Ankyra Sound thunderbird

Was there anything better in life than having feelings reciprocated? Njord could see the clarity in Meerkat’s eyes as they reflected the winter moonlight. She did not scoff, play coy, or shy away… but regarded him with true, genuine warmth. Now, he knew the metaphorical ice was thick beneath their feet and that they could journey across the frozen lake together.

He followed Meerkat as she slipped into the chamber. It was a many degrees warmer down there, but the dirt walls were frozen solid. She made way for him and, at first, Njord thought she might feel more comfortable sleeping adjacent. He was pleasantly surprised when this was not the case. Like two squirrels in a warm nest, Meerkat wormed her way into his arms and they became intertwined once more. Njord happily wrapped around her, spooning the length of her back as her crown laid by his heart, and loosed a low, husky croon in approval.

As she talked, he began to preen the top of her head with affectionate nibbles and licks. He laughed together as she joked (and offered an “Och!” when she mentioned his accent). Meerkat’s paw found his, and Njord curled his toes against the pad of her foot. “I like that ya speak from tha heart,” the redtail said in admiration as they slipped into silence together.

He listened as she punctuated the moment with a thoughtful reflection. “I ‘av nev’r heard truer words spoken,” Njord replied in agreement, looking down at how neatly her paw fit into his. "You bring me peace." Suddenly, the world felt more solid beneath his feet – chaos turned into order. Tomorrow he would continue his search for Mireille but, for now, the panic had subsided. With Meerkat curled besides him, the world seemed a less bleak and uncertain.

On any other day, the promise of a new relationship would have kept Njord wide awake into the dawn. But, as the adrenaline left his bloodstream and his body grew warm, his lids began to sandbag. Njord nosed the bulb of Meerkat’s ear. “Sleep well, mo leannan,” he managed to mumble as his tail curled around them both. His body became heavy as his breathing slowed, until he was whisked away into perfect slumber.