Duskfire Glacier Tungortok

She smiled at his enthusiasm, then patiently demonstrated several different signs for "hello," "hey there," "what's up?" and so on and so forth. He could take his pick when the time came, use whichever one felt most suited to the situation.

As she showed Issorartuyok these signs, which were rather universal, it occurred to her that she was more than a little rusty. The movements didn't come as naturally and Meerkat realized—not without a sinking sensation in her stomach—that not only did it take much more effort to construct even a simple phrase, she'd also forgotten some words entirely.

Her jaw tightened as she felt a lick of shame in her belly. Meerkat had fallen out of the habit long before leaving the caldera, she knew, but she really hadn't realized she could actually lose the language if she didn't stay in practice. She made a note to brush up with her mom when she had the chance, then get back to using it more. Maybe she could teach the pups here, even though they didn't actually need it.

"Wow, sorry," she blurted after several moment's silence, "I got lost in my thoughts there for a minute." Meerkat shot her companion a sheepish smile of apology. "Anyway, I'm hoping you'll get to meet some of the others too. My family's pretty bigly." She was most excited to reunite with her parents and siblings. She wondered if Phox had made it home with the kids. She'd find out soon.

"Maybe we should go find Wintersbane now, let him know?" she suggested in the next breath, eyes gently probing Issorartuyok's face.