Bearclaw Valley a seminar about whether or not deer feel pain or are just sad

She heard a thump, and startled.

There was a shout that rang as clear as could be, furious with panic, and it sent a chill down Indra's spine. She stood before her altar too stunned to run; then there was a skittering sound, and two bright eyes appeared.

At first she thought it was Merrick - but no, this wolf was younger and had two eyes. He was breathing ruggedly. Indra backed up immediately and in the process, kicked over the small rocks that she had piled in the dirt.

Wh-who are y-- she began to ask, but there was another voice - one she did know. The woman who had been kind to her was here now, asking for an audience. Indra glanced in the direction of Arielle but didn't go to her immediately.

The young man blocked her way and the girl was too timid to tempt fate. Her haunches quaked, and her eyes quickly averted. She tried to think of the best way around this stranger to reach the lady - but would not attempt anything yet.