Hushed Willows uncloak

They ran together like swift deer through a dale. Scenic greenery rushed past them as the wind grabbed at their fur. Soon, Njord flanked Meerkat. The cadence of his footfalls fell into her rhythm. How thrilling it was to chase the wind together!

Eventually, their speed ebbed. Great heaves of breath pushed out of his lungs, tongue skipping as he panted. Their eyes met, bright with new life, but when Meerkat looked away Njord’s gaze remained fixed upon her, captivated.

Suddenly, he could take no more. Njord pushed off the ground to take one, two, three strides and cut off Meerkat’s path. He snaked around her, posture tall and proud. His neck craned to push his muzzle to the bulb of her ear and raked his teeth through the short fur, there. The self-conscious thoughts Meerkat harbored did not exist in her husband's mind.

“Mo chride,” he crooned, wanting her.