Dragoncrest Cliffs I tread on careful feet

For going on seven weeks now, Meerkat’s entire life had revolved around her children. Part of her wished for this phase to last forever. But if she truly wanted her pups to grow into independent, self-sufficient young wolves, then she needed to cut the proverbial umbilical cord at some point. The trio was old enough to accompany her on short forays away from the burrow and it was only a matter of weeks before they were relocated to the rendezvous site. Now was the time to begin carving out some more time to herself once again, to reintegrate back into the fold of pack life even as her children integrated for the very first time.

Presently, she lingered in the den’s mouth despite herself, kissing their little foreheads and promising to return soon. But not too soon, Meerkat sternly reminded herself as she finally stepped away, leaving them in the capable hands of a babysitter. You have so much catching up to do, her inner voice continued. There were some pack mates she’d barely seen since before her delivery, plus she was sure there might be some new faces around the territory.

Meerkat discovered one of them not far from the borders. She paused some distance away to assess the stranger, an older man of earthy hues and stocky build. Especially in the context, he looked very much the guardian type. Lips twitching into a faint smile, the young mother closed the distance.

Hello! We haven’t had a chance to meet yet. I’m Meerkat Sveijarn-Corten, she introduced, eyes sparkling merrily as they always did when she shared her married name.