Redsand Canyon i was walking through icy streams

Nanuq's striking resemblance to a lazy house cat didn't end at his preference for basking in sunbeams, his lean body, or his mercurial whims. There was an inherent trust in presenting one's belly and a particular etiquette for handling such a special display which didn't usually include nuzzling into it.

No one could blame Kallik for doing it. Who can resist petting a fluffy white belly?

The moment Kallik's cold nose touched his puppy pudge, Nanuq wrapped his forelegs around his father's muzzle with surprising strength for such a tiny thing. His jaws parted snake-like and closed on the wet leather of Kallik's nose with conviction. His milk teeth weren't quite erupted yet, but here and there a tiny point had emerged.

Tiny points that Kallik might feel more acutely than the gnashing of his son's gums on his nose.