Redsand Canyon laichen

A voice from the past rose over the canyon. 

Ruenna drifted towards the source, thankful that Aquene had dropped by recently to refill her supply of pain medication. The extra weight brought on by her pregnancy had been hard on her; judging from her current size, she expected a full litter-- at least three or four. 

Ruenna tried to recall a mental picture of Mahler. A swarthy warrior with kind, lilac eyes. The accent. The recollections were there, but the emotions were somewhat muted. Once, Mahler had charmed and captivated her. It was so long ago now, but she recalled that she had even offered to carry pups for Diaspora-- perhaps their father might have even been Mahler.

Perhaps. In another life. 

Ruenna looked warmly upon Mahler as he came into view. She hoped her limp would not be too shocking to him; he had known her as a lithe and fleetfooted scout. Her pregnancy would also be apparent. 

"Hello, Mahler," she greeted him. "I visited Arrow Lake recently. It's different now." And yet, the same. As was Mahler himself.