thing she noticed—after the peculiar gait, of course—was those eyes. They were rimmed by darker fur, sort of like her own. The contrast of blue on black was so striking. Next, she saw his fur. He looked a little disheveled and there was yellow streaking through his pale, hoary pelt.

Then the smell hit her. Meerkat wrinkled her nose and laughed, saying, "Hey there, stinky." Her tone was fond, playful. "I'm Meerkat. What's your name?" And why was he here by himself? Where were his parents? Her honey eyes darted around momentarily before resting back on his babyish face.