Redsand Canyon olives

At three months old, Nanuq exhibited a burgeoning sense of independence. He accompanied @Aquene on a walk to the Tablinum today, asking quiet questions along the way and drinking in all his mother had to share about her work there. Learning was easy, but when Aquene set about examining and sorting her stores, in true lazy Nanuq manner, he declined her offer of hands on experience and left to explore the area outside the medicine den.

Explore was something of an exaggeration. He walked in a slow, meandering line, more inside his head than out, around the edge of the nearby punishing grounds. His training had yet to commence in earnest; truth be told, Nanuq hoped it never would. He wasn't made for all that work and duty stuff. He just wanted to watch the clouds, sniff the flowers, and enjoy each moment.

He snapped out of his thoughtful reverie when he spied another child ahead, older than him, with her eyes fixed on the boulder. Nanuq said nothing to break her concentration, but headed toward her with the same slow, languid stride.